The Final Result
Frictionless experience that would drive user adoption and measurable financial growth.
Project Overview
Recon Instruments was a pioneer in the wearable display market. They brought live performance data—such as speed, GPS, and jump counts—directly into a rider’s goggles. While the hardware was innovative, the user experience was initially tethered to a desktop-only application. To evolve, the brand needed to transition into a mobile-first world. I led the design of the first mobile and web apps, transforming raw data into a connected, shareable sports platform.
My Role
Senior UX Designer
Jul 2011 – Mar 2013
During my tenure, I was responsible for launching the first mobile and web applications for Recon. My focus was ensuring that users could seamlessly sync their goggles and track their runs in real-time. By the 2012 winter season, I helped migrate the Recon community from desktop to mobile, achieving a remarkable 85% adoption rate.
The Problem
Initially, users were limited to desktop-only access. This created a massive gap in the user journey, as the riders lacked the social and mobile features needed to extend their experience beyond the slopes and share their achievements with friends.
The Team
I collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team of designers, developers, and product stakeholders. We also worked closely with hobbyists and professional athletes to ensure the product met the demands of extreme environments.
My Methods
To truly understand our users, I engaged in contextual research with snowboarders and skiers. My process included rapid prototyping and real-world usability testing to ensure the interface was functional even in cold, high-altitude conditions.
Final Design Direction
The ultimate vision was to transform Recon goggles from simple data trackers into a social, gamified ecosystem. We focused on four key pillars to enhance the rider’s experience:
Trip Viewer
Metrics like speed and altitude are displayed onto Google Maps, which allowes riders to analyze their runs.
Buddy Tracking
This feature allowed friends to compete in real time, adding a fun social challenge to the sport.
Virtual Remote
A mobile remote to control the goggles, which solved many common usability for users wearing gloves.
Music Player
We integrated lifestyle features to keep users entertained and connected throughout their day.
Exploration & Discovery
To ground my designs in reality, I focused on the unique culture of snow sports. I began by observing how riders interacted with their gear in the wild.
Direct Observation
I watched how snowboarders synced their goggles post-run to capture their natural workflows.
User Motivation
I learned that users weren't just driven by performance; they wanted "bragging rights." They wanted to compare jump counts and share their top speeds socially.
Digital Extension
It became clear that the app needed to feel like a digital extension of the mountain, leading to the creation of interactive maps and buddy challenges.
UX Design Process
My process revolved around real-world testing and fast iteration. Because our users were often in extreme conditions, the designs had to be bulletproof.
Prototyping
I built interactive flows specifically for the Trip Viewer and Buddy Tracking features.
Field Testing
We tested these prototypes with riders immediately after their sessions, allowing us to iterate based on instant feedback.
Design System
I created a consistent visual language that worked across mobile, web, and the goggle interface itself.
Iteration
We prioritized the post-run sync process to ensure that adoption wouldn't stall due to technical hurdles.
Impact & Results
Working at Recon was a test of vision and adaptability. We didn’t just build an app; we built the foundation for the future of wearable tech. Our work proved that by giving users the right tools, you could transform raw data into a thriving community.
High Adoption
We successfully migrated 85% of Recon HQ desktop users to the new mobile platform.
Gamification
We turned raw metrics into shareable, gamified experiences that defined the brand.
Industry Leadership
This project positioned Recon as an early leader in AR/VR, leading to its eventual acquisition by Intel in 2015.
