Excitement, anticipation, suspense, disappointment – whether you were engrossed in Wimbledon, UEFA Euros or The Open Championship recently, you may have experienced a mix of these emotions. Reaching the finals of the Euros 2024, meant an England win was in touching distance. Yet, unfortunately, the result didn’t go in our nation’s favour. Heart wrenching. That however, is the beauty of sports; the invested passion surrounding such games is so apparent, because ultimately there can only be one winner.

It is in the days and weeks following such games and tournaments, that athletes go on to unpick the play and learn from the outcome to move forward. How these sporting professionals go about their reflective training processes, is what we as product designers and enthusiasts are fascinated in. Analysing matches and individual performance for the purpose of continuous improvement, today utilises a wide range of advanced technologies.

Due to the digital world that we live in, join us in looking at the vast array of modern technology that is currently available to assist with coaching and provide learning opportunities. Inclusive of AI, wearable tech and Virtual Reality, these applications are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sporting world more than ever before…

We as spectators replay the sports we watch at home, so carrying out enhanced video analysis will indeed be a top priority for athletes and their management. Replaying footage to obtain a detailed analysis of play and individual performances is nothing new, yet combined with artificial intelligence applications -that provides another level of insight! Algorithms can analyse vast amounts of historical and real time data to identify patterns and offer predictive insights. Repeating movements, positioning, stamina and tactics can all be detected and scrutinised. Thus, providing a more thorough understanding of both their own team and opponent behaviours.

Advanced wearable technology will in addition provide enhanced information on individual players. Devices can track a wide array of biometric data, including heart rate, GPS positioning, acceleration and body temperature. This information will assist coaches in monitoring players’ physical conditions in real time, allowing for personalised training and game adjustments.

Then there’s the use of Virtual Reality. VR is a technology that creates a simulated environment that can match or contrast, that of the real world. It immerses the user into a 3D interactive experience, using VR headsets and controllers. VR is commonly adopted in athletes training schedules allowing them to experience match-like conditions without physical exertion. They can practice decision-making, positioning and reacting to game scenarios in a controlled environment. From this, the VR simulations provide immediate feedback, assisting players to refine their techniques.

The integration of AI, wearable technology and Virtual Reality into sports is transforming how athletes train, perform and engage. These increasingly more intelligent technologies provide deeper insights and create more immersive experiences, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sporting world. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly bring even more innovative changes to sports. It’s an exciting time to be alive!

ITERATE are a product design consultancy and we have designed numerous devices for the sporting world over the years. If you are interested in our services or would just like an introduction chat, do get in touch -we are always happy to talk.