Ideation
Branding
User Research
UX Designer
Illustrator
Wireframing
Prototyping
Entrepreneurship
Golf can be regarded as one of the hardest sports to play never mind master. Golfers are continually looking for tools which can help improve various aspects of the game so as to enhanced play and enjoyment. Putt Potential is a revolutionary, app-based product, designed to educate, analyse and improve a player’s performance. This is achieved through a wearable device which measures a players putting stroke. In recent years I have been working as part of a team on a start-up company which aims to assist caddying in the golf industry. With a keen passion for golf I have developed a working understanding of what could have the potential of benefiting players of all capabilities, this is why I choose to base my major project around golf.
To improve performance golfers often focus heavily on their golf swing with the aim of hitting the ball as far as possible consistently. Often neglecting the club that makes the final score at each hole, the putter. Putting is probably the most important part of the game and equates to around 43% of strokes taken in a single round of golf. So why don't golfers focus solely on their putting to improve? Many find putting a tricky aspect of the game to master as there is more to it than hitting a ball towards a target. Finer details need to be considered, for example: the shape of the green, pace at which the putt need hit and how the ball rolls off the face of the putter. A slight change in any of these factors can be the difference between making the hole and missing. Repeatedly missing short-range or makeable putts can drastically have a negative effect on players' confidence – resulting in reduced confidence in other parts of their game. A device like Putt Potential can help to improve this factor and allow golfers to improve as a whole.
After brainstorming and discussing with fellow golfers came up with concept surrounding Putt Potential.
Currently on the market there are launch monitors which examine putting. However, these devices are expensive and can only be operated to full capacity by a specialist. The information is precise and detailed but can be confusing to interpret the information. My product aims to change that. When developing the concept, I made an assumption that the problems with putting stemmed from poor technique and lack of understanding. When golfers have a poor putting performance, some of the following to combat the issue: