Pickup Sports – Play Often, Stay Healthy

13 thoughts on “Pickup Sports – Play Often, Stay Healthy”

1. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site?

   I assume that this is a place to list interest in forming a team/sports game, then have others choose to join in (?).  I’m really not sure.  Your tagline is “stay healthy” – which doesn’t have anything to do with organizing team sports with strangers.  So either I’m wrong, or you should change your tag line.

   After I saw the tagline under your logo, I looked up and saw “Play Local Pickup Games” in the header bar.  This seems like a much more appropriate tagline – though neither are very catchy.

   First of all, local is a given (I don’t think anyone’s going to travel hundreds of miles for a pickup game), so that can be dropped.  Then you have “Play Pickup Games”.  This doesn’t do much for me either.  I see you’ve integrated Facebook/Twitter – can you share a game you’ve created and form a game that way?  If that’s the main way your service is used, why not something like…

   “Pickup Games… Socially”  or something.  I’m sure youre marketing department will have a better brainstorming session than the less-than-sixty-seconds I spent on the above.

   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike?

   It looks like you don’t have a Blackberry app for this.  Too bad, since many are loyal to their BBs, despite all the hype about the iphone, android OS and windows phone OS.  You’re losing out on that market (unless I’m just not searching for the app correctly in the BB app store).

   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game?

   9

   Ok, when I click “Add Game” a popup comes up and tells me to sign in with Facebook.  BTW, “and you’d be all set!” would sound better as “and you’ll be all set!”  Isn’t there another way to sign in?  What if I don’t have a Facebook account.  Since I still don’t know how everything works, maybe Facebook is in fact required.  Regardless, instead of having to click okay then find the facebook connect button, why not put the facebook connect button right on the popup?  It sure would save me an extra step!

   Now I’m supposed to click a location on the map to start.  Unfortunately, I live on the east coast and when I click “Add Location” I am unable to enter any information in the form field.  I’m not sure why.  It just doesn’t work (I’m using FireFox 4, by the way).

   So I’ve resigned to set up a game in CA.  It was easy to click on the map and enter my info, but now what?  No confirmation comes up that I’ve created the game (other than a basketball appearing on my location), and I’m given no information as to what to do next.  How do I share this with my Facebook friends?  How do I access this information in the future?

   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why?

   No, I wasn’t.  I joined a game with Peter Ma – who looks like one of the frat boys from American Pie (fairly harmless).  I was able to go to his Facebook page and get to know a little more about him before joining the game.  Of course, these identities can always be staged, so it’s best to only join games of actual friends, or friends of friends.  So while I probably wouldn’t use this app to meet new people, I do see it as an easy way to organize games with friends/acquaintences.  Still, I haven’t figured out how to notify them I’ve made a game, however, so I really need a how-to guide or help bubbles.

   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why?

   I visited sportaneous first, and I can already say they have a huge edge over ipickupsports.  Their front page explains what they do, explains that I can use this on the web or on their app for the iphone.  No guessing game.  I like that they have a list of upcoming games on the map page – so instead of me just searching randomly through games, I can set a date and look for games happening then.  Really helps for people on a schedule (most people).  I can also login with Facebook OR choose to login directly to the site if I don’t have a Facebook account – something I don’t see as available on ipickupsports.  When I list my game, it comes up on the map page, so I’ve got a good confirmation.  I can also click the arrow and I see the game has its own page.  There is also (most importantly) a social link block, so I know exactly how to share news about the game.

   Skimble is tough to compare, because it’s a whole different app.  Still, their main page does a much better job of explaining what the app does.  Of the three, I think sportaneous is the most simple and straightforward, easy-to-use design.

   Other Suggestions:

   Your home page doesn’t explain anything about what you do.  Take an example from the above websites.  The map can be on a separate page.  Sell them on your product first!

