AI-Powered Basketball Analytics App Design

When I joined Anova as a Product Designer, the founder had built a functional basketball coaching analytics platform with powerful AI-driven game simulation capabilities, but the product lacked cohesive design and user experience. The existing interface was developer-built with basic UI components that served as proof-of-concept rather than a market-ready product.

Key Challenges:

• Fragmented User Experience: Multiple disconnected interfaces with inconsistent navigation and information architecture
• Developer-Built UI: Functional but not intuitive for coaches who needed quick, actionable insights during high-pressure situations
• Complex Data Visualization: Advanced Monte Carlo simulations and game analytics LLM data needed to be digestible for non-technical users
• Missing Core Features: Essential coaching workflows like team permissions, video analysis, and game preparation weren't properly designed
• Go-to-Market Pressure: The product needed to launch with a complete redesign by September 2025 (Close to 2 months before redesign)

1. Discovery & User Research I began by understanding the existing technical capabilities and conducting stakeholder interviews with the founder to map out the core value proposition. The platform's strength was in its AI-powered game simulations, but coaches didn't understand the technical wording.

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2. Information Architecture Redesign I restructured the entire application around coaching workflows:

• Game Preparation (simulation analysis, playbook management)
• Live Game Support (quick stats, player tracking)
• Post-Game Analysis (performance insights, video review)
• Team Management (player development, permissions)
• Training Tools (scheduling, skill tracking)

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3. Design System Development Working with the existing Mantine UI foundation that developers were using, I:

• Established consistent color coding (red for win probability, blue for matchups, green for success factors)
• Created modular component library with cards, dashboards, and data visualizations
• Designed responsive layouts that work on tablets for courtside use

4. Feature Design & Development I designed entirely new features while redesigning existing ones:

New Features:

• Team Permissions System: Role-based access for Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Players
• Video Analysis Interface: Upload and analysis workflows with empty states
• Landing Page: Marketing site with accurate product representation
• Settings & User Management: Complete admin interface for team organization

Redesigned Features:

• Game Simulation Dashboard: Transformed complex Monte Carlo data into actionable coaching insights
• Playbook Management: Visual play cards with situational adjustments
• Analytics Dashboard: Clean, scannable interface for quick decision-making

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Core Design Principles:

1. Coach-First Language: Replaced technical jargon with basketball terminology
2. Hierarchical Information: Most critical data prominent, details accessible on demand
3. Contextual Actions: Every insight paired with actionable next steps
4. Mobile-Responsive: Designed for tablet use during games and practice

Game Simulation Analysis

• Two-column layout showing Win Probability, Projected Score, and Critical Advantage
• Four-quadrant overview with Success Factors, Key Matchups, Win/Loss Patterns, and Keys to Victory
• IF-THEN-RESULT flow for situational adjustments that coaches can quickly scan

Playbook Management

• Visual play cards with color-coded categories (offensive, defensive, special situations)
• Drag-and-drop game plan builder with AI recommendations
• Practice integration buttons for immediate action

Team Management

• Clear permission levels with visual indicators
• Invitation system with pending/sent/declined states
• User management with role changes and access controls

Navigation & Flow

• Persistent sidebar with clear iconography
• Tab-based organization within complex features
• Breadcrumb navigation for deep workflows

Product Launch Success:

• Successfully launched the completely redesigned platform September 2025
• Transformed a developer proof-of-concept into a market-ready tool
• Created a scalable design system that supports rapid feature development

User Experience Impact:

• Improved Comprehension: Complex AI insights now digestible for coaches at all technical levels
• Faster Decision Making: Critical game information accessible within 2-3 clicks
• Mobile Accessibility: Tablet-optimized interface for courtside use
• Professional Credibility: Modern, polished interface that builds trust with coaching staff

Technical Implementation:

• Maintained compatibility with existing Mantine UI components
• Created reusable component library reducing development time for new features
• Implemented responsive design patterns that work across devices
• Established consistent data visualization patterns for complex analytics

Business Impact:

• Enabled successful product launch within tight timeline
• Created foundation for user onboarding and feature adoption
• Established visual brand identity that differentiates from generic sports analytics tools
• Built scalable design system supporting future feature development

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