A second-screen application that enriches the experience of watching a football match live on television

Abstract

Television has been an integral part of our lives since the 1950s and watching television is still one of our favorite activities today, providing us viewers with news, information and entertainment. In fact, TV shows are the most common conversation topics around the world and the subject of more than a billion tweets. Nevertheless, aside from television sets being evolved with ever improving specifications, the way we watch television remained a passive activity. Meanwhile, new technologies offer new opportunities in the way we watch television. On-demand viewing and other digital or Internet-based services offer viewers freedom of choice; to view what they want, when they want and where they want. Social media is used to share TV experiences and to find out what others are watching at the same moment. Mobile devices, with tablets as the latest addition, facilitate this trend and change the way we watch television in a truly interactive and multi-screen experience. Furthermore, people use these devices as a ‘second screen’ for browsing relevant information or consuming related content on the Internet A multitude of second-screen websites and apps have already been developed. However, aside from several tailor made applications, none of the general applications released in the Netherlands has been an innovative newcomer yet. All the general applications only have basic functionalities and miss real added value for viewers in comparison with other existing applications or websites. Therefore, a user study has been conducted to obtain to obtain rich and deep insights into the needs and dreams of prospective users regarding second-screen applications. With the knowledge and insights gained during the user study and the analysis phase of the project, a second-screen application has been designed for watching a football match live on television. Its key features are the possibilities to listen to commentary on matches by other users, instead of annoying reporters on television, and to watch video recordings of match moments uploaded by fans in the stands. The final design clearly fulfills a need, because a lot of football fans are annoyed by irritating commentaries on matches by several Dutch football reporters. Furthermore, the application enhances the engagement of the viewers with the matches broadcasted on television and enables real social interaction between football fans. In addition, the application has excellent future prospects concerning feasibility and marketing opportunities, and after a successful introduction, new concepts will possibly proceed for other sports or even entertainment shows.