Eagle-eyed dotwatchers may have noticed a new addition to some of the maps published in the past month. Around a month ago, we quietly released our new participant profiles feature, which has been under development for the past six months.
Although still in beta mode, this powerful new feature opens up an entirely new dimension to our platform. It allows participants to claim past results, customise their profile and set up automated matching for future events.
What does this mean?
Powered by a constantly increasing database of results, the profile pages link together the 1,000+ maps we have across our platform. This new feature is the single-biggest database expansion in our 11-year history.
With a single click, you can see previous tracked events that a participant has taken part in – with those maps just another click away. Above these, you can find key metrics and biographical info. Performances no longer sit in isolation, giving dotwatchers far greater context than before.
How does it work?
The process is very simple, with as much automation built into it as possible. From the outset, this was a key requirement, allowing our small team to release something that could quickly grow in size.
This is the user journey for a participant taking part in an event with profiles enabled:
Profile preview generated
Based on the loaded participant data, a preview profile page is automatically created and linked for each participant on that map, showing results matched to that participant. This is accessed from a button shown in the Details tab, beneath the participant’s name.
Profile is Claimed & Customised
The participant clicks through to this preview and opts to claim it, registering using their email address. Once they’re registered, they can add a photo, as well as social media links and other info. Suggested results will be displayed for them to accept or reject.
Profile Link Updates
After the profile has been claimed, the link on the map updates to show it has been claimed and directs users to the participant’s profile page.
Automation Kicks In
After an event has finished, the result is automatically added to the profile page. At any subsequent events, the claimed profile page is automatically linked to that participant and results continue to be added.
Is this Available to All Events?
Currently, we’re rolling this out on an invitation basis whilst testing continues. The focus is on cycling events, but the profile database is built to accommodate various modalities.
Profiles require participant email addresses to be included in the map data shared with us. Phone numbers, if available, improve result matching accuracy. We won’t use this data for marketing purposes, so these are simply used to facilitate better result matching going forwards. Without email addresses added to a map, participants will not be able to claim their profiles.
How do I claim my Profile?
Currently, you can only claim your profile if you are taking part in an event where the feature has been activated. As soon as you are added to one of these maps, your email address will be whitelisted to register. This will be the email you used to register for that event; other email addresses won’t work, so please remember which email you used!
You can then follow the process above to claim your profile, fill in your details and claim/reject suggested results. There is no password required and all access is linked to your email address, using either one-time codes or secure links for access.
Future Developments
This first release of the participant profiles already massively expands interconnectedness between maps, creating pathways that were previously absent. But the eventual plan is to see data flowing in both directions, allowing maps to pull through biographical and social media data already added to profiles.
Feedback
Whilst this feature is in beta mode, we would welcome any feedback you have – as either a participant or a dotwatcher. We’re excited to watch the ever-growing database of profiles expand and remain open to suggestions on how to improve the experience.
Get in touch here to share your feedback.
