Method

Showtime was developing an interactive TV application to be launched using the EBIF standard to run on set top boxes. The app was developed to enhance Showtime Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) programming, allowing viewers to interact using the remote while they watch Showtime Sports on the TV. They asked Method to design a version of the application for the EBIF platform.

Challenge

Showtime came to Method with an interactive TV application that had been in development for years but needed to be refined for the very basic but widely deploying technology, EBIF. Created for Boxing and MMA, the application included a large range of features such as live polling, fighter profiles, ring records, a trivia game and fight a calendar. With all these features, Showtime needed an appealing and easy-to-use interface that viewers could easily navigate. Additionally, the designs could only use one native font, had to factor for various set-top box display formats, and had to be delivered in 7 weeks.

Approach

Method worked closely with Showtime, using rapid brainstorming techniques and iterated designs to quickly create designs that were enthusiastically approved. Using a sports trading card metaphor we created a distressed, vintage-look for the application. We worked closely with the application developer, Ensequence to incorporate functional changes to the application while Ensequence simultaneously began coding the application to the EBIF standard.

Outcome

Method delivered a single solution that satisfied both low and high end set-top-boxes. Additionally, the design was complementary to the overall Showtime Sports brand while working with the distinct looks for the Boxing and MMA telecasts.

The project was completed on time, and since launch has received a 2010 Emmy® Award Plaque and a CTAM Gold Mark Award.