Caliber • B2C • 2024
Making it easier for golfers to make connections
Making it easier for golfers to make connections
Making it easier for golfers to make connections
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Golf can be an intimidating sport as it relies heavily on community. With its recent boom amongst new players, golfers face a challenge in creating new connections.
What started as just an idea, I decided to team up with an engineer to bring it to life. We're currently working on the final stages, so stay tuned for updates!
Golf can be an intimidating sport as it relies heavily on community. With its recent boom amongst new players, golfers face a challenge in creating new connections.
What started as just an idea, I decided to team up with an engineer to bring it to life. We're currently working on the final stages, so stay tuned for updates!
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
3 months (2023)
3 months (2023)
TOOLS
TOOLS
Figma
Figma
Procreate
Procreate
ROLE
ROLE
Product Designer
Product Designer
TEAM
TEAM
1 Engineer
1 Engineer
BACKGROUND
Understanding golf
Understanding golf
Understanding golf
In a standard golf round, four players are needed for a complete group. If there aren't enough, the course may randomly pair individuals, which can lead to uncomfortable situations.
In a standard golf round, four players are needed for a complete group. If there aren't enough, the course may randomly pair individuals, which can lead to uncomfortable situations.
Up to 4 players are required
Up to 4 players are required
Up to 4 players are required
In a standard round of golf, four players are required to form a complete group.
In a standard round of golf, four players are required to form a complete group.
In a standard round of golf, four players are required to form a complete group.
If not, the course will pair you randomly
If not, the course will pair you randomly
If not, the course will pair you randomly
In order to fill in those spots, the course will most likely pair you with random players.
In order to fill in those spots, the course will most likely pair you with random players.
In order to fill in those spots, the course will most likely pair you with random players.
If so, just enjoy yourself!
If so, just enjoy yourself!
If so, just enjoy yourself!
The ideal situation would be that each player would have a full group of four to play with.
The ideal situation would be that each player would have a full group of four to play with.
The ideal situation would be that each player would have a full group of four to play with.
PROBLEM
Golfers often struggle to find compatible playing partners due to differences in:
Golfers often struggle to find compatible playing partners due to differences in:
Golfers often struggle to find compatible playing partners due to differences in:
Skill level, Location, Age, & Gender
Skill level, Location, Age, & Gender
Despite more young people playing golf, it's still tough to find the right partners to play with. There's a growing need for better ways to connect golfers with suitable partners.
Despite more young people playing golf, it's still tough to find the right partners to play with. There's a growing need for better ways to connect golfers with suitable partners.
GOALS
GOALS
Help golfers make connections easily based on their preferences in order to play a round of golf
Help golfers make connections easily based on their preferences in order to play a round of golf
Connecting golfers based on their preferences ensures they are paired with others of similar skill levels and interests, enhancing both enjoyment and competitiveness during games.
Connecting golfers based on their preferences ensures they are paired with others of similar skill levels and interests, enhancing both enjoyment and competitiveness during games.
Accept requests
Filter based on preferences
INDUSTRY RESEARCH
INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Understanding the industry's retention rate
Understanding the industry's retention rate
Understanding the industry's retention rate
To gain a better understanding of how many new golf players stop playing the sport, I have decided to conduct some research on the retention rate amongst new golfers. This will help me identify the underlying issues causing players to quit.
To gain a better understanding of how many new golf players stop playing the sport, I have decided to conduct some research on the retention rate amongst new golfers. This will help me identify the underlying issues causing players to quit.
45 million
45 million
45 million
total Americans who play golf
total Americans who play golf
total Americans who play golf
10%
10%
10%
were new golfers
were new golfers
were new golfers
25%
25%
25%
of new golfers quit after the 1st year
of new golfers quit after the 1st year
of new golfers quit after the 1st year
USER RESEARCH
USER RESEARCH
To gain a better sense of the user's pain points
To gain a better sense of the user's pain points
To gain a better sense of the user's pain points
I conducted user research to identify the common pain points amongst users with different skill sets. With over 10 screener surveys and 5 user interviews, I narrowed down my target audience to those between the ages of 21-48. After gathering this data, I was able to identify my target audience’s personas which helped me to understand their pain points and goals.
