When we first set out to define our approach to what would become the SkyTrak experience, we knew we had to start with a blank canvas. Our previous experience at the time, as with nearly every other launch monitor company in an overly-saturated niche market, was focused almost exclusively on the commercial account/professional user. Golf technology was progressing at an astounding rate and the amount of data becoming available to the end-user was staggering, if not completely overwhelming. We made the decision that, in order to connect with the average golfer and avoid what I call “data overload”, we had to implement KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid.
Hardware and Software Teams
We knew that nothing could gain traction without a solid piece of hardware, and thanks to some pretty auspicious timing, we were able to help develop the SkyTrak launch monitor. Not to diminish the hardware element of the entire experience because it is truly the foundation, but we knew that we also needed an elevated software experience. However, we had to reimagine what this offering was, as it had not been done before to this scale for the consumer.
We found a fantastic design team at Expand the Room. They were instrumental in helping us whittle down the UI/UX to make it more digestible for the average golfer. They worked with us to find what we liked and didn’t like about our competitors, and then merge that vision into one cohesive experience that we could truly call our own. They continue to help us remain fresh and relevant as we explore new features and offerings.
Equally critical to SkyTrak’s success has been our wonderful development team at Visartech. They are a one-stop-shop for anything development and not only work at lightning speed, but they go above and beyond continuing to explore new technologies, find ways to optimize the application and offer suggestions of ways to improve the overall experience.
Golf Simulators and Feedback
To round out the full experience, we also have a number of trusted golf simulation companies as partners to offer a variety of simulation options depending on customer need and budget. People have found that creating the elusive at-home golf experience is not quite as complicated nor expensive as it once was, and during this pandemic in particular, we have seen interest in golf simulation increase exponentially.
I mention our valued partners because in such a niche market, it’s exceedingly important to think outside the box, and what these partners bring to the table is always a breath of fresh air — stale is the last thing we can afford to be. I also find great value in monitoring and participating in golf forums (namely golfsimulatorforum.com). The more rapport we can establish with these customers (a community that represents the full scope of our user base, from the newbie to the power user) the more comfortable they are sharing honest feedback and requesting new features, and in turn, the more efficiently we can help them enjoy our product while executing on that feedback to make the product better.
We understand that golf is not a one-size-fits-all game, and thus the SkyTrak experience should be varied enough to accommodate golfers of all skill levels and interests. Some users just want to hit balls on the range, some want to play fun challenges with their friends and family and some want to take a deep dive in order to really improve their game. Regardless, we find ways to make sure that any activity you do in the SkyTrak app is actually making you a better golfer, whether you realize it or not.