Why doesn't WGT utilize "control groups" for new product updates and changes before rolling the live product out?
I know that WGT has a small workforce while trying to accomplish many goals. To me it seems like a no brainer to have a cross-section of players from each tier (excluding hacks as they don't have enough experience) test new equipment, courses, tees, meter improvements (not likely to ever see this one), and anything else WGT would like to introduce. This would save countless headaches for the company, make the players feel like we have a voice in a product we care so much about, and generally make for smoother roll outs.
Yes WGT is still Beta, but since they collect money from customers, most players view this as a final product and don't readily accept poorly executed changes like those that occurred recently. The idea of the recent changes was solid, practical application not so much. This could have been much more fluid with some valuable input from the folks paying the bills, THE PLAYERS!
The idea for a control group would be very structured and looking for certain things like:
- Meter performance with new changes.
- Fairway and green mapping issues. (good lord i've been in the rough about 30 times since update when I was clearly 2 feet in fairway)
- Green mapping. (don't know how many putts actually break against the direction the balls are rolling now but it's considerably worse than before)
- Playability and fun factor.
- Wild deviations like the problem with BPB 8 after last update.
- Plenty more to add here but you get the idea.
Control group would serve for a 3 to 6 month period then likely rotate. I know I and many other players would be honored to serve free of charge with the goal of truly making this the best golf site in the world.
I'd also be happy to help WGT work this idea through if it's viewed as beneficial by forming plans for confidentiality, reporting structure, frequency, eligible participants and so on.
Thoughts?