The Quality Assessment of Sport Technologies Special Interest Group is comprised of members from academia, industry, and sports interested in advancing the development and implementation of sport technology using research-driven and evidence-based standards and best practices.
‘Quality Assessment of Sport Technologies’ Special Interest Group
White paper & Peer-reviewed paper
The papers introduce a standardized, evidence-based framework which can be adopted by sports technology stakeholders to assess the value, usability, and quality of technology.
Developed in collaboration with 48 experts across the sports industry by means of a Delphi study design, the Sports Technology Quality Framework consists of 25 measurable features grouped under five quality “pillars”:
This framework will serve to create a common language for organizations, manufacturers, investors, and consumers to improve the efficiency of their decision making on sports technology.
Assessment sheet
In addition to the White Paper we created an assessment sheet that you can use to apply the framework to a subject of your choice.
Put the theory into practice and run through pillars A to E. Empty space is provided at each pillar feature for an assessment, and we included some space for evaluation as well so you can identify where there is room for improvement.
Download the Assessment sheet here
Bringing the Framework to Life
Building on the foundation established in the initial White paper and Peer-reviewed journal article, this paper is dedicated to offer specific guidance for its practical applications. The paper includes:
- Infographics for each of the 23 features, offering
- Guidelines on how to assess them within the framework, enabling consistent evaluation,
- Examples of current industry standards.
- Operational guidelines for implementing framework and guidelines within sporting organizations
- Case studies showcasing real-world applications of the framework since its release
- Next steps for the framework, including plans for developing additional shared resources, research and ways by which users can get involved.
Need
Tech use is growing everywhere, and sport is no exception. The sport industry is not keeping pace with this growth.
Stakeholders, from sport governing bodies to investors, struggle to effectively evaluate and integrate new technologies.
Lack of consensus standards and education around this topic make it particularly difficult to navigate.
As tech continues to outpace expertise in sport, regulation and/or upskilling will need to ensue to limit risk of injury, data breach, etc.
Objectives
Establish a Quality Framework
To develop a standardized, evidence-based framework which can be adopted by sport technology stakeholders to assess the value, usability, and quality of technology, as well as develop and improve new and existing products.
Educate Technology Stakeholders
To provide education to key stake holders, and in particular to advance curricula at the undergraduate and graduate level, to improve decision-making around development, evaluation, and implementation of sport technology.
Promote Research & Development
To encourage research on quality assessment and development of additional tools for the assessment process, including ongoing refinement of the quality framework and development of case studies.
Members
Sam RobertsonChair // Track Consultancy Group (Australia)
Jess ZendlerCo-chair // Rimkus & University of Michigan (USA)
Kristof De MeyCo-chair // Ghent University (Belgium)
Jade HaycraftVictoria University (Australia)
Dhruv SeshadriDepartment of Bioengineering, Leigh University (USA)
Peter DükingTechnische Universität Braunschweig (Germany)
Garrett AshYale University & U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USA)
Camilla BrockettVictoria University (Australia)
Rachel HybartRimkus (USA)
Rose FigueroaRimkus & belongIN (USA)
