Bringing real-time data to NASCAR Cup teams

Team Analytics is an application developed specifically for NASCAR Cup teams. It lets users compare race car telemetry in real time for training purposes and to adjust strategy during an event.  The race is also simulated in Unity to give even more visual feedback to users. Team Analytics has been adopted by over 80% of cup teams who now consider it a mandatory tool in their race planning and is also being used by FOX during their NASCAR broadcasts. I was the sole designer on this project responsible for wire framing, mock-ups, and final UI artwork.

Initial design iteration for the iPad

Team Analytics started as most new projects do, with a conference call.  I made quick sketches of ideas as they came during the call and quickly turned them around into something presentable.  The iPad app design was ditched early on as we learned that most teams relied on PCs for their data needs and most didn't use iPads. 

Rough sketch based on conference call with NASCAR

Initial wireframe and mock-up

Wireframing

Designing an app specifically for NASCAR Cup team use was a tough challenge.  There are many different components that had to come together to make the app useful for professional teams.  First and foremost was strip chart data.  Getting this right was critical as most teams already ingest their cars ECU data in this form.  Also of importance was easy comparison of up to three cars at the same time and keeping the data readable in a  3D scene.  This involved camera management and driver line data displaying brake and throttle.

​Mockups

The look was designed to echo NASCAR's current app branding which makes heavy use of green and dark greys. To quickly identify which cars telemetry was being analyzed, I settled on a color scheme of blue, purple and orange for the app's telemetry modules.

​Font and Style Guide

In addition to these guides, I provide one on one guidance to the engineers building and maintaining Team Analytics​.

Conclusion

The first year of Team Analytics, the NASCAR 2018 season,  was quite successful.  The majority of Cup teams have adopted the app for their data needs and many have stated that Team Analytics has become a vitally important tool for their race planning.