Cinematically demonstrating a smart sport tool

Challenge

Lacrosse is a dynamic, physical and fast-paced sport that is hard to get into for new players. In game situations, players have to master both technical skills (from footwork to stick handling) and tactical insight (in positioning, communication and strategy). Novices struggle to work on both competences simultaneously when practicing in a higher skilled team, which undermines their personal growth.

The objective of the Interactive Formgiving course was to think of an object with intent to solve the challenge and present this with a cinematic prototype – a demonstration video.

Approach

With two fellow design students, I developed the object with intent and and cinematic prototype. We analysed the context, target user and interactions, and came up with a solution.

From here, we sketched a first storyboard for the demonstration video. With feedback from our coaches on cinematic techniques, we made a final shotlist. My contacts in the local lacrosse club helped to set up production on a sport field, with real playing materials and extras.

In post-production, we combined various types of shots with many layers of ambient noise recorded at a real lacrosse game, mechanic sounds and live acting.

Solution

Rosse is a smart lacrosse stick that helps individual players on midfield and attack positions to play in high paced games, by offloading the tactical competence, so that they can focus their efforts on technical development.

The device has 4 modes of smart behaviour: guiding, protecting, encouraging and rewarding the player. It senses its environment, the motion of the user and the other players on the field.

Impact

My team received the Award for Best Camera Work.