I conducted user research to identify the common pain points amongst users with different skill sets. With over 10 screener surveys and 5 user interviews, I narrowed down my target audience to those between the ages of 21-48. After gathering this data, I was able to identify my target audience’s personas which helped me to understand their pain points and goals.
Experienced Golfer Who Just Moved to a New City
Christopher
32 years old
Data Analyst
" I just moved to a new city and I need to build a new community of golfers who play at a similar level as I am."
New Golfer With a Busy Work Schedule
Jessica
28 years old
Developer
"I'm new to the sport and want to stay consistent but I have difficulty aligning my busy schedule with my friends who also golf."
Experienced Golfer Who Just Moved to a New City
Christopher
32 years old
Data Analyst
"I just moved to a new city and I need to build a new community of golfers who play at a similar level as me."
New Golfer With a Busy Work Schedule
Jessica
28 years old
Developer
"I'm new to the sport and want to stay consistent but I have difficulty aligning my busy schedule with my friends who golf."
Experienced Golfer Who Just Moved to a New City
Christopher
32 years old
Data Analyst
" I just moved to a new city and I need to build a new community of golfers who play at a similar level as I am."
New Golfer with a Busy Work Schedule
Jessica
28 years old
Developer
"I'm new to the sport and want to stay consistent but I have difficulty aligning my busy schedule with my friends who also golf."
KEY INSIGHTS
KEY INSIGHTS
Ultimately, new golfers began to lose motivation
Ultimately, new golfers began to lose motivation
Ultimately, new golfers began to lose motivation
Lack of Community
Lack of Community
Lack of Community
Golfers need to have a well-established network as it relies heavily on community
Golfers need to have a well-established network as it relies heavily on community
Golfers need to have a well-established network as it relies heavily on community
Lack of Skill Continuity
Lack of Skill Continuity
Lack of Skill Continuity
Having a reliable network of golfers to play with regularly is crucial for improving the user's skill level
Having a reliable network of golfers to play with regularly is crucial for improving the user's skill level
Having a reliable network of golfers to play with regularly is crucial for improving the user's skill level
Lack of Time Alignment
Lack of Time Alignment
Lack of Time Alignment
When users have a limited network, it can be difficult to synchronize their schedule with others
When users have a limited network, it can be difficult to synchronize their schedule with others
When users have a limited network, it can be difficult to synchronize their schedule with others
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
The competitors did not meet the user's needs
The competitors did not meet the user's needs
The competitors did not meet the user's needs
After researching some of the competitors, users desired additional features and functionalities that are currently not available. For example, they wanted more than just the convenience of meeting new golfers. Rather, they desired an on-demand feature that could book tee times for them seamlessly.
After researching some of the competitors, users desired additional features and functionalities that are currently not available. For example, they wanted more than just the convenience of meeting new golfers. Rather, they desired an on-demand feature that could book tee times for them seamlessly.
GolfLync
Make new connections
Lack of ability to filter based on preferences
TeeUp
Make new connections
Bad UI, Lack of ability to book tee times
18Birdies
GPS + friend activities
Lack of ability to book tee times
GolfNow
Book tee times
Lack of ability to make new connections
GolfLync
Make new connections
Lack of ability to filter based on preferences
TeeUp
Make new connections
Bad UI, Lack of ability to book tee times
18Birdies
GPS + friend activities
Lack of ability to book tee times
GolfNow
Book tee times
Lack of ability to make new connections
With that being said, I synthesized the research in order to focus on the core features
With that being said, I synthesized the research in order to focus on the core features
With that being said, I synthesized the research in order to focus on the core features
Discover open groups
Users found it time-consuming to search for new players on the app. To address this, a feature was added that allows users to join an existing groups.
Player filteration
Users wanted to narrow down their pool of network specific to their skill level, age, gender, location. The filtration feature allows the user to define their network.
Match on-demand
Users found it time-consuming to look for new players on the app. To address this, this feature was added to allow users to join a pre-existing group with a click of a button.
