Nike Focus Group: Development Academy

Summary

In a recent discussion, Carl Z, a Product Manager at Nike, emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from elite players for shin guard development. He highlighted that the focus is not on creating a single product for one player, but rather on designing guards tailored to various styles of play. Insights from elite athletes, who are actively engaged in training and competition, are essential for understanding current requirements and enhancing product performance. The aim is to produce shin guards that players desire and that improve their game experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Carl Z is a product manager at Nike focused on shin guard development.
• 😀 The team is seeking feedback from elite players to improve their shin guard designs.
• 😀 It's essential to gather insights from players who train and compete at a high level.
• 😀 Elite players understand the current requirements of the game and can provide valuable feedback.
• 😀 The design approach is to create shin guards suitable for specific styles of play rather than individual players.
• 😀 Current designs include materials like carbon, which can be heavy but offer specific benefits.
• 😀 Insights from young elite players who emulate stars like Ronaldinho, Rooney, and Ronaldo are particularly valuable.
• 😀 The goal is to produce shin guards that players want to buy and use effectively.
• 😀 Improving product design based on player feedback can enhance performance and marketability.
• 😀 The session is part of a weekend initiative to refine Nike's shin guard offerings.

Q & A

Who is Carl Z and what is his role at Nike?

Carl Z is a product manager at Nike, responsible for shin guard development.

What is the primary focus of Carl's work this weekend?

Carl is focused on reviewing existing shinguards and those currently in development to gather feedback from elite players.

Why is feedback from elite players important for Nike?

Feedback from elite players is crucial because they have the daily training and match experience needed to inform product improvements.

What insights does Carl hope to gain from elite players?

Carl seeks insights into what has been done well with the shinguards and areas where they can improve.

How does Carl describe the shin guard being discussed?

Carl describes the shin guard as heavy and unlike any he has seen before, indicating it is made from carbon material.

What is the design philosophy behind the shin guards at Nike?

The design philosophy focuses on creating guards for a style of play rather than for a specific player, catering to various elite young players.

Which elite players does Carl reference when discussing the target audience for the shin guards?

Carl references Ronaldinho, Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo as examples of players whose playing styles they consider.

What does Carl believe elite players can provide to improve Nike's products?

Carl believes elite players can provide helpful tips that will enhance the product, making them more appealing and effective for use.

What is the ultimate goal of gathering feedback from elite players?

The ultimate goal is to create better products that players want to buy and use, ultimately improving their performance.

What challenges does Carl mention regarding accessing elite players for feedback?

Carl notes that it can be difficult to get elite players involved, suggesting that their schedules are tight and participation is limited.