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HBCU Battle of the Brains 2023
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Overview
HBCU Battle of the Brains is an annual hackathon that brings together students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States to work on projects for major organizations and startups. Some of the companies that have participated in the past include The National Football League, Dell Technologies, Expedia Group, Home Depot and KPMG.
In March 2023, I participated in the hackathon as the lead designer on a team of eight. We developed an app that enhances the viewing experience of Gen Z sports fans by utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) and existing NFL sideline technology.
Role
Lead Product Designer
Timeline
24 hours
Tools Used
Figma
Teammates
Software Engineers (2) Business Strategists (3)
Game Developer (1)
Product Manager (1)
Problem
Our brief was to create a website or mobile application that utilized existing NFL sideline technology to create a better viewing experience for its spectators. We were also tasked to maintain the integrity of the game, and implement technologies that would grow fandom and boost engagement.
Research
While conducting research on our target market, individuals within the age range of 12-26, we discovered that our average users would most likely interact with sports videos through a mobile application rather than a website or television.
These findings allowed us to incorporate unique and ideal features that would help boost engagement.
Solution
Fanxcel is a mobile application designed to build and foster the connection between fans and the NFL. We fully utilize the NFL’s Sideline Technology to provide fans with a personalized and immersive experience of the game.
Our product utilizes next-gen technology such as Augmented Reality to provide better game viewing for fans. Additionally, our product features an all-in-one social platform where fans can build and maintain communities around their favorite NFL team.
Product Features
Watch
Users can enjoy live games individually, or create watch parties that allow other Fanxcel users to watch along, leave comments on the game, and even be co-hosts
Highlights
Short clips of emotional player reactions and key moments during the game are displayed in this section for users to save, and rewatch as many times as they would like
AR/VR
By utilizing augmented reality systems, users can view the game, and interact with post-game statistics captured with sideline technologies
Teams
Users can select their favorite football teams, and participate in quizzes to win points and other special prizes
Profile
All important user Information such as name, email address, passwords, points and favorite team collections are managed in this section of the application
Fanxcel Promo
Outcomes
After I completed the designs, a total of 50 preliminary judges reviewed my work and gave positive feedback, commending the clean layout, good color contrast, and smooth interaction process. The competition concluded with us earning 8th place amongst 35 other competing schools. This experience helped me improve greatly on my collaboration, time management skills and ability to work under pressure.
