Product Teardown: College Football is Getting Sideline Tablets
Taking a closer look at DVSport's Rewind Product
In a game where every second counts, college football teams are about to get a significant technology boost.
DVSport's Rewind, running on Microsoft Surface tablets, is set to change how coaches and players analyze the game in real-time.
Check out a quick demo video below from @ChrisVannini on Twitter. You can also find the video on Twitter, linked on the screenshot below.
Let's break down this innovative product and see how it's going to transform in-game strategy and player development.
Key Features
1. Multi-Angle Video Feed
Three video angles available: TV program feed, coaches' sideline (All 22), and coaches' high end zone
Videos are sorted by type: offense, defense, and special teams
Further organized by series for easy navigation
2. Rapid Video Availability
Clips start when the center puts their hand on the ball
Coaches' feeds available seconds after a tackle
TV feed follows shortly after, including any replays or additional angles
3. Intuitive User Interface
Video playback controls on both sides of the screen
Timeline feature for quick navigation within a play
Zoom capability for detailed analysis
4. Telestration Tool
Allows coaches to draw on the screen for teaching points
Annotations disappear when play resumes, keeping the view clean
5. Play Favoriting
Ability to star or "favorite" specific plays
Favorites folder for quick access to marked plays
Useful for halftime reviews or post-game analysis
6. Series-Based Organization:
Plays are grouped by series
Easy navigation between plays within a series
Use Case Scenarios
There are many use cases for this technology in-game. Here are a few to give you an idea of the potential impact of this product in college football:
1. Offensive Play Adjustment
Scenario: The offense just ran a failed play on 2nd and 10.
Application: The offensive coordinator quickly pulls up the All-22 view on the tablet. He notices the safety's unexpected blitz that disrupted the play. Using the telestration tool, he draws up a hot route for the slot receiver to exploit the gap left by the blitzing safety. The quarterback reviews this before the next play, potentially turning a would-be sack into a big gain.
2. Defensive Scheme Correction
Scenario: The opponent's offense has just completed their third successful screen pass of the quarter.
Application: During a timeout, the defensive coordinator gathers the linebackers. He uses the tablet to show a side-by-side comparison of all three plays from the end zone angle. By zooming in, he points out how the linebackers are consistently getting caught up in traffic, allowing the screen to develop. He then demonstrates the correct pursuit angles, potentially shutting down a key component of the opponent's offense.
3. Special Teams Analysis
Scenario: The team's punt coverage unit just allowed a long return.
Application: While the offense is on the field, the special teams coach reviews the play. Using the timeline feature, he quickly identifies where the coverage broke down. He favorites this play to review with the entire unit at halftime, ensuring they can make the necessary adjustments for the second half.
4. Halftime Adjustments
Scenario: It's halftime, and the team is trailing.
Application: The head coach pulls up the favorites folder, which contains key plays from the first half that assistant coaches have marked. In just a few minutes, he can review the most critical moments - both positive and negative - and use these to inform his second-half strategy.
5. Player Development
Scenario: A freshman cornerback is struggling with his coverage technique.
Application: After a series where the corner gave up two receptions, the defensive backs coach sits with him on the bench. They review each play from multiple angles, with the coach using the telestration tool to show proper positioning. This real-time teaching moment accelerates the young player’s growth.
6. Recognizing Opponent Patterns
Scenario: The opposing quarterback seems to be favoring certain routes in specific situations.
Application: The defensive coordinator uses the favorites feature to compile all third-down plays. By quickly swiping through these plays, he identifies a tendency in the opponent's play-calling. This insight allows him to call a defensive play that anticipates and counters the opponent's likely move on a late-game third down.
User Experience (UX) and Ease of Adoption
DVSport's Rewind stands out not just for its simple and useful features, but for its remarkably user-friendly design. Let's break down how the UX elements contribute to a low barrier of adoption:
1. Intuitive Touch Interface
Leverages the familiar touch screen capabilities of the Microsoft Surface
Large, easily tappable buttons for video control
Swipe gestures for navigating between plays and angles
2. Clear Visual Hierarchy
Plays are organized logically by type (offense, defense, special teams) and series
Color-coding and icons help quickly distinguish between different play types
Favorites are easily accessible, reducing time spent searching for key plays
3. Minimal Learning Curve
Interface mimics familiar video playback controls (play, pause, rewind, fast forward)
Telestration tool works like a basic drawing app, requiring no special training
Timeline feature for quick navigation is similar to popular video streaming services
4. Contextual Design
Layout is optimized for sideline use, with large buttons and clear visuals that are easy to see and interact with in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
Multiple angle options are presented clearly, allowing for quick switches based on the specific analysis needed
5. Responsive Feedback
Immediate video loading upon play selection provides instant gratification and maintains focus
Visual feedback when favoriting plays ensures users know their action was registered
6. Streamlined Workflow
The process from play completion to video availability is automated, requiring no user input
Coaches can begin analysis within seconds of a play ending, fitting seamlessly into the natural flow of the game
7. Accessibility Considerations
High contrast interface ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to overcast days
Zoom feature accommodates different visual needs and allows for detailed analysis
The user-centric design of DVSport's Rewind is an excellent example of creating technology that enhances rather than complicates the user's primary task. By mimicking familiar interfaces and streamlining the workflow, the system ensures that coaches and players can focus on game strategy rather than wrestling with technology.
This low barrier to adoption is table-stakes for a product that will be used under time and situation pressures. Coaches and players don't have time for extensive training or complicated systems. DVSport's Rewind allows them to dive in and start benefiting from the technology immediately, making it not just a powerful tool, but one that teams are likely to embrace and use to its full potential.
The simplicity of the design embodies the principle that the best technology is invisible – it simply allows users to do their jobs better, faster, and more effectively.
Great teardown! I've been trying to write teardowns myself recently and haven't quite figured out the format yet. This is a good one. I like the breakdown by key features & use cases. I have tended to approach teardowns from a 'feeling' perspective, product sense rather than cold hard facts.
Thank you for the inspo!