I have been a member of Nike+ for over 3 years with around 950 miles recorded. This number is low compared to some other users, however, there is a reason other than laziness and lack of motivation. The website has undergone numerous changes. Not improvements, changes. It is slow, clunky and doesn’t work in some browsers. Take a wild guess which technology it is built on.
The site has a shitload of Flash. From the login pop up windows, to the data visualization elements. The site rarely works, which is a shame because I love the new Nike+ GPS application. The old versions with sensors and pedometers were a pain in the ass and unreliable. Between the hardware and software issues, I stopped using Nike plus for a year.
Several years later, Nike+ is still riddled with non-functioning flash. But do not fear, HTML5 will soon be here according to this tweet sent out.
[UPDATE]
An email was sent out today Sept. 2nd, 2011 that addresses the issues and proposes solutions:
Dear Nike+ Member,
It’s been a tough couple months for Nike+. We know from the feedback that there have been a number of issues, including logging in, syncing devices, sharing runs and editing profiles. Not everyone has been affected, but if you have experienced any of those problems, I’m genuinely sorry. Running is supposed to be pure, simple and uncomplicated. And Nike+ is supposed to enhance it, not make it more complex.
Just like you, we hold ourselves to incredibly high standards, and right now Nike+ isn’t living up to them. There are lots of reasons why these problems began, but this letter isn’t about the excuses. This letter is about what we are doing to fix them and what’s coming next.
As of today we have increased login speed and eliminated a majority of login failures. We have improved your ability to sync devices, log runs and post information to Facebook. We are also working on a new version of the Nike+ GPS app that will be released shortly. It will introduce some great new features and address some of the recent bugs.
Things are better but we aren’t done yet. We’re working on a brand new platform for Nike+ that includes better coaching, maps and challenges. It will be much faster, more social, and easier to use, providing more information and analysis of your runs. Also in the works are some really exciting new products and services. We are committed to relentlessly improving and innovating to ensure that, just like you, Nike+ is never standing still.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you have any thoughts or questions please email us or go to our Facebook page and we’ll get back to you.
Thanks for your patience. We really appreciate you being a part of the Nike+ family. There are great things to come.
Jayme Martin
VP/GM NIKE Running
Still we want to know when Nike is going to release its new web site.
That makes two of us.
Unfortunately there’s nothing in the email from Nike that says they will abandon Flash…
why oh why does your website not respond properly whenever i log on …….you say you have high standards ,well i think not high enough ,even companies on smaller budgets and with limited IT skills manage to have great sites .this has dragged on ever since i registered to nike+ …you have to get to grips with your IT department and sort this mess or sack the lot of them and get some people who know how to build a website that works ……
Completely agree. Look at 37signals, Twitter, Digg. These guys bookstrapped it up and made amazing products/technology. WTF Nike? Get your shit together.
From what I can remember, Nike+ tweeted to me that they were moving to HTML5