HoopsHype

Role: Creative Direction, UX Design
Category: Product Design, UX Design, Logo Design

I am currently in the process of redesigning HoopsHype, a prominent NBA news and rumors website. Having previously revamped the site years ago, I am working on a fresh redesign to elevate the user experience with a renewed focus on the highly sought-after rumors section, and aim to create an engaging platform that continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts around the world.

One of the key features I introduced in my original design was the "storylines" functionality, which allowed users to connect multiple rumors and explore captivating narratives within the NBA world. This has garnered the attention and admiration of notable figures within the league, including players, owners, and league insiders. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said the rumors page is "where every player and every free agent in the NBA goes to keep up with the rumors." Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and others have mentioned frequently checking the rumors page to stay up to date on everything happening around the league.

By curating and delivering the most intriguing and up-to-date content, I strive to solidify HoopsHype's position as the go-to destination for NBA enthusiasts, capturing the interest of both fans and industry insiders alike.

The storyline feature on the HoopsHype website revolutionizes the way users can explore the evolution of NBA rumors. By aggregating and presenting a comprehensive collection of quotes, tidbits, and relevant information from various sources and media outlets, the storyline feature offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the development of a rumor over recent days. Users can trace the intricate path of a rumor, gaining valuable insights into its origin, progression, and current status, providing them with a more comprehensive and engaging experience as they follow the captivating narratives that surround their favorite players and teams. ↓

A look at the evolution of my storyline design from over the years gives a clearer view of the streamlining and stripping away of unecessary elements to make for a much cleaner and fluid experience. Early on, the use of 'hype' charts based on views gave a certain hierarchy to the hottest rumors of the moment, but were later removed as we learned they ultimately lost relevance as the ebbs and flows of most rumors would last days or even weeks.↓

© Evan Russell 2023