ScoringLive versions through the years. Clockwise from top left: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. SL archives

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ScoringLive versions through the years. Clockwise from top left: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. SL archives

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When we rolled out the version four of ScoringLive near the end of 2013, I distinctly remember promising myself that it would be last iteration of the site I would build for at least a few years.

Boy was I wrong.

The change in heart came after seeing what was a pretty noticeable shift in device use, and along with that, a need to optimize the current platform to handle all kinds of devices without having to build a separate mobile site.

While it would probably have been easier to just tweak the existing mobile platform, I decided that moving the main site to a more modern code base would be the better call in the long run.

It was just about 2 1/2 months from the decision to completely re-platform the website to the final launch on July 31, and now that version 5 of ScoringLive is now public (after no less than seven revisions to finally arrive at a launchable product), I have to say I am really glad I powered through and got it done.

From first glance, it is clear that the new site is clearly a depature from a more contained, block style of content deployment of the previous versions, and adopts a more 'open-air' feel with a heck of a lot more white.

More importantly though, its been designed, at least in large part, with the mobile experience in mind MORE THAN the desktop. The goal being to create as close to an optimal user experience for folks on small devices. And I think it does as good a job as any site or app I've used at displaying relevant info in the confined space that a mobile devices provides.

I'm particularly happy with the advanced stat layering and the way its displayed. For example, football passing stats can be sorted by yards, attempts, completions and touchdowns, but also yards per game and completion percentage.

Just about every section of the site has been tweaked or revised in some way, to the extent that I don't think I could list every change here even if I wanted to.

From a technical standpoint, the new site contains enough HTML5 and CSS3 magic to be considered 'new school' but still degrades nicely down to slightly older browsers.

Speed and load testing shows some pretty good benefits to a lightened code structure, but we will still be employing the dreaded LITE version during football season. Rest assured there have been some adjustments to improve that experience as well.

At any rate, I hope this latest version of ScoringLive is a welcome one. Expect little adjustments and fixes throughout the first few months, as well as a few other additions to the site that I'm still finalizing.

Here's to the last seven days of summer!