Playfield(work in progress)
​Introduction
In this UX case study, our goal is to design a mobile application that addresses the challenges faced by working professionals in urban settings who are unable to play outdoor games due to lack of available friends and place to play. The application aims to promote social capital, physical activity, facilitate social connections, and create a sense of community among individuals with shared interests.
Problem Statement
In urban settings, individuals face a challenge in pursuing outdoor games, even if they want but due lack of available friends, willing to participate and unable to find place to play, leading to limited physical activity and happiness, decreased social interaction, and potential negative health consequences.
User Scenario 1
Ajay recently moved to a new city for a job opportunity. Being new to the area, he hasn't had the chance to make many friends yet. He used to enjoy playing tennis and used sports as a way to connect with others. However, due to his busy work schedule and the absence of known friends, he finds it challenging to engage in outdoor games. This situation leaves ajay feeling lonely, physically inactive, and longing for a sense of community.Scenario.
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Place - Banglore
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Age - 25
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Occupation - Designer
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Difficulty in finding friends nearby.
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Doesn't have equipments to play
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Wants to play in ground but couldn't play alone.
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Wants t make team and play every weekends
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Want to make new friends,
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Get a better physical life with appropriate outdoor activity.
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To get a life outside work for better mental health.
Ajay
Demographics
Goals
Painpoints
User Scenario 1
Suresh is a software developer shifted to a new bustling city away from hometown. He shifted alone to the city because his wife have job at hometown and his children's school also. He works long hours at a corporate job, leaving him with little time for leisure activities. He finds difficult to find someone of his age in this city. Despite his interest in outdoor games like basketball and soccer, he struggles to find a group of friends who are available and willing to play. As a result, suresh's physical activity levels have decreased, and he feels isolated from the active and social aspects of playing sports.
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Place - Banglore
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Age - 35
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Occupation - Software Developer
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Difficulty in finding friends of his age nearby.
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Finds difficult to interact with new age groups.
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He plays basketball at his home but difficult to find place and friends to play.
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Want a busy afterwork life for good mental and physical health.
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Live a health physical and mental life.
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Wants to continue playing basketball for life
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Build a best playing team of basketball
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Connect with people of his age and new age also.
Demographics
Goals
Painpoints
Suresh
Empathy Maps
Says
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"I really wish I could play outdoor sports and enjoy the fresh air."
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"I miss the physical activity and the sense of accomplishment that comes with sports."
Thinks
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"If only I had friends who were interested in outdoor sports, it would be easier to form a team."
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"I should try to find local sports groups or communities to join."
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"I wonder if there are any outdoor sports facilities or parks nearby that I can visit alone."
Feels
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Frustration: Due to the lack of friends or teammates, they feel unable to engage in the sports they enjoy.
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Loneliness: They feel isolated because they don't have a social circle that shares their interest in outdoor sports.
Does
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Searches online: They browse websites, forums, or social media platforms to find local sports groups or individuals interested in outdoor sports.
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Researches: They explore nearby sports facilities, parks, or clubs to see if they can participate in group activities or events.
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Takes initiative: They actively try to engage coworkers or friends outside of work to join them in outdoor sports activities.
Needs
Companionship: They yearn for friends or like-minded individuals who share their passion for outdoor sports.
Networking opportunities: They seek ways to connect with local sports groups, clubs, or individuals who can provide a platform for participation.
Motivation and support: They would benefit from encouragement and support from friends, family, or colleagues to pursue their interest in outdoor sports.
Sees
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They observe other professionals engaging in outdoor sports during their lunch breaks or after work, which makes them feel a sense of longing to join in.
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They notice social media posts about sports events, tournaments.
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They see their work environment as fast-paced , making it challenging to prioritize personal interests and find a work-life balance.
Hears
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They hear their coworkers or friends talking about their experiences playing outdoor sports, which further emphasizes their desire to participate.
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They may overhear conversations about local sports clubs, leagues, or teams that they could potentially join.
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They might receive suggestions or advice from others on how to manage their time effectively and make room for leisure activities.
Research and User Insights
01.
