In a clever marketing stunt, Nike has installed a pop-up Nikefuel Points vending machine that only accepts its NikeFuel points as payment.
The machine, which will move between a series of undisclosed locations, is stocked with Nike hats, socks and shirts. People with Nike+ device can use the points they accumulated on their device that day to pay. Normally, Nike+ owners can only use the points to track their fitness progress.
About NikeFuel:
NikeFuel was part of Nike’s attempt to motivate people to be more active by gamifying physical activity through the use of technology. Introduced around 2012, NikeFuel allowed users to earn points based on their physical activity levels, which could then be tracked and shared via the Nike+ platform. The idea behind NikeFuel was to provide a simple, fun way for individuals to measure and compare their activities regardless of the type of exercise they were doing.
Key Features of NikeFuel:
- Activity Tracking: Users earned NikeFuel points for all sorts of movements and exercises, from walking and running to dancing or playing sports. The points were calculated using an algorithm that took into account factors like the type of activity, duration, and intensity.
- Motivation and Goals: The system encouraged users to set daily or weekly goals for earning NikeFuel points, aiming to motivate them to stay active and continuously challenge themselves.
- Social Sharing and Competition: NikeFuel integrated social sharing features that allowed users to connect with friends, share achievements, and compete against each other for the highest NikeFuel scores. This community aspect helped increase engagement and motivation.
- Integration with Devices: Initially, NikeFuel points could be earned through devices such as the Nike+ FuelBand, a wrist-worn fitness tracker. Over time, the functionality was also incorporated into other devices and apps, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Despite its innovative approach, Nike decided to discontinue support for NikeFuel and the FuelBand in the mid-2010s, shifting focus towards integrating activity tracking directly into their running and fitness apps without the proprietary NikeFuel point system. However, the legacy of NikeFuel lives on in the form of continued innovation in fitness tracking and the ongoing effort to find new ways to engage and motivate people to lead healthier, more active lives.