Building a Unified Experience for High School Sports Streaming
NFHS Network
My Role
Branding, Creative Direction, UI Design, Team Lead, Design System
Overview
The NFHS Network, a leading high school sports streaming platform, offers live and on-demand game access across tvOS, native mobile devices, and web platforms. They approached Dragon Army to create an omni-channel design system that would ensure consistency and quality across all platforms. Our goal was to build a user-friendly, seamless experience that would elevate engagement and foster a multi-year relationship with NFHS Network.
Challenges
The project required a design system that worked fluidly across multiple platforms, from tvOS to web, while respecting the new NFHS branding guidelines. Additionally, we needed to account for diverse event types—from football games and baseball tournaments to morning announcements and graduation ceremonies—ensuring each event was easily distinguishable and visually consistent.
Solution
Our team developed a comprehensive design system that seamlessly translated across iOS, Android, web, tvOS, Roku, and Google TV. The system allowed for platform-specific customization while maintaining brand coherence. We also created unique imagery and iconography, helping users easily identify different types of events across high schools. This enhanced both usability and the overall viewing experience.
Delight
To add an element of surprise and drive engagement, we developed five animated badges for attendees to unlock by interacting with others and participating in expo events. These badges acted as digital collectibles, with each animation representing a different milestone or experience. This playful touch encouraged attendees to explore, connect, and fully immerse themselves in the event.
Conclusion
The NFHS Network now provides a seamless, high-quality viewing experience across all major platforms, delivering a unified user experience that aligns with the company’s vision. Our collaboration resulted in an omni-channel design system that supports the NFHS Network’s brand identity and ensures users enjoy consistent, reliable access to high school sports and events.
6
Platforms
+14M
Total Users
+19K
High Schools
What I have appreciated about our partnership with Dragon Army is their accountability. They know the performance of our cross-platform product has a profound impact on our business. It's how we've expanded from web and native apps to several connected platforms. They know their stuff and they're awesome people to work with.
Eric Gutierrez
CMO @ PlayOn! Sports
