Play Tennis
Play Tennis
Client
The Lawn Tennis Association
Year
2024
2025
Designing a New Booking and Community Platform for Tennis Across the UK
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
In 2020, Deloitte partnered with the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) as their digital transformation partner, helping to improve the brand’s digital infrastructure and align it with their vision of making tennis in Britain more inclusive and accessible.
Early initiatives focussed on delivering impactful, user-centered digital solutions. This included launching an online booking platform, allowing players to easily reserve courts and enroll in courses nationwide, and rebranding and re-platforming the LTA website. I contributed to both of these key projects.
Building on these efforts, the next step in LTA’s digital transformation was to create an engaging mobile app for iOS and Android. This app would enhance the user experience by utilising native mobile functionality, enabling users to book tennis courts, connect with other players, join venue-hosted communities, and engage with tennis in a more dynamic way.
Client
Client
The Lawn Tennis Association
Industry
Industry
Sports & Recreation
Service
Service
iOS / Android Mobile App Design
UI / UX Design
Branding
Duration
Duration
6 Months
4 Months
TIMELINE
The project required an accelerated timeline: the MVP and Phase 1 of the app were to be delivered within just six months of kickoff. Development was driven by the design team, who facilitated user and client workshops to define and align both business and user requirements.
GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS
GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS
WEB-TO-APP TRANSFORMATION
WEB-TO-APP TRANSFORMATION
WEB-TO-APP TRANSFORMATION
The app needed to translate and elevate the website’s existing content into a seamless native mobile experience. Mobile features were leveraged to deliver the best tennis court booking experience.
The app needed to translate and elevate the website’s existing content into a seamless native mobile experience. Mobile features were leveraged to deliver the best tennis court booking experience.
The app needed to translate and elevate the website’s existing content into a seamless native mobile experience. Mobile features were leveraged to deliver the best tennis court booking experience.
NATIVE MOBILE DEVELOPMENT
NATIVE MOBILE DEVELOPMENT
NATIVE MOBILE DEVELOPMENT
Native iOS and Android apps were developed to unlock the full potential of mobile platforms, including:
Familiar UX patterns and interaction flows.
Use of out-of-the-box components for rapid development, easier maintenance, and ongoing compatibility with iOS and Android updates.
Ensuring full accessibility compliance to make the app inclusive for all users.
Native iOS and Android apps were developed to unlock the full potential of mobile platforms, including:
Familiar UX patterns and interaction flows.
Use of out-of-the-box components for rapid development, easier maintenance, and ongoing compatibility with iOS and Android updates.
Ensuring full accessibility compliance to make the app inclusive for all users.
Native iOS and Android apps were developed to unlock the full potential of mobile platforms, including:
Familiar UX patterns and interaction flows.
Use of out-of-the-box components for rapid development, easier maintenance, and ongoing compatibility with iOS and Android updates.
Ensuring full accessibility compliance to make the app inclusive for all users.
PHASED
APPROACH
PHASED
APPROACH
PHASED
APPROACH
MVP Phase: Focussed on core functionality and delivering a simple, intuitive user experience.
Phase 1: Introduced branding elements where feasible—striking a balance between visual identity and the constraints of native components.
MVP Phase: Focussed on core functionality and delivering a simple, intuitive user experience.
Phase 1: Introduced branding elements where feasible—striking a balance between visual identity and the constraints of native components.
MVP Phase: Focussed on core functionality and delivering a simple, intuitive user experience.
Phase 1: Introduced branding elements where feasible—striking a balance between visual identity and the constraints of native components.
FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION
PROCESS
PROCESS
MVP / DESIGN LAB
01
DESIGN LAB
We launched the project with a three-day workshop in partnership with Apple, bringing together the client, users, and our team. The goal was to understand user and business needs, showcase mobile capabilities, and prioritise key focus areas for the upcoming work.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
02
USER RESEARCH
On Day 1, we focusSed on understanding users. A co-creation session helped uncover pain points, needs, and opportunities in booking tennis courts. We explored how mobile features could improve the experience. To inspire ideas, we shared design examples from booking apps. Insights shaped a “golden thread”—the ideal user journey—refined with user and client feedback. This became the foundation for Day 2: Wireframing.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
03
HI-FI & FEATURE PRIORITISATION
On the final day, wireframes evolved into high-fidelity screens and a working prototype. This prototype served as a visionary concept for the app and laid the foundation for future development. The day ended with two key sessions. A technical feasibility review explored how to bring the vision to life. Then, in a feature prioritisation session, the tech lead, developers, and client aligned on where to start.
PHASE 1
04
CONSTRAINTS
The design of these features was developed in parallel with the build and development work, which proved challenging. As designers—myself and one other—we had to work extremely hard, and with limited time for exploration, we relied heavily on best practices to ensure efficiency and quality.
PHASE 1
05
IOS & ANDROID
Designs were created for both iOS and Android platforms, supporting both light and dark modes. In this case study, only the iOS designs are being showcased. The Android designs closely resemble the iOS versions but follow the native UX/UI patterns for the platform.
PHASE 1
06
FROM DESIGN TO DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the project, we worked closely with the BA and developers to ensure feasibility and proper implementation of the designs. However, due to time constraints, further user involvement was not possible during the MVP phase.
PHASE 1
07
BRANDING
In February 2024, the MVP app launched on the App Store and Google Play Store. As the first step of Phase 1, I was tasked with incorporating branding into the apps—a priority that had been deferred during the MVP due to time constraints and client focus on core functionality. The challenge for this phase was to make impactful branding updates with minimal design and development effort, as the app had already been built.
PHASE 1
08
FEATURE EVOLVEMENT
As Phase 1 began, we ran workshops with the client to define priorities, focussing on MVP improvements and new features. The key goal was enhancing the app’s community aspect—helping users connect with local players to boost court bookings and engagement.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
01
DESIGN LAB
We launched the project with a three-day workshop in partnership with Apple, bringing together the client, users, and our team. The goal was to understand user and business needs, showcase mobile capabilities, and prioritise key focus areas for the upcoming work.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
02
USER RESEARCH
On Day 1, we focusSed on understanding users. A co-creation session helped uncover pain points, needs, and opportunities in booking tennis courts. We explored how mobile features could improve the experience. To inspire ideas, we shared design examples from booking apps. Insights shaped a “golden thread”—the ideal user journey—refined with user and client feedback. This became the foundation for Day 2: Wireframing.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
03
HI-FI & FEATURE PRIORITISATION
On the final day, wireframes evolved into high-fidelity screens and a working prototype. This prototype served as a visionary concept for the app and laid the foundation for future development. The day ended with two key sessions. A technical feasibility review explored how to bring the vision to life. Then, in a feature prioritisation session, the tech lead, developers, and client aligned on where to start.
PHASE 1
04
CONSTRAINTS
The design of these features was developed in parallel with the build and development work, which proved challenging. As designers—myself and one other—we had to work extremely hard, and with limited time for exploration, we relied heavily on best practices to ensure efficiency and quality.
PHASE 1
05
IOS & ANDROID
Designs were created for both iOS and Android platforms, supporting both light and dark modes. In this case study, only the iOS designs are being showcased. The Android designs closely resemble the iOS versions but follow the native UX/UI patterns for the platform.
PHASE 1
06
FROM DESIGN TO DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the project, we worked closely with the BA and developers to ensure feasibility and proper implementation of the designs. However, due to time constraints, further user involvement was not possible during the MVP phase.
PHASE 1
07
BRANDING
In February 2024, the MVP app launched on the App Store and Google Play Store. As the first step of Phase 1, I was tasked with incorporating branding into the apps—a priority that had been deferred during the MVP due to time constraints and client focus on core functionality. The challenge for this phase was to make impactful branding updates with minimal design and development effort, as the app had already been built.
