Champs+
A community-driven app where soccer lovers can find nearby pickup games based on their interests, create teams, and communicate through the platform. It connects sports enthusiasts with others at similar competition levels.
Goal
Create an app that helps soccer enthusiasts find teams that match their skill level and location, while also building a community where they can share their passion for the sport.
How might we design an exceptional experience that allows users to create teams, join teams, and track their skills?
Role:
Product Designer, Visual designer
Tools:
Figma, Figjam, Illustrator & Photoshop
Hats worn:
UX researcher, UX Designer & UI designer
Target Audience
For individuals who love competing and connecting with teammates who share similar interests and goals.
Problem to solve
Finding a team that matches one’s interests can be difficult, especially for individuals new to a city without local connections. Many teams provide inaccurate or outdated online information, particularly about location, inclusivity, and play schedules, making it hard to determine if a team is the right fit.
Process
I developed visual thought starters and beautiful questions to determine which problem would benefit users the most. The process includes breaking down problems into key questions before researching to identify possible solutions, testing, iterating, prototyping and learning outcomes.
Research
I started by reviewing sports app articles and user feedback on competitor apps to identify common pain points and user expectations. To gain deeper insight, I conducted adjacent and analogous industry audits to uncover usability issues and design opportunities, allowing me to build on existing solutions rather than reinvent the wheel.
User Interview Findings
A professional athlete, two intermediates, and four rookies were interviewed to inform the product’s development. 85% of the interviewees said they prefer to play with people on the same sporting level for the challenge. Most people find a sports team by asking around, which can be challenging in a new city. In addition, they become disconnected from a sports team due to the proximity of their location. One thing they all have in common is the desire to win every game.
Insights into Ideation Designs [Low-Fi]
Interview feedback was synthesized into insights, then refined into meta-insights. From these, How Might We (HMW) statements were created to define and frame the design challenges.
Sketches were then developed in response to the HMWs to guide problem-solving without limiting creativity.
Testing and Iteration [Mid-Fi]
Based on the analysis of the insights, it was discovered that most users are engaged with the search and events screen of the product; being aware of the discovery increased the focus area, so two concepts were developed to test with users to determine which provides the best experience.
Champs+ Brand Identity
Champs+ combination mark logo identity was inspired by the spirit of soccer, which is unity. A soccer pitch brings together people from different cultures and demographics. The ball brings players together, and champions are crowned.
Final Solution Prototype
40% of the screens were redesigned with a soccer-focused theme, and the copy was adjusted to align with terminology commonly used by soccer players. Since the product lacked a built-in revenue model, sponsor nets were introduced as ad spaces for paid promotions from sports brands.
Animated Intro + Signup
To thrill the users and psychologically introduce them to Champs+ brand identity.
Individuals interacting with the product have various options to sign up with.
Users can filter, search, and ask to join a soccer team of their choice on this screen.
HMW: Streamline and eliminate the stress associated with finding a compatible team?
HMW: Design a system that accommodates a variety of sports levels?
How a team leader manages player’s requests.
HMW: Streamline and eliminate the stress associated with finding a compatible team?
How a player accepts requests from teams.
HMW: Streamline and eliminate the stress associated with finding a compatible team?
How can we make internal communication more enjoyable, seamless, and engaging?
How a team leader searches for a team to challenge and how they communicate after a successful fixture.
HMW: Streamline and eliminate the stress associated with finding a compatible team?
How can we make external communication more enjoyable, seamless, and engaging?
How users track upcoming fixtures and other events.
How wins and losses can be easily added and recorded.
HMW: Assist sports players in tracking the development of their skills and keeping them motivated?
How the company generates revenue from sponsors, and how users interact socially.
HMW: Create a friendly social environment?
Outcomes
The product was developed through extensive research into the target demographic’s behaviors and preferences around joining teams. This insight guided its development to effectively meet user needs. However, further research and testing are needed to improve how team leaders connect for pickup games. Exploring AI-driven suggestions for nearby sports facilities could further enhance the user experience.
Key Learnings
Review insights at every stage of the design process to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Interviewing people from diverse demographics with varying levels of involvement in an activity is the most effective way to gain rich, well-rounded insights.
