Innovative Haptic Technology Transforms NBA Game Experience for Visually Impaired Fans
PORTLAND, Ore. — Recent advancements in technology are revolutionizing how visually impaired fans engage with live sporting events. Brian Vu, a dedicated Portland Trail Blazers supporter, recently attended a game that marked a significant milestone in his experience as a fan.
A Game-Changing Experience
During a recent matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Vu, who has low vision, utilized a haptic device developed by OneCourt that enabled him to actively engage with the game despite not being able to see the action. The Trail Blazers secured a 115-99 victory, but for Vu, the real triumph was being an active participant alongside the 18,491-strong crowd at Moda Center.
Understanding the Haptic Device
The innovative device, introduced this season following successful pilot trials, offers a tactile means for visually impaired fans to follow live sports. Resembling a laptop, the device features a basketball court outline that conveys game dynamics through vibrations. Alongside tactile feedback, an earpiece provides real-time audio descriptions, including scoring updates and play outcomes.
According to Jerred Mace, founder of OneCourt, the device creates sensations akin to “pixels that you feel,” enabling users to experience the game’s excitement even without sight.
“We’ve basically built this display that functions similarly to a visual screen, but instead of pixels that you see, these are pixels that you feel,” said Mace.
A Newfound Independence
Vu expressed that his fan experience had profoundly changed. Previously reliant on friends for play-by-play updates, he described a newfound independence and clarity in following the game’s narrative:
“It’s pretty cool. I feel more independent. … Now, I can interpret the game in my head … and I don’t feel excluded,” Vu noted.
His Journey With the Trail Blazers
Vu attended the game with friend James Kim, who has frequently assisted him in understanding the game’s unfolding. Kim reflected on Vu’s increased engagement with the action:
“This is definitely an upgrade,” Kim said. “He can enjoy the game without having to stop and get the details from me.”
The Vision Behind OneCourt
The inception of OneCourt originated from Mace’s experiences growing up with visual challenges, which sparked his empathy and understanding of accessibility needs. His idea for a tactile sports experience gained momentum during a university showcase event in 2022, winning recognition and funding for further development.
In partnership with the NBA and following the league’s implementation of optical tracking technology in arenas, Mace successfully piloted the device during the 2023-24 season with responsive feedback from various NBA teams, including the Trail Blazers.
Matthew Gardner, the Blazers’ senior director of customer insights, reinforced the team’s commitment to enhancing the game-day experience for all fans:
“Being a fan should be for everybody. This unlocks an entirely new world for our fans who are blind and have low vision.”
Future Implications
With continued interest from other NBA teams, OneCourt is gearing up to meet rising demand. Currently, both Portland and Sacramento offer several devices for fan use, all provided at no cost to attendees, thanks to support from Ticketmaster.
Vu, enthused by his recent experience, anticipates attending more games in the future, which reflects the potential ripple effect of this innovation within the community:
“Now it’s a whole different experience,” he said. “I’ve got the best of both worlds.”
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, the integration of haptic feedback devices like OneCourt highlights a significant leap forward in creating inclusive environments in sports. For fans like Brian Vu, the ability to feel the game transforms not just their experience but also enriches the essence of sports fandom as a collective journey.
(Photo courtesy of Portland Trail Blazers)