PHASE 1
08
FEATURE EVOLVEMENT
As Phase 1 began, we ran workshops with the client to define priorities, focussing on MVP improvements and new features. The key goal was enhancing the app’s community aspect—helping users connect with local players to boost court bookings and engagement.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
01
DESIGN LAB
We launched the project with a three-day workshop in partnership with Apple, bringing together the client, users, and our team. The goal was to understand user and business needs, showcase mobile capabilities, and prioritise key focus areas for the upcoming work.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
02
USER RESEARCH
On Day 1, we focusSed on understanding users. A co-creation session helped uncover pain points, needs, and opportunities in booking tennis courts. We explored how mobile features could improve the experience. To inspire ideas, we shared design examples from booking apps. Insights shaped a “golden thread”—the ideal user journey—refined with user and client feedback. This became the foundation for Day 2: Wireframing.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
03
HI-FI & FEATURE PRIORITISATION
On the final day, wireframes evolved into high-fidelity screens and a working prototype. This prototype served as a visionary concept for the app and laid the foundation for future development. The day ended with two key sessions. A technical feasibility review explored how to bring the vision to life. Then, in a feature prioritisation session, the tech lead, developers, and client aligned on where to start.
PHASE 1
04
CONSTRAINTS
The design of these features was developed in parallel with the build and development work, which proved challenging. As designers—myself and one other—we had to work extremely hard, and with limited time for exploration, we relied heavily on best practices to ensure efficiency and quality.
PHASE 1
05
IOS & ANDROID
Designs were created for both iOS and Android platforms, supporting both light and dark modes. In this case study, only the iOS designs are being showcased. The Android designs closely resemble the iOS versions but follow the native UX/UI patterns for the platform.
PHASE 1
06
FROM DESIGN TO DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the project, we worked closely with the BA and developers to ensure feasibility and proper implementation of the designs. However, due to time constraints, further user involvement was not possible during the MVP phase.
PHASE 1
07
BRANDING
In February 2024, the MVP app launched on the App Store and Google Play Store. As the first step of Phase 1, I was tasked with incorporating branding into the apps—a priority that had been deferred during the MVP due to time constraints and client focus on core functionality. The challenge for this phase was to make impactful branding updates with minimal design and development effort, as the app had already been built.
PHASE 1
08
FEATURE EVOLVEMENT
As Phase 1 began, we ran workshops with the client to define priorities, focussing on MVP improvements and new features. The key goal was enhancing the app’s community aspect—helping users connect with local players to boost court bookings and engagement.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
01
DESIGN LAB
We launched the project with a three-day workshop in partnership with Apple, bringing together the client, users, and our team. The goal was to understand user and business needs, showcase mobile capabilities, and prioritise key focus areas for the upcoming work.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
02
USER RESEARCH
On Day 1, we focusSed on understanding users. A co-creation session helped uncover pain points, needs, and opportunities in booking tennis courts. We explored how mobile features could improve the experience. To inspire ideas, we shared design examples from booking apps. Insights shaped a “golden thread”—the ideal user journey—refined with user and client feedback. This became the foundation for Day 2: Wireframing.
MVP / DESIGN LAB
03
HI-FI & FEATURE PRIORITISATION
On the final day, wireframes evolved into high-fidelity screens and a working prototype. This prototype served as a visionary concept for the app and laid the foundation for future development. The day ended with two key sessions. A technical feasibility review explored how to bring the vision to life. Then, in a feature prioritisation session, the tech lead, developers, and client aligned on where to start.
PHASE 1
04
CONSTRAINTS
The design of these features was developed in parallel with the build and development work, which proved challenging. As designers—myself and one other—we had to work extremely hard, and with limited time for exploration, we relied heavily on best practices to ensure efficiency and quality.
PHASE 1
05
IOS & ANDROID
Designs were created for both iOS and Android platforms, supporting both light and dark modes. In this case study, only the iOS designs are being showcased. The Android designs closely resemble the iOS versions but follow the native UX/UI patterns for the platform.
PHASE 1
06
FROM DESIGN TO DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the project, we worked closely with the BA and developers to ensure feasibility and proper implementation of the designs. However, due to time constraints, further user involvement was not possible during the MVP phase.
