YES Pick N Play Live

Simplebet and YES Network collaborated to introduce "Pick-N-Play Live," a real-time prediction game integrated into the YES App for live Brooklyn Nets and New York Yankees games. Users predict in-game moments to rise up the.

The user-friendly interface enhance fan engagement and increase watch times. This partnership underscores Simplebet's dedication to transforming fan engagement through micro-market technology, showcasing their commitment to redefining media-gaming convergence.

In the news

Impact

Users averaged 25 predictions per game

during 2022 Yankees season

50% of users continuing to play at least 14 days after their initial contest

25.08% year-over-year increase in unique users for MLB games

Context

YES Network was looking for innovative methods to boost fan watch time during Yankees and Nets games.

Simplebet had the opportunity to provide YES with baseball and basketball odds to power a prediction game that could be overlaid on top of their broadcasts.

The goal

Design a free-to-play live prediction game using Simplebet’s live sports betting data to engage fans and increase watch time on the YES network app

Create designs tailored for both landscape and portrait mode

Approach

I collaborated closely with a fellow Simplebet designer, alongside product and engineering to ensure clear communication and alignment throughout the process.

I also maintained consistent communication with the YES Network to ensure alignment which was crucial for our ambitious timeline.

Getting buy-in

The design phase kicked off during initial discussions with YES. At the network's request, I quickly produced high-fidelity mock-ups to aid their decision-making and provide a glimpse into the Pick-N-Play game's potential appearance.

These designs aimed to win over YES Network and ignite excitement for our envisioned possibilities.

They successfully persuaded the network, propelling us into the brainstorming phase.

Listing out our prediction options

Next, our design team of two, in collaboration with product, assessed the list of game predictions available for MLB and NBA that we could offer.

These options were curated based on the data and odds provided by Simplebet.

Early brainstorming

With a clear understanding of our markets and selections, we began brainstorming layouts that would allow users to easily find and place predictions.

To avoid overshadowing the game action, we deliberated extensively on the layout. After discussing with engineers, we narrowed down potential directions for implementation.

To avoid overshadowing the game action, we deliberated extensively on the layout. Based on user learnings from other Simplebet products, we opted for a team-centric menu that allowed users to bet on one team at a time.

After discussing with engineers, we narrowed down potential directions for implementation.

Iterating and high fidelity

The design team continued collaborating closely to build out a design system that carefully matched the preexisting styling of the other overlays YES already had for stats on their broadcasts.

We presented these designs to YES’s main designer and continued refining until receiving their approval. Next, we took the components and made a design system that worked for both landscape and portrait mode.

User testing and beyond

Next, we performed user interviews with an early version of the game to assess user engagement and identify confusion points. We iterated on the designs to better help users understand how their free coin currency worked and what voided bets meant.

After, I developed instructional videos for NBA and MLB which was utilized by YES for promotions on their social media.

Lessons learned

It's crucial to honor client constraints such as limited real estate and leverage those limitations to craft something distinctive and memorable.