Encephalitis International

Transforming charity walks
with smart tracking

the idea

THE BRIEF

Encephalitis International is a charity that runs the annual ‘Brain Walk’ to raise funds and awareness. Traditionally, participants tracked their steps manually and submitted their totals to see how far the community could collectively “walk” across the world. To improve accuracy and reduce the need for manual input, the charity wanted to harness wearables and mobile devices to automate step tracking.

what needed to be solved

THE PROBLEM

The Brain Walk is open to everyone, so The Distance approached the project with a broad user base in mind. Understanding that participants could be of any age or technical ability helped identify potential usability challenges early on. The app needed to be easy to understand, quick to set up, especially when connecting a wearable, and accessible to all.

Encephalitis International also needed a way to view collective step counts, monitor results, and manage user issues or feedback efficiently.

the clever bit!

THE SOLUTION

Early on, The Distance recognised the need for a CMS to manage content and support Encephalitis International in running the event annually. The system needed to make it easy to reset data, update the destination, and prepare for each new year’s Brain Walk with minimal admin effort.

The app also had to work seamlessly with as many wearable devices as possible. Integration with Apple Health and Google Fit was essential, making setup quick and simple, so users could focus on what really mattered: walking.

measuring success

THE RESULTS

The application was a success, and the Brain Walk ran through it for several years. As new wearable devices entered the market, updates were made to maintain compatibility and ensure a smooth experience for all users.

The app’s simplicity was especially well received. Features like progress tracking and the ability to compare results with others became highlights of the experience, sparking friendly competition. In response, we introduced the option for users to share their progress, adding a social layer to the challenge.

Other related

Success Stories