PHASE 1
07
BRANDING
In February 2024, the MVP app launched on the App Store and Google Play Store. As the first step of Phase 1, I was tasked with incorporating branding into the apps—a priority that had been deferred during the MVP due to time constraints and client focus on core functionality. The challenge for this phase was to make impactful branding updates with minimal design and development effort, as the app had already been built.
PHASE 1
08
FEATURE EVOLVEMENT
As Phase 1 began, we ran workshops with the client to define priorities, focussing on MVP improvements and new features. The key goal was enhancing the app’s community aspect—helping users connect with local players to boost court bookings and engagement.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
FINAL DESIGNS
01
Discover Nearby Tennis Venues
Discover Nearby Tennis Venues
With location sharing enabled, users can find nearby tennis venues, search specific locations, and filter results by date, distance, and court type.
02
Select and Book a Court and Time Slot
Select and Book a Court and Time Slot
From the search results, users can choose a venue, select a start time, pick a preferred court (indoor, outdoor, or floodlit), and set an end time. The total price is displayed before confirming the booking.
03
Check Court Availability
Check Court Availability
Each venue’s detail page provides key information, including available facilities, contact details, and membership options. Users can also browse full court availability by date.
04
Access and Manage Bookings
Access and Manage Bookings
Users can view and manage upcoming, past, and cancelled bookings. Booking details pages also provide options to modify or cancel reservations if needed.
05
View Account Details and Personal Information
View Account Details and Personal Information
Users can access personal information, self-assessment tools, and their ITF World Tennis Number. Account details can be updated anytime.
06
Discover Venue-Hosted Communities
Discover Venue-Hosted Communities
Explore local communities hosted by tennis venues to find and connect with nearby players.
07
Manage Friend Requests
Manage Friend Requests
Easily manage all incoming and sent friend requests in one place. View player details and accept or decline to grow your network.
08
Chat with Players in Communities
Chat with Players in Communities
Once connected, chat one-on-one or join group conversations. The chat feature was implemented using a third-party SDK, ensuring a faster and more efficient delivery.
RESULTS
RESULTS
PROJECT IMPACT
PROJECT IMPACT
The new version of the app, complete with these community features, launched in summer 2024 on the App Store and Google Play Store, bringing a new level of connection and engagement to users.
Since launch, the app has achieved significant growth and impact.
The new version of the app, complete with these community features, launched in summer 2024 on the App Store and Google Play Store, bringing a new level of connection and engagement to users. Since launch, the app has achieved significant growth and impact.
40%
Increase in bookings compared to the year before the app was introduced
40%
Increase in bookings compared to the year before the app was introduced
40%
Increase in bookings compared to the year before the app was introduced
40%
Increase in bookings compared to the year before the app was introduced
1M+
Hours of courts and lessons bookable on Play Tennis
1M+
Hours of courts and lessons bookable on Play Tennis
1M+
Hours of courts and lessons bookable on Play Tennis
1M+
Hours of courts and lessons bookable on Play Tennis
8K+
Downloads on App Store and Google Play Store
8K+
Downloads on App Store and Google Play Store
8K+
Downloads on App Store and Google Play Store
8K+
Downloads on App Store and Google Play Store
2K+
Active monthly users
2K+
Active monthly users
2K+
Active monthly users
2K+
Active monthly users
1,5+
Park courts accessible through the app
1,5+
Park courts accessible through the app
1,5+
Park courts accessible through the app
1,5+
Park courts accessible through the app
PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO
CHECK OUT SOME MORE
CHECK OUT SOME MORE
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
iOS / Android Mobile App Design
UI / UX Design
Branding
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
iOS / Android Mobile App Design
UI / UX Design
Branding
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
LTA Courtside
iOS / Android Mobile App Design
UI / UX Design
Branding
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
Research
Mobile App Design
Branding
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
Research
Mobile App Design
Branding
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
App Key Drivers
Research
Mobile App Design
Branding
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