Foresight Case Study

Designing the AI Caddie experience

Overview

Foresight is an AI golf caddie that helps players make faster, more confident decisions on the course. The experience translates player data, course conditions, and shot context into clear, real-time guidance. I designed the product end-to-end, focusing on reducing decision friction without disrupting the rhythm of play.

Goals:

Reduce decision friction during play
Deliver clear, context-aware shot guidance
Balance AI recommendations with player control

Role

Product Designer

Responsibilities

Research, UX design, interaction design, prototyping

Collaborators

Independent project with feedback from golfers and domain experts

Timeline

12-week product concept

User Problem

Golfers evaluate wind, lie, hazards, and distance before every shot. Existing tools provide data, but not clear guidance in the moment.

This creates hesitation, second-guessing, and inconsistent decisions.

Problem to solve

Golfers struggle to make confident decisions on the course due to complex variables and a lack of clear, actionable guidance.

Research

Research Insights

Golfers process multiple variables in real time, creating hesitation, inconsistent decisions, and cognitive load during play.

1. Decision complexity slows play
Players evaluate multiple variables before every shot, creating friction and hesitation.

2. Tools provide data, not guidance
Most golf tools surface information without translating it into clear recommendations.

3. Confidence matters
Players trust fast, confident decisions more than overanalyzing uncertain options.

Competitive Analysis

Existing golf tools provide data and visualization, but offer limited in-game guidance.

Competitor app

Competitor analysis

1. Rangefinder & GPS Apps

Strengths

Accurate distance data
Familiar workflows

Limitations

Raw data without guidance
Requires manual interpretation

2. Advanced Analytics Tools

Strengths

Detailed performance tracking
Shot pattern visualization

Limitations

Retrospective insights
Limited in-the-moment support

3. Course Visualization Tools

Strengths

Strong spatial awareness
Course strategy visualization

Limitations

Static and non-personalized
No clear recommendations

Key Gap

Golf tools provide data, but not confident decision support in the moment.

Players still interpret variables, assess risk, and make decisions on their own.

Addressing Pain Points

Based on research, I focused on reducing decision friction by addressing key pain points that impact confidence and performance on the course.

Complexity

Golfers must evaluate multiple variables before every shot, creating cognitive overload.

Disruption

Analyzing information during play interrupts rhythm and slows down the experience.

Uncertainty

Lack of confidence in decisions leads to hesitation and inconsistent performance.

Defining the Approach

Reducing complexity to create clarity in high-pressure moments.

Ideation

Designing the Winning Shot

Each research insight represents a variable in a golf shot.

Turning Data into Decisions

Course Conditions: Wind, lie, elevation, and hazards shape shot strategy.
Player Data: Shot dispersion, tendencies, and club distances personalize decisions.
Context: Distance and situational factors influence decision-making.
Mental State: Confidence and pressure affect commitment and execution.
Shot Recommendation: Translate inputs into clear shot guidance.

Personas

Data-Driven Golfer

“Give me the information. I want every advantage I can get.”

AI Reliance

Tech Adoption

Goals

Make more informed shot decisions

Improve through personalized feedback

Habbits

Uses multiple golf technologies

Checks conditions before shots

Comfortable with GPS, wearables, and apps

Pain Points

Fragmented golf data

Checking a phone interrupts play

Generic recommendations

Needs

Real-time course analysis

Personalized recommendations

Hands-free interaction

Foresight Opportunity

Personalize my decisions.

Selective Strategist

“Help me when I need it, but don't get in my way.”

AI Reliance

Tech Adoption

Goals

Get help in difficult situations

Maintain control over decisions

Habbits

Uses familiar tools when useful

Relies on experience for routine shots

Seeks help when uncertain

Pain Points

Too much information

Constant interaction is distracting

Unexplained recommendations

Needs

On-demand assistance

Simple recommendations

Clear AI reasoning

Foresight Opportunity

Assist me when I need it.

Exploratory Shopper

“Give me the conditions. I'll decide what shot to hit.”

AI Reliance

Tech Adoption

Goals

Play confidently without overthinking

Preserve feel and personal judgment

Habbits

Relies heavily on experience

Has trusted clubs and tendencies

Uses tech for objective information

Pain Points

Analysis can create indecision

AI can conflict with personal feel

Technology can disrupt rhythm

Needs

Objective course information

Minimal interruption

Confidence-building guidance

Foresight Opportunity

Support my instincts.

Research revealed three approaches to technology-assisted golf: data-driven, selective, and instinctive. These personas reflect how much support golfers want from AI while still maintaining control of their game.