Seattle startup OneCourt has developed a tactile/haptics device that allows vision-impaired sports fans to feel and follow the action in games like football, basketball, and baseball. The device syncs to television or radio broadcasts of games, translating key movements and plays into spatial haptics that users can feel through vibrations and tactile playing-field outlines under their fingers. This technology aims to provide blind or low-vision fans with a more immersive experience while watching games, enhancing their understanding of the gameplay beyond just audio commentary.
CEO Jerred Mace founded OneCourt over two years ago while studying industrial and product design at the University of Washington. His team includes three other University of Washington graduates who all share a passion for innovation and accessibility. They aim to bring the excitement of sports to everyone, regardless of their visual impairments. The company leverages data that is already collected by professional sports teams and leagues for various purposes, such as the NFL’s Amazon-powered Next Gen Stats, to enhance the user experience of blind or low-vision fans of sports.
OneCourt’s efforts have been supported by a 12-month grant from Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility program, as well as a partnership with T-Mobile for technical support, 5G integration, and workspace access. The startup has also received recognition and funding from various competitions and programs, including the Flywheel Investment Conference and the Dempsey Startup Competition. Their first in-venue pilot was with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, where vision-impaired fans using the device were able to feel a part of the action during the games. This experience has been described as special and rewarding for both the users and the team behind OneCourt.
Blind or low-vision sports fans often rely on audio commentary to follow games, which can be behind live action and lack spatial details. OneCourt’s haptics technology complements the audio experience by providing users with a tactile understanding of the gameplay and enabling them to build a holistic picture of the events taking place on the field or court. CEO Jerred Mace emphasizes the importance of touch in forming meaning from different senses, highlighting how tactile feedback can enhance the overall experience for vision-impaired individuals. The device aims to bridge the gap between audio commentary and visual understanding, offering a more inclusive and immersive way for fans to enjoy their favorite sports.
Jerred Mace and his team at OneCourt view their technology as a human-centric application that aims to improve foundational experiences with sports for blind or low-vision individuals. By utilizing data collected by sports teams and leagues, the startup is able to enhance the user experience through innovative haptics technology. The company’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity has garnered support from various organizations, including Microsoft and T-Mobile, who have recognized the impact of their work in making sports more enjoyable for vision-impaired fans. The success of OneCourt at competitions and pilot programs demonstrates the positive reception and demand for such innovative solutions in the sports entertainment industry.
The feedback from vision-impaired fans who have used the OneCourt device during sports games has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to feel more connected to the action on the field or court. CEO Jerred Mace and his team continue to refine and expand their technology to reach more users and provide them with a unique and accessible way to experience sports. With ongoing partnerships and support from the tech and sports communities, OneCourt is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of vision-impaired individuals who are passionate about sports, offering them a new way to engage and interact with the games they love.
