Enhancing Sports Accessibility for Blind Fans with Innovative Technology
A Groundbreaking Game Experience
During a game on March 2 at Phoenix’s PHX Arena, the atmosphere electrified as a player made a remarkable half-court shot, igniting cheers from the crowd. For Jordan Moon, a member of the blind community, this moment was uniquely significant. Thanks to tactile tablets developed by the Seattle-based startup OneCourt, Moon and other visually impaired fans could experience the game in an immersive new way.
These innovative devices vibrate in response to the ball’s movement and events such as scoring attempts, allowing users to feel the action unfold despite their visual limitations. For Moon, who leads the Saavi Services for the Blind’s Phoenix center, the technology enriched the overall fan experience beyond traditional spectating.
Technology Transforming Fan Engagement
The tactile tablets provide a miniature representation of the basketball court, relaying real-time updates through vibrations and audio cues. OneCourt, which has gained recognition for its accessibility solutions, has partnered with various professional sports franchises, implementing their tablets in venues to enhance inclusivity for blind and low-vision fans.
Since its founding in 2021, OneCourt has rapidly expanded its partnerships, becoming a prominent player in the field of accessible sports technology. Their breakthrough came during the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, after which teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns began integrating these devices into their games.
The Shape of Accessible Tech
OneCourt’s devices feature a pixelated surface that helps translate game dynamics into tactile sensations. By collaborating directly with users during development, the company aims to ensure its tablets are practical and enhance the social experience of attending live sports events.
In addition to OneCourt, other companies like Touch2see in France and Field of Vision in Dublin are also innovating in this space, providing similar tactile technologies at various sports venues worldwide.
Optimizing User Experience
The development of these tactile tablets has involved extensive iterations and user feedback. Kunal Mehta, OneCourt’s user experience designer, emphasizes the need for these devices to be user-friendly, minimizing effort while maximizing engagement.
To accommodate users in social settings, many devices are designed to function effectively throughout large arenas, enabling blind fans to sit alongside friends and family while engaging with the game. Fast data transmission is crucial, allowing the devices to provide almost instantaneous updates on game events.
Financial Viability and Collaborative Efforts
The financial model for deploying these devices often involves sponsorships along with direct collaborations with teams. Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation, has supported multiple NBA initiatives with OneCourt, facilitating the distribution of devices to enhance viewer engagement.
Additionally, feedback from blind and low-vision users indicates that while the devices show promise, further enhancements are desired, particularly regarding how they integrate with existing audio commentary systems.
User Feedback: Promises and Challenges
Feedback from users who tested these tablets has been largely positive, highlighting their impact on engagement and enjoyment. Macaulay Beasley, another Saavi member, noted that the tactile experience fundamentally altered how he perceived the game’s dynamics.
However, some users suggested improvements are needed, especially in integrating real-time commentary that aligns with the tactile feedback provided by the tablets.
Looking to the Future
Despite optimism surrounding these devices, concerns remain regarding their sustainability and the potential for abandonment, a sentiment echoed by accessibility advocates. Experts warn that the longevity of these technologies could be uncertain, emphasizing non-technology-specific enhancements for live sporting events.
As OneCourt seeks to bring its technology into homes in the coming years, the commitment to sustaining the innovation while improving accessibility for blind fans continues to be pivotal.