Discover open groups
Discover open groups
Users found it time-consuming to search for new players on the app. To address this, a feature was added that allows users to join an existing groups.
Users found it time-consuming to search for new players on the app. To address this, a feature was added that allows users to join an existing groups.
Player filteration
Users wanted to narrow down their pool of network specific to their skill level, age, gender, location. The filtration feature allows the user to define their network.
Match on-demand
Users found it time-consuming to look for new players on the app. To address this, this feature was added to allow users to join a pre-existing group with a click of a button.
Player filteration
Users wanted to narrow down their pool of network specific to their skill level, age, gender, location. The filtration feature allows the user to define their network.
Match on-demand
Users found it time-consuming to look for new players on the app. To address this, this feature was added to allow users to join a pre-existing group with a click of a button.
GolfLync
Make new connections
Lack of ability to filter based on preferences
TeeUp
Make new connections
Bad UI, Lack of ability to book tee times
18Birdies
GPS + friend activities
Lack of ability to book tee times
GolfNow
Book tee times
Lack of ability to make new connections
DESIGN IDEATION
DESIGN IDEATION
Crafting the UI components with wireframes
Crafting the UI components with wireframes
Crafting the UI components with wireframes
Once I had a solid understanding of the components required for the project, I began sketching low-fidelity wireframes using Figma. My primary focus was on maintaining simplicity and clarity in the user flow. To keep everything organized, I opted for a bento box style. Additionally, I kept the process similar to the market standard to reduce cognitive load on users.
Once I had a solid understanding of the components required for the project, I began sketching low-fidelity wireframes using Figma. My primary focus was on maintaining simplicity and clarity in the user flow. To keep everything organized, I opted for a bento box style. Additionally, I kept the process similar to the market standard to reduce cognitive load on users.
VISUAL DESIGN CONCEPT
VISUAL DESIGN CONCEPT
Developing the visual identity
Developing the visual identity
Developing the visual identity
As the popularity of golf is increasing among younger people, I wanted to give a more contemporary and fun design approach. To achieve this, I chose a deep green color with a darker forest green gradient. I am quite proud of the illustration I created for the success page. When I searched for an illustration matching the golf theme, I couldn't find any that met my vision. So, I decided to create my interpretation of it by adding the golfing gloves to the hands!
After finalizing the color palette and a few of the components, I made sure that everything passed the accessibility guidelines by performing a contrast check. And everything has passed the test which assured me to continue designing the rest of the components.
As the popularity of golf is increasing among younger people, I wanted to give a more contemporary and fun design approach. To achieve this, I chose a deep green color with a darker forest green gradient. I am quite proud of the illustration I created for the success page. When I searched for an illustration matching the golf theme, I couldn't find any that met my vision. So, I decided to create my interpretation of it by adding the golfing gloves to the hands!
After finalizing the color palette and a few of the components, I made sure that everything passed the accessibility guidelines by performing a contrast check. And everything has passed the test which assured me to continue designing the rest of the components.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
However, it took a few attempts to reach the final design
However, it took a few attempts to reach the final design
However, it took a few attempts to reach the final design
In order to maintain a clean and easy-to-navigate user interface, I originally limited the use of colors and avoided making it appear cluttered. However, I noticed that this approach resulted in a dull and uninteresting design. As a result, my focus shifted from solely prioritizing a clean interface to also making it visually engaging and appealing to a younger audience.
In order to maintain a clean and easy-to-navigate user interface, I originally limited the use of colors and avoided making it appear cluttered. However, I noticed that this approach resulted in a dull and uninteresting design. As a result, my focus shifted from solely prioritizing a clean interface to also making it visually engaging and appealing to a younger audience.
Home page exploration
Home page exploration
After finalizing the new design concept, I decided to maintain the bento box style to ensure that all the content is neatly arranged and structured. In order to avoid it being too distracting, I kept the bento box design subtle by incorporating a darker background color and adding a glass effect.
