PORTLAND, Oregon – Brian Vu has been an NBA fan, but he has never experienced a game like he had played that game in Portland last week.
His hometown Trail Blazers beat not only the Memphis Grizzlies but also the first time in his life, he said he felt involved in the competition, with 18,491 players participating in each segment at the Moda Center.
Vu has low vision and has not seen a single game in the Trail Blazers’ 115-99 victory. But he felt every score, every mistake, every shot.
The 32-year-old VU uses a haptic device that allows him to perform actions in real time through vibrations through his fingers. The device was unveiled this season by Onecourt, based in Seattle. After three pilot trials last spring, the Trail Blazers in January became the first NBA team to serve fans. Since then, Sacramento and Phoenix have also been providing equipment in the game.
Using a laptop-sized device with a basketball court profile, users with impaired vision will feel vibrations indicating ball movement. The earpiece gives the latest updates on the scores and the results of the game, whether it’s stealing, blocking shots, three-pointers or something else.
Onecourt founder Jerred Mace compared the concept to a tactile animator, thus performing the fantasy of motion through pixels.
“We’ve basically built similar features to the visual screen, but what you see is the pixels you feel,” Mess said.
So although vu cannot look Trail Blazers defender Scoot Henderson, his favorite player, zippers in defense, he can Feel The plays were spread across the device on his legs through his fingertips.
Brian Vu uses Onecourt devices to perform visual impairment to follow the live Portland Trail Blazers game. (Jason Quick / The Athletic)
VU says his fan experience has changed exponentially.
“It’s cool. I feel more independent,” Vu said. “I usually annoyed my friend during the game and asked him, ‘What happened?’ So now, I can explain the game in my head…and I’m not going to be left out.”
VU competed in the Trail Blazers with his friend James Kim, a recipient of many elbow jabs and many problems in the game over the years. Kim and Vu were in sync when the Trail Blazers exited in the third quarter, Oohing and Aahing were in sync when Shaedon Sharpe dunks or Donovan Clingan refused to shoot.
“Often, he’s like, ‘Who shot? What just happened?’ To me, it’s not a big deal, but it’s definitely an upgrade,” King said of VU. “He can enjoy the game without having to stop and get the details from me, so I think it’s great for him.”
VU’s experience is exactly what Mace hoped for when brainstorming ideas as a student at the University of Washington. Mace, 24, grew up in Spokane, Washington, with her parents with disabilities. He also wore such thick glasses, which was called “goggles” by his classmates. There was astigmatism in his left eye – one could see 80 feet away and only 20 feet – although his vision was improved by surgery and he wore the spots through the spots on his right eye, he had lasting sympathy and understanding for people with disabilities.
“You tied these experiences together, and I think it was just going all out for this work,” Metz said. “I think it brought me a lot of perspective and appreciation, a different experience of the world.”
During his junior year in Washington, he was surfing through social media when he found a blind man watching videos of football games. A woman in the stands moved her hands to the board to mimic the game movement.
Onecourt’s idea was born.
“The body of this experience stands out to me and as someone struggling with vision, it’s an attractive crossroads for me,” said Mays.
Onecourt employees, led by founder Jerred Mace (most right), provide a powerful way for fans with visually impaired events to enjoy sports. (Provided by Onecourt)
He put forward his ideas at the University of Washington’s 2022 science and technology display cabinet. The idea is still in its infancy, just without a research poster for physical products, but won the first place and a $2,000 bonus.
The game takes tennis as an example, but Metz’s wishes are wider. He knew the key would connect the idea with data that was readily available. Starting in the 2023-24 season, all NBA arenas are equipped with light tracking technology that captures players and ball sports in real time. The NBA says every arena’s after substation is stationed in up to 20 tracking devices.
Mace contacted the Trail Blazers with this idea and was introduced to the NBA with their help. The value of the alliance’s cooperation with Metz.
“We are excited to work with the teams of Jerred and Onecourt to use technology to promote their mission to make fans with visual impairment enjoy NBA games,” said Jason Bieber, vice president of new business at NBA. “We are excited to be taking over at the current NBA Launchpad company, so we can continue to collaborate and explore more possibilities in the field.”
Within four months, Mace will have access to NBA data and start pilot testing at the end of last season.
“The NBA is innovative in terms of technology like this and accessibility to fans,” said Matthew Gardner, senior director of insights at Trail Blazers. “They saw the benefits that it could do, and they were like, ‘Hey, no problem. We unlocked it for you.'”
“I think (the NBA) are always looking for new apps for their data, which happens to be a very special one. It’s not backend analytics. It’s not sports betting on the front end. It’s the potential to change someone’s life and the whole experience and relationship with sports.”
Trail Blazers fans clapped while a set of equipment leaned against his leg. The device creates a focused but private gaming day scene for people with visual impairment. (Contributed by Portland Trail Blazers)
VU and Kim can prove that when Vu experiences Trail Blazers with Onecourt devices, it’s a game-changer. Vu and Kim are locked and sounded from their finish area seats and anyone in the arena.
VU couldn’t clap his hands because it would cause his hands to lose track of movement. But his legs kept moving, and he shouted with the crowd: “f fens!
“There’s a steal and you can feel the vibrations to the other side – really fast – I’m so excited,” Vu said. “I know why the crowd cheered. Before, I didn’t understand what was going on.”
VU estimated that he once participated in the Trail Blazers game once a year. It was exciting to hear the crowd and the sounds, but he always felt independent and behind.
“It’s a completely different experience now,” he said. “I have the best of both worlds.”
Kim could only smile as he watched Vu’s hand move quickly through the device, his feet pounding nervously.
“He really likes the game,” King said, nodding to his friend. “He’s like he’s doing partitions.”
Gardner said several other NBA teams also called him for feedback after the Trail Blazers debuted on January 11. He told the team that at least one device was checked out for almost every home game, and that providing it was crucial for the fan experience.
“Being a fan should be for everyone,” Gardner said. “This opens up a whole new world for blind and low-eye fans. We’ve seen all the faces of people who have used it so far.”
Mays said that as more teams ask about services, his eight employees (full-time) company is preparing for demand. Portland and Sacramento have five devices that can be reserved on the market or inspected on the lobby, while Phoenix has 10 devices. With NBA sponsor Ticketmaster, fans don’t need to pay for the device.
The impact has expanded beyond the number of people using the device, Metz said.
“Someone might think, ‘Oh, this device will only affect five people in the stadium.” But in fact, the ripple effect is incredible. “Mays said. “Now, the circle of who goes to the game – friends and family – has expanded because everyone can share experiences. ”
VU said the device is easy to use after listening to a two-minute tutorial, but he hopes the audio can include specific signs such as which player owns the ball and which player is shooting. These may be future updates.
Currently, VU says knowing the equipment provided by the Trail Blazers has increased his chances of participating in more games.
“Oh, 1,000%,” Vu said. “I might see myself having five games a year. It’s just a better experience.”
(Top photos provided by Portland Trail Blazers)
