Challenge
Use of TaylorMade’s shot-by-shot premium golf tracking app was being overshadowed by competitors’ apps. I was tasked with designing a lighter-weight alternative that could deliver in-depth game stats with a fraction of action cost.
Result
In the 1.5 years since launch, CLASSIC ROUNDS has eclipsed all other round tracking styles. More users are getting more stats with less input. It’s been so popular that we’ve retired the old ADVANCED ROUNDS tracking system in favor of CLASSIC ROUNDS.
Strategy
We took surveys of golfers to determine the most important game stats we needed to track. After careful competitor analysis I designed a best-in-class lightweight golf tracking app for phone and watch.
After 6 months in production, we had gathered enough use data to optimize the design and functionality of the app.
wearable tech In golf round tracking
We discovered that a significant number of golfers, both casual and scratch players, prefer using their watches to track rounds and find distances. Through thorough competitor research, we identified that the most effective way to provide a unique offering was by incorporating round tracking directly on the watch.
The Evolution of ADVANCED ROUNDS
ADVANCED Rounds was TaylorMade’s answer to golf tracking apps like Arccos, the Grint, and 18Birdies.
After years of operation, we felt that we could simplify the experience while maintaining the depth of game stats it provided.
A whiteboard session covering what aspects of the game we could record to deliver the proper stats.
Layout whiteboarding session, determining types of map measurements we could display.
Animatic exploring the now-outmoded putt input interface revealed that the stats gained from this confusing interface weren’t worth the number of rounds abandoned because of it.
Designing the Score input
To create an app that doesn’t interrupt the pace of play, we based the score input on a scorecard. This design allows users to play the round as normal and input the score after finishing putting.
I went through numerous variations, testing with golfers to find the design that was easiest to read and input one-handed.
Initial launch of CLASSIC ROUNDS
The user flow of CLASSIC ROUNDS was sound, but we had to launch it with the app’s existing design language and layout.
Due to the success of this V1, we gathered the data necessary for a full redesign of the tracking app.
Starting a Round
We found that users mainly started their rounds at the course they intended to play.
We can pinpoint users' locations accurately enough to know which course they’re on within 0.2 miles.
This allowed us to prioritize starting the round rather than selecting from a list of courses.
Mapping the course
Our approach for CLASSIC ROUNDS is that less is more. While many competitor apps are loaded with chrome and gizmos, our app delivers simple course mapping so users can focus on their game, not their phone.
I removed unnecessary chrome and prioritized distances and the rangefinder.
Optimizing the watch
Light mode or dark mode? From my research and testing, I found light mode to be more effective for the watch in full daylight, with overcast days providing inconclusive results.
As watches have become larger since the initial launch, I was able to showcase the full scorecard rather than just the scores.
Round Completion
The main reason to track a round of golf is to track your stats. CLASSIC ROUNDS' main value is in-depth stats with minimal action cost.
My team and I pushed to increase the variance of stats we are able to calculate from the input, adding GIR Miss Up/Down/Left/Right, %Scramble, and 1, 2, and 3 putts per round.
design updates that address quality-of-life issues
During the first six months of the app being live, we surveyed users and gathered some key usability insights.
I adjusted a number of features to better showcase the course map and distance to pin.
Additional hole data is now displayed at the top, and the score input buttons have been enhanced for better clarity (especially when used outdoors on a sunny day).
I adjusted the scorecard for clarity and streamlined game control elements to ensure they're always visible without the need to scroll.
