The Solution

Collecting pins and other memorabilia requires social interaction between participants. It was determined through question-and-answer sessions with members that they desired real-time secure access to a membership database that included contact information and collecting interests. We developed a database and website interface to successfully satisfy this goal. Each member has his or her own profile page that may include a photograph or avatar. Additionally, the database was designed as a convenient means for one or more approved administrators to process online applications, dues payments and purchases from a storefront that was also developed for the site.

Because pin collecting is often carried out on-the-fly at Olympic Games or other sporting events, it was important that responsive web design (RWD) practices be implemented spanning multiple platforms including tablets and smart phones. This gave members instant access to the Olympin Authenticity Project, a second database we developed containing text and images of hundreds of real and counterfeit pins. This was augmented by the creation of a volunteer-operated blog.