   If your home page does a good job of explaining what this product does, you don’t need a how-to section.  Still, a popup with an overview (i.e. 1. Enter your location 2. Browse Available games – click on one to join, etc, etc,) will greatly improve the user experience.  Don’t expect people to take pleasure in having to figure it out on their own.  Because they won’t.  They’ll just go somewhere else.

   Your logo is… not interesting?  Invest in a more exciting logo.  They’re really cheap at 48hourslogo.com.  I’m sure one of the artists there can come up with something better than an unlaced shoe.

   Also, your site’s background is a bunch of clouds.  I’m not sure what this has to do with sports.  Sportaneous reminds me of a gatorade commercial – very sports.  This site reminds me of an ecommerce store that sells infant bedding.  It’s just not very sporty and too soft.

   Where is your privacy  policy/terms/site map?  I would expect these to be in your footer.  What if someone organizes a game, shows up and gets robbed – or worse?  You should have some legal notice that you’re not liable.  Also, make sure that people agree that just by signing up, they cannot hold you accountable if anything goes wrong.  I suggest listing your site at WebofTrust.  The community there will give you feedback on these kinds of things.

   Whoops. No About page yet – I see you are still very new, so I’ll hold back commenting on parts of the site that aren’t yet complete.

   I also see your blog has a different template from the rest of your site.  This doesn’t look very professional.  Your templates should match so users feel they haven’t left the site.  There are many guides on the web that tell you how to port your template to WordPress, I’m sure it couldn’t be much different with BlogEngine.net

   Ok, your Twitter link goes to Twitter – but why does your “community” link go to Facebook?  I was expecting a forum of some type.  It’s a little misleading.  Usually links to your facebook/twitter pages will be in the form of buttons, rather than integrated with your site’s main navigation.

   A lot of critiques here, but you do have the framework for a good, usable site and app.  I think the two best things you can do to improve are #1 – update the design, make it sporty and fun and make the homepage sell/tell what you do  #2 – use help bubbles, or similar “guide” information to make it as easy as possible for users.  For instance, after setting up a game, I imagine getting a popup with the following:

   Share this game?
   Twitter    Facebook  Email   Direct Link

   Edit Game?  or   Done.

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

2. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site? I think it looks to be a site where people can announce neighborhood games, such as basketball, to those that want to get involved in playing.
    
   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike? Downloaded the app, which is actually found under Pickup Sports.  It was very easy to register my information.  I also examined how to add a new game.  This too was very easy to do, but I did get kicked out of the application when I tried to go further into my game.  I then searched around for games that had already been added and found them extremely easy to maneuver.   NOTE:  I did have issues getting a Game Map to actually load on my phone.
   
   
   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game? I thought it was about a 3 considering the fact that I got kicked out of the app before I was totally able to create the game… however, that could be due to my service alone… Unsure???
    
   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why? It was very easy to join the game… but I didn’t want to take away someone’s potential spot so I also left the game.  This was very easy to do and did so within seconds.
    
   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why? Although I like this app, I have to say that Sportaneous is still my favorite to use on the web simply because of the layout of the games.  I really don’t like the pop up display on the iPickup, rather I do like the way the games are displayed on Sportaneous.   iPickup also seems to be a little slower on being able to zero in on my targeted area.

3. $5awarded to jessicafry.

4. $5 awarded to vanity.

5. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site? I would have to say the purpose of the site is to offer a way for people to connect with others in their community and play sports. The page loaded quickly, and having the google map go directly to my area without having to type anything in is a nice option. 
   The overall look of the website could use some polish though, the cloud background to me doesn’t fit with the site. Maybe consider a seasonal background that goes along with the major sport of the season. I also clicked on all of the navigation tabs at the top and was disappointed to find that no about information had been published as of yet. I would think that this should be one of the first things worked on to help users define the site. I like the facebook and twitter connections on the site.
   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike? I downloaded the app for my android with no problem. Easy navigation, I clicked on the help button and it does a good job of explaining that this is a beta app and games may not be available in my area. Very informative. My map location didn’t load the first time I tried the app, but I had no problem the second time. Maybe just an initial glitch with the first start on my phone.
   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game? I would rate the ease of use at a 2. I didn’t have any trouble getting into the app. or starting a new game. It was very easy to use.
   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why? I joined a game, but had to leave since it was four hours away. One thing I don’t like is having to log onto facebook to join a game, I would much prefer to have a registration on the website and join a game this way. I think that logging onto facebook should be an option, not a requirement.
   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why? I Checked out the Sportaneous website first, the site has a nice sleek look, which gives it a professional feel. They however do not offer an android app, so if I were looking for a site to go with I would skip it for this reason in particular. I think that the site does not offer the ease of use that Ipickupsports does. I would say that these two sites are comparable and for my personal use, I would chose the one that offers the android app over anything else. 

