What Happens NeXT?
NeXT Sports Group Inc. (NeXT) is a sports-based media platform that uses reward points to drive consumer behaviour. NeXT provides brands with the unique opportunity to connect directly with fans (consumers) using our high engagement 2-touch digital media product during and after the broadcast of live professional sporting events, without the need for a license.
Our overarching goal was to design and develop a mobile application that benefits both casual sports fans and brands. From the fan's perspective, we aimed to create a platform where they can follow their favorite games, predict the outcomes of key moments, earn points for their accuracy, redeem those points for exciting rewards in the app's catalog, and receive exclusive post-game offers from partnered brands.
For brands, the application would offer a unique two-touch digital advertising strategy: sponsorships during pivotal moments in games and targeted post-game offers delivered directly to engaged users. This innovative approach is powered by a robust back-end system that ingests real-time sports data, manages the user experience with interactive "pivotal moment" gameplay, and delivers personalized post-game offers (PGOs).
How Might We create an exciting experience for the players to keep them engaged and motivated, as well as increase sponsor visibility among fans
The client presented an outdated design that they sought to enhance. We preserved essential elements such as card layouts, notification banners, and navigation icons while introducing crucial improvements.
Accessibility was a key concern, and we addressed issues like the use of text over gradients in the previous design, which can be inaccessible in certain contexts. To enhance visual clarity and avoid confusion, we introduced a complementary color palette, reserving red exclusively for error states.
Design Iterations
Illustrations by Undraw
To ensure consistency and scalability, we developed a comprehensive design system that incorporated accessible color palettes and addressed font compatibility issues. This design system proved invaluable, not only for the NeXt app but also for their marketing site and branding materials, fostering a cohesive and unified brand identity.
View Design System
As the client brought a pre-existing foundation of content which also contained a diverse target audience, we were able refine them into specific user personas and further built user flows and wireframes that cater to each.
Given the competitive nature of the sports betting industry, we conducted extensive research into established players like Game On, Draft Kings, Sportsbet, Tally, and Blocksport. Recognizing the common issue of information overload in many sports betting apps, we decided to take a different approach with NeXt. Our aim was to create a uniquely intuitive and user-friendly experience, emphasizing clarity and ease of use to ensure a seamless betting journey.
Trend Positive Fan
Busy Fan
Social Fan
Armchair Fan
Competitors
Wireframes
Onboarding
Pivotal Moment (PM)
General
Reflection
Overall, this project proved to be a fun and rewarding experience, fueled by my own interest in sports. While working within some design constraints, the client remained open-minded and collaborative. Together, we workshopped various solutions to achieve the desired outcome.
Once all screens were finalized, we prepared a seamless developer handoff through Zeplin, and the MVP successfully launched. Following this success, the client returned to us for a marketing website, which was also deployed without a hitch.
What’s Next?
As this is a MVP, we've built the foundation to accommodate future sports integrations. This forward-thinking approach ensures the platform can seamlessly adapt to include new sports, like the recent additions of MLB and NHL.
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