Social Networking Web Development Case Study
Introduction
GolfingMyWay.com (GMW) is a tech start-up based in Seattle, Washington and founded by three partners, John Robinson, Jake Horton, and Scott Rasmussen. Positioned to unify golfers from around the country, GMW is a result of their collective vision and planning for what a golf-focused social network can be. From high school golfers to members of elite country clubs, GMW offers innovative features around a sport we all love… golf!
Whether it’s analyzing your game with My Stat, viewing and critiquing your swing with My Swing, searching for golf courses and/or country clubs with Course Search or simply networking with other golfers, GMW delivers the tools you need to repair your game, connect with golfers, and keep your scores low.
The Challenge
The first goal of this custom social networking project was maintaining the simplistic design and branding that was provided by GMW. GMW felt the design of the site would be an asset as it’s very clean and uncluttered, especially for a social networking with as many features as it has and would be good for their target demographics. By keeping it simple, the website will resonate with young and old golfers alike, each with different demographics and viewing behaviors.
The other main challenge with GMW, and with any social networking site for that matter, was to build on core social networking functionality while really adding value with innovative tools and features that are powerful without “feeling like it.” In other words, a great level of care and attention to detail had to be spent on each and every screen for the most usable application as possible.
The Process
GMW and Epsilon Concepts worked together on the project with Epsilon Concepts taking a proactive approach to all aspects of the application and helping to bring GMW’s vision to life in the best way possible. The project was managed via Basecamp for clean and organized communication and project work-flow and is the result of many hours of communication and collaboration.
The Result
In GMW’s words:
“We are really pleased with the results that Epsilon Concepts has provided. The quality of work that they have created has been second to none. They have done a great job of taking what we have asked them to do and creating a solid custom social networking platform with a concrete foundation that we will be able to build upon in the future. Rob did a great job in forming a team that would suit our needs and specialize in the areas that we needed them to. We were also pleased with the use of Basecamp to aid in communicating with the programming team. Epsilon Concepts proved to be devoted to the project since day one and successfully helped us get our social networking project off the ground.“
Application Feature List:
Personal Social Profile:
Each user can make their own profile on GMW. This feature is similar to other social network sites where users can add their interests and personal information such as: education, home course, favorite Professional golfer, etc… We also developed this profile with extensive use of AJAX for quick and easy updates as well as programming it so most elements of the profile are searchable by clicking on a word (e.g. click “basketball” in someone’s interests and it will return all users with that “basketball” in their interests, etc…).
Course Search:
The “Course Search” feature is plugged into over 18,000 courses nationwide and harnesses the power of this data with a usable, handy course search tool. Users can browse courses by state and city or search for courses by: Course Name, City, State, Zip Code, Phone Number, Area Code, Course Type, Price, etc… There is also a map that shows users where these courses are located and a weather feed that shows a 3-7 day forecast. Additionally, the course contact details will be shown and users can add a course to their wish list, add a course to their favorites, and set a course as their home course.
My Photos:
Users will be able to easily make photo albums and upload photos of their golf excursions, family trips, and other important events to be displayed on their “Personal Social Profile” and other users can add comments to their photos.
My Videos:
Users will be able to easily make video albums and upload videos of their golf excursions, family trips, and other important events to be displayed on their “Personal Social Profile” and other users can add comments to their videos.
My Swing:
Users can upload video of their golf swing directly to their profile!
My Calendar:
The “My Calendar” function provides users the ability to keep track of and plan for their golf trips, tee times and lessons. It shows users who they are playing with and gives them the ability to invite friends who are registered users of GMW. It also shows the television schedule for upcoming PGA events as well as on what station they will be televised.
My Recent Rounds:
Users will be able to look back at their recent rounds sorted by score, date, or with whom they played.
My Stats:
This feature will allow users to log their basic statistics from each round they record. While filling in their “Virtual Scorecard,” the user will be able to keep track of stats such as: fairways hit, greens hit, number of putts, sand saves, total number of bogey’s, birdies, average score per round, and more. From here, the user will be able to compare their stats with friends by viewing top 10 lists of best averages/rankings within their network, which adds a new competitive element to the game beyond the traditional foursome. A mobile version of this functionality is coming soon so users can upload stats while on the golf course!
In the Bag:
This feature allows users to select the golf equipment that they use from an interactive list of manufacturers and equipment and rate them on usability as well as upload pictures. Other users can then add comments to your “bag.”
Message Board:
The “Message Board” allows users to write a message on their friends personal profile page that is viewable by the public. This feature is not confidential compared to a “Private Message” (described below), but gives users the ability to interact in a public venue.
My Swing:
“My Swing” gives users the option to upload a video of their own swing to their personal profile via video camera or cell phone. This will give users the ability to comment on each other’s swings or to have the ability for users to ask friends or pros for help to identify what is right or wrong with their swing.
Golf News:
The GMW homepage features several news feeds that provide golfers the inside information on what is happening in the golfing world. From PGA tour updates to the release of new equipment, users will be continually plugged in and up-to-date on the latest golf news.
Weather Feed:
The “Personal Profile” will provide users with a weather feed that will show a 3-7 day forecast for their home course or city, allowing users to plan their golfing excursions accordingly. Users will also be able to see weather forecasts for their friend’s home course or city by viewing the weather feed on that users “Personal Profile.”
Private Messaging:
This gives users the ability to give their friends a message that they did not want the rest of the users to see. This is similar to the “My Wall” function but is kept private from the rest of the GMW users. A variety of usability-focused messaging tools are included in this module.
My Friends
Search friends and networks and build relationships via messaging and commenting!
My Privacy
Privacy is important and GMW comes equipped with a variety of privacy options for users. You can toggle between showing to “only me”, “only my friends”, or “All site members.” You can change this setting for personal profile elements (e-mail, phone, location, personal info, golf info) as well as modules (my friends, my photos, my videos, my swing, my recent rounds, my stats, in the bag, my calendar, and my message board).
CMS/Admin
The GMW team can maintain and control most aspects of the website while also managing members, adding/editing/deleting content, and handling application maintenance and management.