   The Skimble is just a phone app, so from the start Ipickupsports has an advantage. I like to use my mobile apps but I don’t always have access to my phone especially at work so being to check online is a great option.

   Overall I would say that your site has a good combination of both of these sites. I still think that a couple of things could be improved upon like that look of the site, a registration option and adding information under the about section. With slight improvements the site could be top notch.

    

6. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site?

   I looked at the map of my area, then clicked on the robot icon and got the Android Market page. It had a tennis shoe as the main graphic. I see that this app has high ratings so far. It looks like a way to set up a work out plan, keep track of it with my friends or others in my area, and this app won a prize that sounds prestigious.

   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike?

   The first thing I don’t like is that I have to have an android phone associated to my account or sign in with a different account. I was hoping this was an app that I could use on my computer since I didn’t get an android phone. (I’ve had friends get other apps on their computer before installing on their phones, so I was hoping this was one of those)

   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game?

   It was impossible for me because I don’t own the right kind of phone. I would love to try this app out on the web because it would be a great way for me to meet people in my community and reach my exercising goals. I’m not going to buy a particular phone just so I can use a particular app.

   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why?

   I didn’t hesitate. I would have joined because this is interesting to me. My comments above explain why I can’t use it.

   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why?

   I liked https://www.Sportaneous.com because it says that I can use it on the web or a phone. I liked that I could log in with Facebook. However, https://www.Sportaneous.com exists only in NY and San Diego. I’m in neither place. I tried to propose a game, but it wouldn’t let me because a court must be selected, and none were available. https://www.skimble.com wasn’t available on the web, so I couldn’t really use it.
   
   Thank you for the opportunity to learn about your new site. It sounds great. Please make it available to people with computers who may be, like me, without androids or iphones.
   

7. Visit https://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site?
   it’s quite clear for me that it is an application which can allow people to get to know where there’s a game around their housing area or somewhere else. which allow people to announce a game and also join. It has stated the players and also can give comments.

   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike?
   I downloaded the app like normal. The navigation is clear and easy to use. I added game and it easy to add game. Just step by step concept. I like your app which is convenient for those sporting people.

   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game?
   I would rate it 5. for me im familiar with apps so i can find that it not that hard to create a game. But if u say for a child, it would be a little hard, first u require a facebook account, what if the kid dont have an faebook account. the facebook icon should appear on the popup which will be more convenient. then when i setting up the game, i randomly added a location, then filling all the information, well it is easy, but it’s like a bit unconsistency. How do i keep track of my game that i added? will i get notify everytime when there is someone join the game? i think you should provide some instruction about it or showing a popup like publish or share notice for people to know how it works.

   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why?
   No, i can easily find a game and joining it. this step is easy.

   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why?
   Both have their own good. pickup sport is easy to joining game and connect with facebook. your site is easy to understand which people can easily get to know what your site is about. but it doesnt seen like attractive enough. And it is lack of instruction. For the skimble, it looks attractive which can attract more people, but the site is a little confusing which i dont really know what it about at first. And it allow people to register through their website if the person doesnt have facebook. which will be convenient for people. well, their app looks cool with their skin. i think you should add a simple instructions in your homepage, and make your layout looks more attractive.

8. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site?