Lack of Friends:
Many respondents expressed difficulty in finding friends or like-minded individuals who were interested in playing outdoor games.
04.
Desire for Community: Participants expressed a desire to connect with others who shared their passion for sports and outdoor activities.
02.
Time Constraints: Office work and long hours limit the free time available for leisure activities, including outdoor games.
05.
Finding play area & Lack of equipments: Generally in these cities people don't know the available playgrounds near them to play and also don't have equipment to play.
03.
Social Isolation:
The absence of regular physical activity and social interaction contributed to feelings of isolation and decreased well-being.
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Lack of equipments: People also don't have equipment to play.
Design Solution
01
Game Scheduling
Users can create and join game sessions for various outdoor games. The app suggests convenient time slots based on users' availability and provides notifications for upcoming games.
02
Friend Discovery
The application includes a friend discovery feature that suggests potential gaming partners based on users' interests, availability, and location. It allows users to connect with like-minded individuals who are also seeking gaming opportunities.
03
Community Engagement:
PlayConnect encourages social interaction by enabling users to join existing communities or create their own. Users can share photos, videos, and game highlights, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition.
04
Skill Level Matching
The app includes a skill level matching system to ensure balanced and enjoyable gameplay. Users can specify their skill level and find games suitable for their expertise.
05
Location-Based Services
PlayConnect utilises location-based services to suggest nearby gaming venues, facilities, and events. It also offers directions and real-time updates on availability.
06
Provide Rental Equipments
Most of the people don't have equipment to play.
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Inter office matches
Multiple offices can take part in this and conduct an interoffice matches
Features
User Privacy and Safety:
Safety should be a top priority. Implement secure user registration and authentication processes. Users should have control over their personal information and location data. Provide reporting and blocking features to handle inappropriate behaviour.
Matching Algorithms
Develop algorithms that match users based on their location, preferred games, and availability. Consider adding filters to refine search results further.
Location
Accurate location services are crucial. Use GPS or other location-based technologies to allow users to specify their location and find nearby players. Ensure that location data is kept secure.
Real-Time Chat and Notifications
Implement a real-time chat system that allows users to communicate with potential playing partners. Push notifications can alert users about game invites or new nearby players.
User Profiles
Create user profiles with essential information such as preferred sports or games, skill levels, availability, and a brief bio. Allow users to upload a profile picture.
User Ratings and Reviews
​Allow users to rate and review their playing partners. This helps build trust and can encourage fair play and sportsmanship.
Event Scheduling
Include a feature that allows users to schedule games or events and invite others to join. This could include date, time, and location details.
Social Sharing
Allow users to share their game plans or achievements on social media, attracting more players to the app.
In-App Messaging
Offer in-app messaging for planning and coordinating games. Users should be able to discuss specifics, such as rules, equipment, and meeting points.
Monetization
​Consider various monetization options, such as premium features, in-app advertising, or partnerships with local businesses like sports equipment stores or venues.
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Map Integration
Integrate maps to provide directions to playing locations and help users discover nearby parks, sports fields, or other suitable venues.
Feedback Mechanism
Include a way for users to provide feedback and suggest improvements. Actively listen to user suggestions to enhance the app's functionality and user experience.
How to Engage the User
Reducing dropout rates for the "PlayField" app, which helps users find new friends to play outdoor sports, requires a strategic approach to enhance user retention.
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​User Onboarding and Education
Provide a seamless and informative onboarding process to guide new users through the app's features and functionalities.Offer tutorials or tooltips to explain how to find friends, rent equipment, and book playgrounds.Highlight the benefits of using the app, such as meeting like-minded individuals and enjoying outdoor sports.​
​User Engagement
Encourage users to complete their profiles by adding interests, sports preferences, and availability. Send notifications or reminders to users about upcoming events, suggested activities, or messages from potential friends.
Community Building
Create forums or discussion boards within the app where users can share their experiences, discuss sports, and offer advice.Host local events or tournaments that bring users together and foster a sense of community.
Reward System
Introduce a reward system to recognize and incentivize active users. Rewards can be in the form of badges, discounts on equipment rentals, or other perks.
