IMPROVING FAN ENGAGEMENT

Fan engagement is a popular topic with any major sports team. How do you connect the passion of fans with the team? TVB wanted to improve the fan experience and connect them more closely with their team, while also trying to reach new fans. The desire to connect fans with the team was further increased during the Corona pandemic when visiting the stadium became no longer possible.

Reaching people in the modern age of technology has never been easier. The advent of smartphones and other mobile electronic devices has given users almost unlimited access to information at the touch of a button – anywhere in the world. Taking action and making the most of what is now available is an important, but challenging step.

A NEW FAN EXPERIENCE AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

For sports teams, fan engagement and experience can be enhanced through the creation of a mobile app for the team. Zoi has a wealth of experience developing mobile apps and has developed mobile apps for everything from Retail products to full-scale industrial applications. Therefore, Zoi was perfectly positioned to help TVB develop something truly special. 

The app shows all normal game day information such as live stats, live ticker, team information, and visitor information, among other things. In addition, game highlights will be available on the app and users will be able to interact directly with the team by asking questions to the trainer. A highlight: Through the app, fans will be able to send messages of support to the LED cube within the Porsche-Arena. Push notifications will provide timely alerts to keep the fans well-informed about the game.

USING AWS CLOUD TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE A DYNAMIC MOBILE APPLICATION

The app development took place piece by piece using the latest agile development methodologies and with regular feedback from TVB. The project took under a year to complete and consisted of 3 steps:

1. Requirements phase
2. Phase-1 Development
3. Phase-2 Development

The first piece of the puzzle was the requirements phase. In joint workshops, the vision, goal, and scope of the app’s features were developed. These features were iteratively agreed upon with TVB, and fan feedback was gathered to further refine the app.

Preliminary app design and architecture creation were then performed. The technology stack consisted of React Native, AWS, and Serverless. The backend is based on the AWS Cloud with big data architecture. Sports data was then collected using third-party data providers such as Sportradar. This helped the app to show real-time information and other relevant game-day data.

With Zoi, we have found a great partner for the implementation and further development of our ideas.

Following the requirements phase, a 2-phase development process aimed at the incremental addition of app features was started. The scope of the first phase of development included work on the basic app function.

In the second development phase, the refinement of the basic functions such as some app notifications and user customization, but also specific functions such as a betting game and live ticker were implemented.

One of the goals of the app was to reach as many people as possible. Therefore, the app was launched on both Android and iOS with social login (e.g. Google, Facebook, Apple ID). The app was initially released to select fans as a beta test. Feedback was collected which helped the Zoi team to fix bugs, and improve, or remove certain features. 

After the initial beta test, the app was officially launched in app stores. In the first month after launch, there were already more than 800 active registered users. So far, the app has generated positive feedback, and the purpose of the app to bring fans closer to the game and enhance their experience has been largely seen as a success. The interactive features of the app, such as messages to the trainer and the LED cube, have been actively utilized.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The team at Zoi is working hard to monitor feedback and stabilize the app. Soon, the next phase of development will begin and even more features will be added. Here, workshops between TVB and Zoi will be organized to further develop ideas. Stay tuned...

Screenshots from the TVB App.

The tech stack consisted of React Native, AWS, and Serverless, with a backend based on AWS Cloud with big data architecture.

The basic idea was that we offer TVB a platform to bring fans closer to the game – whether in the hall with an enhanced experience or in Corona times from home. The app flanks the game action and provides more interaction with TVB.

In joint workshops, the vision, goal, and scope of the app’s features were developed.

ABOUT TVB STUTTGART

TVB Stuttgart (previously: TV Bittenfeld) is a handball club from the city of Stuttgart, Germany. The club quickly climbed the handball ladder and was promoted to the 1. Bundesliga in 2015. The team is nicknamed the »Wild Boys« and is now embarking on its 7th season in the top flight. The team currently plays its home games in Stuttgart at the Porsche-Arena and on game days you can see fans wearing the team's typical blue and white colors.