Nike Flight Ball

// INSIGHT & DIRECTION //

Learning from past experiences, I pushed to deliver technical innovation AND style innovation. This ball needed to feel different and look different.

// DE-COMPLEXIFICATION //

The goal of the project was to elevate surface texture to a new level. Since this ball was a significant departure from our usual construction methods, the early phase focused on organizing material and design challenges. We extensively explored the pattern, orientation, and amount of texture on the ball.

// VALIDATION //

Understanding ball aerodynamics is similar to tire tread: more and deeper grooves provide better grip but reduce speed. The Aerotrac grooves worked the same way in the air. To find the right balance, we used constant validation through lab testing and on-pitch athlete feedback.

// GRAPHICS & COLOR //

We had a talented designer who led the product and graphic design of the ball, effectively communicating his vision. I coached him on integrating product and graphic design for maximum impact. Collaborating with the Senior Product Director and Global Football Brand Director, we ensured the ball had strong brand support. The mostly white ball was a team effort, creating a unique graphic for the 2020 UEFA Euro Championships campaign.

// FINISHED EXECUTION //

The finished ball was visually stunning and delivered 30% truer flight compared to our previous model. Thanks to collaboration with our Nike Brand Team, the Flight ball received unprecedented marketing support, far exceeding any previous ball. It became a central product in the campaign for the 2020 UEFA Euro Championship and English Premier League.

TEAM CREDITS
Product Design / Brent Radewald & Miguel Herrera Macias
Graphic Design / Brent Radewald
PM / Ken Clark
Development / Dylan Durrell
Engineering / Arthur Molinari