MLB Team "X" — Alana Zaleski

OAKLEY VISION PERFORMANCE LAB

UXR with a Major League Baseball Team, referred to as “Team X.”

OVERVIEW

This UXR study was part of a unique partnership between Oakley and “Team X.” Team X’s home field has a roof covering that makes it very difficult for players to see the ball when it is in the air. Because of this, Oakley sought to create and test a special lens designed for this team and their environment. Using PRIZM technology (Oakley’s patented tech that enhances certain colors over others in the environment) and color perception science, Oakley was able to help players in different positions see the ball better.

Major League players tested with Oakley Radar Ev sunglasses frames at their home field. The lenses inside of the frame alternated between two different PRIZM lenses. However, players were blind to the lens type and knew them only as “Pink Lens” and “Yellow Lens.”

This UXR was mixed methods, including A/B testing, usability, ethnography, qualitative interviewing, quantitative surveys, and spectral camera imaging.

USERS

The users in this study were major league and minor league players from Team X.

These users are experts in their field, professional athletes.

METHODS

Researchers traveled to Team X’s home field where they practice every day. Players practiced in their normal environment (drills, batting, etc.) while wearing the lenses. Researchers observed and recorded results and behavior.
The study was focused around usability with players. Players were separated into 3 groups within their respective position category (infielder, outfielder, catcher).
Participants evaluated 2 different lenses, known as “Pink Lens” and “Yellow Lens.” Only the researchers knew what the difference was between the two lens technologies.
Players were interviewed and a series of questions were asked after each round to understand players’ thoughts on each lens after use.
This survey was completed after each round, measuring things such as confidence, performance, attractiveness, and adoption.
In addition to testing with players, the researchers also used a spectral camera to understand color wavelengths emitted in the stadium.
A spectral imaging system is a technology used to capture and process information about the wavelength of light within an image. These systems are designed to capture multiple bands or channels of information across the electromagnetic spectrum beyond the visible light that human eyes can see.

PROCESS

Players followed a pre-established process for testing that the research team provided. It began with unboxing of the glasses and first impressions, then the infielders tested first doing grounders and pop flies. Next the outfielders did pop flies and line drives. Finally, the team did batting practice before filling out an exit questionnaire. Players were interviewed and filled out quantitative surveys after each step of the process.

FINDINGS

Infielders and outfielders have different needs, because they are looking in different areas of the field for the ball. There are different colors in their environments that need to be filtered accordingly depending on their position.
The difference between outfield vs. infield shows there isn’t one size that fits all solution-wise. Infielders preferred pink while outfielders preferred yellow.
Players preferred to wear a lens when compared to using their naked eyes. However, one of the lens solutions was liked more than the other.
Although players were testing the technology of the lenses, they reported that the Radar EV frames were very comfortable during intense movements. The fit was great with baseball hats and helmets too.