After finalizing the new design concept, I decided to maintain the bento box style to ensure that all the content is neatly arranged and structured. In order to avoid it being too distracting, I kept the bento box design subtle by incorporating a darker background color and adding a glass effect.
INITIAL
INITIAL
FINAL
FINAL
Viewing new request exploration
Viewing new request exploration
Originally, users were taken to a new page to view requests. After user testing, I implemented an overlay to let users view requests without leaving the current page.
Originally, users were taken to a new page to view requests. After user testing, I implemented an overlay to let users view requests without leaving the current page.
INITIAL
INITIAL
FINAL
FINAL
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
Prototyping the idea
Prototyping the idea
Prototyping the idea
After going through several rounds of iterations, I finally arrived at the final design. As for the next step, my focus was on ensuring that the transition from one page to another was smooth and consistent. To achieve this, I worked on animating the transition page as smoothly and consistently as possible.
After going through several rounds of iterations, I finally arrived at the final design. As for the next step, my focus was on ensuring that the transition from one page to another was smooth and consistent. To achieve this, I worked on animating the transition page as smoothly and consistently as possible.
Accept requests from other players
Users can easily view their requests from the Home page. Once they navigate to the request overview page, they'll see the full list of players for the round. To secure their spot, they simply need to make a payment, which helps reduce last-minute cancellations.
Accept requests from other players
Users can easily view their requests from the Home page. Once they navigate to the request overview page, they'll see the full list of players for the round. To secure their spot, they simply need to make a payment, which helps reduce last-minute cancellations.
Filter users based on preferences
Filter users based on preferences
In order to help users find compatible playing partners based on their preferences, I have implemented a filtration feature. This feature allows them to narrow down their pool of options based on location, age, gender, and skill level.
In order to help users find compatible playing partners based on their preferences, I have implemented a filtration feature. This feature allows them to narrow down their pool of options based on location, age, gender, and skill level.
Send new requests
Send new requests
Once the user has found their compatible partner, they are able to send a request directly. They are able to customize
Once the user has found their compatible partner, they are able to send a request directly. They are able to customize
Match with a group on-demand
Match with a group on-demand
To take away the trouble of manually connecting with other players, I implemented an on-demand feature where it automatically matches the players into a group of four based on their preferences.
To take away the trouble of manually connecting with other players, I implemented an on-demand feature where it automatically matches the players into a group of four based on their preferences.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Collecting qualitative feedback from users
Collecting qualitative feedback from users
Collecting qualitative feedback from users
I conducted a test using the unmoderated remote user testing (URUT) method with the same five participants from the user interview. Overall, everyone was satisfied with the test and gave positive feedback. However, a few questions were raised that made me think about how to synthesize the information and improve for the next steps.
I conducted a test using the unmoderated remote user testing (URUT) method with the same five participants from the user interview. Overall, everyone was satisfied with the test and gave positive feedback. However, a few questions were raised that made me think about how to synthesize the information and improve for the next steps.
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
How would I gauge the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) after the launch?
How would I gauge the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) after the launch?
How would I gauge the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) after the launch?
Although this was a concept for a personal project, I still wanted to consider this seriously and think about all of the scenarios one would encounter in a business setting.
Although this was a concept for a personal project, I still wanted to consider this seriously and think about all of the scenarios one would encounter in a business setting.
Number of matches & rematches
Number of matches & rematches
Number of matches & rematches
With the goal being to create connections among golfers, this will be a way to measure the utilization rate.
With the goal being to create connections among golfers, this will be a way to measure the utilization rate.
With the goal being to create connections among golfers, this will be a way to measure the utilization rate.
Number of golf rounds played
Number of golf rounds played
Number of golf rounds played
Once those connections have been made, it is crucial to know how many of those people actually get to play a round of golf.
Once those connections have been made, it is crucial to know how many of those people actually get to play a round of golf.
Once those connections have been made, it is crucial to know how many of those people actually get to play a round of golf.
Number of income generated
Number of income generated
Number of income generated
Subscription fees =
User revenue & retention.
Subscription fees =
User revenue & retention.
Subscription fees =
User revenue & retention.