   The purpose of the site is to encourage Facebook users to get active through physical sports games going on in areas near and far.

   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike?

   The site is simple and easy to comprehend, which I like, but it also seems incomplete, which carries the risk of losing interested viewers.

   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game?

   3.

   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why?

   I wasn’t hesitant to join a game, but I had to be in the mood to actually participate, which fortunately at the moment I was.

   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why?

   Honestly, they are all alike to me.
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9. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site?

   The purpose of the site is to find a game of some sort somewhere near me with the map. I’ll probably be able to see who’s going to be there.

   Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike?

   Don’t really like the fact that the first screen I see is asking me to register. I think putting my name in could come later in the process.
   [I’m in France] On the next screen I’m under the impression that the app doesn’t locate me automatically so I entered my city. Since I’m pretty far away there is no game, but no text is shown telling me that or encouraging me to try another city (or to add a game !). It could seem as if it’s not working.
   I had a hard time clicking on the warm up button, and wasn’t sure about what it would be.
   Besides that it is easy to use and navigate, including the menu.
   The 3 buttons next to the search bar could be in better quality though.
   If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game?

   4. It is easy to create a game, but I couldn’t modify it afterwards (didn’t manage to at least). The current location thing is great, but if I want to specify a place maybe I would need something to explain where it is in addition to the address : some courts are hard to find (but that could go in the comment section too).

   Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why?

   No, I wasn’t hesitant although “join” can be ambiguous. On FB events for example you can also say “maybe”, that might be nice.

   Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why?

   I like the design of skimble better, although the headline and the purpose of the site is not very clear until you read “Use skimble for..”. I’m still not sure what is the app I have to download to find pick up games.

   The design of sportaneous looks a bit better but I like that I don’t have to switch page to see details on a game on Pickup Sports. The icons of people running (even for a basketball game) are confusing me.

   For that type of app it’s a good thing that you offer apps for 3 devices. The others should, too (but I’m not objective because I have a HTC with Android).

   I think your app and your website have potential because they are actually easy to understand and to use. You might want to improve design a bit so it can look more “professionnal” and like I said be sure to display something when no games are found.
   It could be nice (but that’s one feature more) to be able to be notified (notification push on the app or by email) when a type of event is created in my area. That could bring back some of your users that didn’t find any the first time. 

    

10. Visit http://www.iPickupSports.com. Let the page load, blink twice and click on a game icon. What is the purpose of our site?
     The purpose of this website is to get sports minded individuals to two workouts and play games by downloading apps.
    Go to your app store or app market and download the app. It’s free. Open the app and examine all the features. Is it easy to use and navigate? What do you like or dislike?
    I thought that the home run derby was a lot of fun to play. It is the middle of baseball season and I’ve found that the sports games on this website are far better than the normal games available for it a computer.
    If you haven’t already, create a game on the website or through your mobile device. On a scale from 1-10, where 1 is easy enough for a child and 10 requires a degree in rocket science, how easy was it to create a game?
    I thought the games on a scale of 1 to 10 were rated an eight with some of the games rated around the 10.  Some of the games were equal to the Xbox games
    Open the app and join a game nearby or far away. Were you hesitant to join the game? If so, why?
    Compare Pickup Sports to https://www.Sportaneous.com and https://www.skimble.com. Compared to Pickup Sports, which site is the best? Why?
    I thought there was a huge misconception on the site of first you talked about doing workouts and then you talked about loading video games and those were two different things entirely.  Also, I found that many of the workout routines were blogs that looked to be copied from other people’s ideas and are very simple ordinary and I found that there was no real revenue on the entire site.  It’s free value was great, however other similar sites such as beachbody.com are all three net income revenue stream for products and services.  If you were to offer sports products and other fitness products as a source of revenue on the site and this site might be valuable.  However, promoting a fitness site for video game addicts are two different things entirely!

11. $5 awarded to llorenzo.

12. $5 awarded to tthau2010.

13. $5 awarded to sylvainww.

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