// NIKE merlin //
// MISSION //
// PROBLEMS TO SOLVE //
World Cup years brought extra focus on Global Football teams. We held numerous meetings with senior leadership to align vision and direction. Beyond ball-specific insights, we demonstrated how the ball connected to the category to amplify Footwear and Apparel stories.
// DE-COMPLEXIFICATION //
Designing a ball isn't rocket science, but it's more complex than it seems. We used a four-panel construction and updated Aerotrac grooves for the first time. I simplified the development process into understandable steps, ensuring consistent criteria for judgment and validation. I also collaborated with the Design team to use new 3D tools for better visualization and communication of our design intent.
Since this was a World Cup year, the ball graphic had to match the Footwear and Apparel graphics. There was internal debate, with strong opinions from the Football Category GM. One group wanted an edgy design, while another preferred a traditional look. I created a range of options exploring both extremes.
We traveled as a cross-functional team to Florida for an elite tournament to get feedback from players. I led the engagement with athletes using a feedback games like 'Cool vs. Shit,' where small groups sorted graphics into two piles. I took notes and visualized the data to share with the broader teams at Nike, helping resolve disagreements and agree on a focus.
// FINISHED EXECUTION //
Based on a combination of player feedback and internal dynamics, the graphic ended up somewhere in the middle. The new four-panel construction and Aerotrac grooves performed brilliantly. All aspects of the design were well received by professional and competitive players alike.
// RESULTS //
The graphic connected well to many of the apparel kits, though, as was often the case, the color and graphic direction of the boots changed at the last minute and ended up looking nothing like the original design. However, the ball still looked great.
TEAM CREDITS
Product Design / Myself
Graphic Design / Myself
PM / Rafael Ortega
Development / Linda Castleberry
Engineering / Arthur Molinari