2032 Brisbane Olympics

Brisbane Olympics

At-A-Glance

The Olympics is a global event that unites nations and strengthens community bonds. With the 2032 Olympics set to take place in Brisbane, we asked: how might advancing technology reshape our sense of community? Our team was tasked with designing an experience across Mobile, Web, and Apple Vision Pro. I led the design for the Vision Pro, enabling users to effortlessly host virtual watch parties that capture the excitement and connection of in-person gatherings in a digital space.

The final output for this project was an interactive prototype and poster.

TOOLS

Figma, Figjam

TIMELINE

10 Weeks

MY ROLE

UX/ UI Designer

View Prototype Jump to Solution

DISCOVER

Why do people participate in remote experiences?

We began the design process with an online ethnography focused on remote experiences related to the Olympics, e-sports, and sports. This approach allowed us to observe authentic user thoughts, behaviors, and challenges, providing valuable insights into the motivations behind streaming remotely.

The data from the ethnography provided us with a strong starting point, grounding our design process in real user insights. We were able to narrow down three key themes that guided how we designed our interviews.

Interviews

Upon identifying key themes in the ethnography, we conducted semi-structured interviews to learn more about, validate, or challenge these themes.
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We were able to interview 3 avid sports watchers, all of which were recruited through peer connections.

All insights were organized using an affinity diagram, allowing clustering of ideas. Through this process, I noticed significant overlaps, highlighting shared themes and needs among users. We moved into creating personas to get a clear reference point that would guide the final solution.

Feature Prioritization

We chose to approach our feature prioritization using the MoSCoW method. This method allowed us to clearly distinguish between essential elements and those that were less critical. We evaluated features based on two key parameters: (1) satisfaction across identified personas and (2) feasibility within the remaining 5-week timeframe.

Information Architecture

As our team was designing for multiple devices, we needed to ensure a consistent user experience across all platforms. To achieve this, we developed a comprehensive Information Architecture, which served as a blueprint for maintaining cohesive structure and functionality.

Wireframes

During this project, the Apple Vision Pro was still unreleased, so I guided my designs by studying existing VR interfaces, using them as a foundation while adapting elements to align with Apple’s Design System. Additionally, user flows were allocated across each device, with the Vision Pro focusing specifically on hosting watch parties.

What didn't work

The design mirrored that of the desktop version, with no variations between the two platforms, which ultimately didn’t deliver an immersive enough experience for the Vision Pro's VR environment.

How I Improved

I removed the window borders and experimented with frame sizes, creating a larger background-to-frame ratio to enhance the illusion of depth and immersion.

Vision Pro Design Considerations

Alongside the wireframing process, I conducted device-specific research to address unique design considerations. Given its VR capabilities, I focused on understanding the impact of Field of View on user comfort, ensuring an experience tailored to VR's immersive nature.

In the final solution, I applied this by positioning the previous and next screens visibly on either side of the canvas, centering the current screen. This layout provides: (1) a comfortable viewing experience and (2) a clear visual cue that additional sections are available for exploration, enhancing navigation and continuity.

DELIVER

The Olympic Experience, Anywhere

My solution takes the form of a customizable watch party experience for the viewer. This provides remote viewers to have the same viewing and social experience as the viewers watching the Olympics live.

Voice & Gesture Controls

The Voice-Activated Search with Gesture Controls enables users to activate the search function with voice commands and navigate results using a simple hand gesture. This hands-free approach enhances immersion, making search quick and intuitive on the Vision Pro.

Watch Rooms

Watch rooms allows users to share real-time experiences from different locations and customize their virtual environment. This personalization creates an immersive, shared excitement that enhances the sense of connection.

Athlete Information

Athlete information enhances engagement by providing viewers with instant access to athlete profiles, stats, and replays, allowing fans to connect more personally, analyze performances, and find inspiration in each athlete’s journey.

Retrospective

This project was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I had the freedom to envision what the Olympics might look like in 2032, allowing my creativity to soar. At the same time, I faced the constraint of grounding my design in current technology and practical solutions. Balancing this freedom to innovate with the limitations of existing tools taught me to think creatively within boundaries, pushing me to find unique ways to bridge the present and future in design.

Don't be afraid to experiment

This project had me iterating and sketching every single day, constantly discovering new areas for improvement. Often, the design I envisioned in my head didn’t work as expected when translated to sketches and wireframes—and that’s okay! Each iteration brought me closer to a more refined solution, teaching me that design is a fluid process of trial, error, and adaptation. Embracing these unexpected challenges was essential for growth and pushed my creativity further than I initially thought possible.