NASCAR Masterclass
Client
NASCAR
Industry
Motorsports
The NASCAR Masterclass AR feature in the NASCAR Mobile app gives fans lessons on racing concepts. The “Anatomy of a Racetrack” module I worked on was focused Daytona International Speedway, one of the sport’s most iconic tracks.
Crafted at TriggerXR
Problem
Previous Masterclass modules followed a strictly linear, timed flow. The Daytona module, however, introduced:
Multiple layers of interactivity: Users needed to freely explore track features (like surface hotspots, infield areas, and facility points of interest) at their own pace rather than being locked into sequential steps.
Comparisons across track types: introducing another dimension of exploration that was not present in earlier modules
Paced content: Certain timed sequences (like introductions) needed careful calibration so that users could comfortably read and absorb information before moving on.
Process
Research & Content Development
I was not familiar with much about NASCAR prior to this project, but love researching new things.
For this module I conducted extensive research on racetrack design and NASCAR culture to ground the module in accuracy based on the bulleted list of information the client wanted to cover.
Wrote all copy for the module, including section intros and hotspot content, carefully balancing clarity with concise, bite-sized delivery for AR
Concepting & Storyboarding
Generated storyboards and sketches to visualize how content would unfold
Planned hotspot interactions, overlays, and “portal” views to highlight features without overwhelming the user
Prototyping UX Flow
Built a prototype to test how a non-linear, user-paced flow could replace the timed model for this particular module
Introduced UI-driven navigation (prev/next and hotspot triggers) instead of relying on an auto-play timeline, allowing users to explore content in their own time
Added tooltips to clarify new interactions for first-time users, or repeat users who were used to the other module style
Adjusted instructions to accurately pertain to the new flow for this module
Adjusted navigation UI for this module type
See the prototype here!
Iteration
Partnered closely with developers to refine interaction mechanics (e.g., hover timing, pacing)
Adapted interaction model: After prototyping, we learned AR taps conflicted with scale/drag controls. To resolve this, we decided to trigger hotspot interactions with a reticle and the gaze mechanic while keeping all navigation in screenspace as originally planned. This preserved interactivity and aligned with technical constraints
Researched average reading times to sync on-screen text with AR animations, ensuring pacing felt natural
Iterated based on client feedback to fine-tune timing, usability, and content flow. See below for initial storyboard samples and sketches
Final Design
Designed the final UI and provided direction for reticle and hotspot animations to feel responsive and intuitive
Guided sound design, moving beyond just car noises to create a consistent audio identity across modules
Ensured the module aligned visually and tonally with the rest of the Masterclass experience while introducing a unique interaction model
Created a design system in Figma to make it easier to design for future modules
Key Decisions
Non-linear UX Flow
Proposed shifting away from the existing timed, linear format to a user-paced, exploratory model
This decision directly influenced how content was structured and consumed, making the module more engaging and sustainable for the amount of detail included.
Content Strategy & Copywriting
Wrote all copy for the module, making deliberate choices to keep explanations bite-sized and digestible for AR
Balanced detail with brevity, ensuring that users could follow along without cognitive overload
Interaction Mechanics
Recommended incorporating tooltips to guide users through new interaction patterns
Collaborated with devs to resolve technical constraints (e.g., exploring gaze vs. tap interactions when tap conflicted with AR controls)
Pacing Through Research
Researched average reading times to determine how long hotspot content should stay visible before advancing or allowing interaction
This helped ensure a comfortable rhythm that matched both AR animations and user attention spans
Outcome
Successfully launched in the NASCAR Mobile App by the original intended deadline, even with the unplanned module UX changes (more credit to our talented developers than myself)
Delivered a unique, user-paced module that set a new model for future Masterclass content
Received glowing client feedback on the clarity of copy and interaction model
Established a repeatable design system in Figma that sped up design for subsequent modules
Reflection
Coming into the project without prior involvement in earlier modules allowed me to approach the UX with a fresh, unbiased perspective and think about what was best for the particular content I was working with.
This project reminded me that sometimes the best UX decisions come from adapting to constraints, like pivoting hotspot interactions from tap to gaze.
Writing all the copy myself deepened my ability to connect technical content with engaging storytelling.
I learned the value of balancing consistency with innovation by respecting the structure of the app while evolving how the experience worked.
It was rewarding to transform a subject I knew little about into something I could design and explain clearly to fans.
While the project relied on internal research and best practices rather than user testing, it reinforced the value of iterative validation with actual users to catch unexpected pain points early.
Available in the NASCAR Mobile app for iOS and Android
