NIKE Olympics
Track & Field Trials
Overview & Challenge
An experimental 360-degree dome installation for Nike, where 16 runners on treadmills saw their own movement visualized in real time on the surrounding screen. I led art direction, design, and motion.
The challenge was translating two things into one visual language: the physical properties of the Flyknit Lunar, and the live energy of 16 different athletes. It had to read as a race, fast and competitive and alive, while working across a full 360-degree surface.
Approach & Solution
I bridged the technical attributes of the Nike Flyknit Lunar with real-time runner data to visualize the dynamic energy shared by both the product and the athletes.
1. Visualizing Flyknit and Running
I translated the Flyknit's core elements, elasticity and thin-thread construction, into a minimal visual system. By representing runners as white dots and tracks as organic lines, I established a graphic foundation that abstractly integrated the product's sole patterns and spikes into the movement.
2. Dynamic Waveform Generation
I designed 16 unique waveforms that responded to each runner's specific weight and speed. By blending the fluid movement of the runners with the elastic characteristics of Flyknit threads, I visualized their physical energy as powerful, multi-stranded waveforms that evolved dynamically in real time.
3. 360-Degree Immersive Graphic Environment
These responsive waveforms were projected onto a 360-degree circular screen, transforming the track into a vivid, immersive graphic environment. This real-time visualization provided an impactful experience that reflected the diverse performance and energy of every participant.
Nike 360° Immersive Performance Dome
The first dome featured a 360-degree screen alongside physical Nike products. This screen abstractly visualized Flyknit's characteristics and organic movements, creating a visual connection to the runner's experience in the second dome. The 360-degree display within the dome was depicted as a connected track, with running dots symbolizing runners and trailing threads and spikes visualizing Flyknit's features.
Nike Virtual Run Dome: Treadmill Experience & Infinite Horizons
These style frames are the screens runners see while on the treadmills installed in the second dome. Inspired by the movie "Inception," I designed them as unrealistic, endlessly repeating 360-degree forms that don't exist in reality.
Project Outcome
Sixteen runners could see their own performance rendered live on a 360-degree surface, each waveform unique to their weight and pace. The product's physical properties and the athlete's effort became one visual system.
Client: Nike
CD, Nike Brand Design: Ray Butts & John Moon
Interactive Experiences & Design: Fake Love
Creative Direction: Layne Braunstein
Producer: Alex Robbins
Art Direction, Motion Design: Hyejin June Hong
Experiential Scenic Design: RUF PROJECTS
Additional Onsite Video Assets: TENDRIL
Case Study Video: WE ARE ALLEGORY