Social Media Integration
Enable users to connect their social media profiles to the app, making it easier to find and invite friends from their existing networks.
Referral Program
Encourage existing users to invite their friends to join the app by offering referral bonuses or discounts.
Personalized Recommendations
Utilize user data to offer personalised recommendations for sports activities and friends to play with. Suggest sports or activities based on a user's interests, location, and past interactions within the app.
Verified Profiles
Implement a user verification system to build trust within the community. Verified profiles are more likely to attract friends for sports activities.
In-App Messaging and Communication
Facilitate easy communication between users through in-app messaging features.Encourage users to communicate with each other to plan and coordinate sports activities.
Feedback Mechanism
Allow users to provide feedback and report issues within the app. Actively address user concerns and suggestions to show that their input is valued.
Data Analytics:
Utilize data analytics to track user engagement, identify drop-off points, and understand user behavior. Use this data to make data-driven improvements.
Gamification Elements
Promoting through online and offline marketing channels to attract new users and maintain a healthy user base.
Benefits for Shopkeepers
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Revenue Generation: By renting out sports equipment, shop owners can tap into an additional stream of revenue. This helps maximize their profits and generate income even during off-peak seasons when sales might be slow.
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Inventory Management: PlayField assists shop owners in efficiently managing their inventory. They can rent out items that are not frequently purchased, reducing storage costs and ensuring that equipment is put to good use.
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Increased Foot Traffic: The app can attract more customers to the physical store. When people come to pick up or return rented equipment, they may also browse and purchase other items in the store.
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Customer Engagement: The app can provide a channel for direct engagement with customers. Shop owners can offer advice on equipment selection and maintenance, fostering long-term relationships and loyalty.
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Market Expansion: PlayField allows shop owners to reach a wider audience. They can attract customers beyond their local area, potentially expanding their business to a global level.
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Data Insights: The app provides valuable data on which equipment is in high demand and which is less popular. This data can guide purchasing decisions, ensuring the shop stocks the items customers want.
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Competitive Advantage: By embracing the sharing economy model, sports shop owners can differentiate themselves from competitors and show they are innovative and customer-focused.
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Promotion and Marketing: The app can serve as a marketing platform, enabling shop owners to promote their products to a broader audience. It can also feature special promotions or discounts for renters.
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Rental Flexibility: Shop owners can set their own rental terms, including pricing, duration, and conditions. This flexibility allows them to adapt to market demand and optimize their rental offerings.
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Reviews and Ratings: Through the app, customers can leave reviews and ratings, helping shop owners build their reputation and improve the quality of their service.
Benefits for Land Owners
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Additional Revenue Source: Society and locality owners can generate additional income by renting out their grounds, which may otherwise remain underutilized. This extra income can be used for maintenance and improvement of the premises or other community needs.
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Community Engagement: The app promotes community engagement and interaction. It encourages residents to use the grounds for sports and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.
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Improved Ground Maintenance: Regular usage of the grounds can lead to better maintenance, as the grounds will be kept in good condition to attract more renters. This can result in improved overall aesthetics and safety of the area.
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Flexible Scheduling: Locality and society owners can set their own scheduling and pricing rules through the app, offering flexibility in how they make the grounds available to renters.
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Enhanced Security: The app can incorporate security features like booking confirmations, identity verification, and payment handling, ensuring that only authorized individuals use the grounds, thereby enhancing safety.
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Advertising Opportunities: The app can serve as a platform for advertising local businesses, events, or community initiatives, providing additional revenue streams or exposure for the locality or society.
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Environmental Benefits: By encouraging outdoor sports and activities, the app supports a healthier lifestyle and reduces the need for residents to travel long distances for recreation, contributing to lower carbon footprints.
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Community Building: Renters often include residents from various age groups and backgrounds, fostering diversity and strengthening community bonds.
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Reviews and Ratings: Renters can leave reviews and ratings for the grounds and the owners, providing valuable feedback for continual improvement.
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Support for Local Sports: PlayField can facilitate the organization of local sports events and tournaments, further promoting sports and community involvement.