Ladd Foundation 1616

The design of the 1616 platform was guided by a key insight: while the content is for youth athletes, adoption is driven by parents and coaches. This dual audience shaped every decision, balancing engagement for younger users with clarity and trust for adults. The visual language was intentionally grounded and structured. Clean layouts, clear hierarchy, and restraint helped position the platform as a credible, easy-to-use program, supporting the initial decision-making moment for parents and coaches. Once inside, the experience shifts to better engage youth athletes. Content is presented in a way that feels approachable and motivating, without becoming distracting or overly gamified. The goal was to support learning and progression, not just engagement. Given the team-based nature of the platform, the interface was designed to clearly support roles, progress, and participation. Episodic content, intuitive navigation, and consistent visual cues help users understand where they are and what comes next. Simplicity was critical throughout. Clear actions, minimal friction, and consistent patterns allow users to engage quickly and confidently. The result is a scalable design system that supports growth while maintaining a cohesive, easy-to-use experience.

From the original award submission.