Hello, fellow product and user experience enthusiasts!
I’m thrilled to welcome you to my very first blog post. As someone deeply passionate about creating exceptional products and unforgettable user experiences, I’ve decided to share the ups and downs of my journey in this ever-evolving field. My stories are packed with moments that will both frighten and delight, offering valuable insights and perhaps a few laughs along the way.
Why "Building Martians"?
First of all, why is my blog called "Building Martians"? The name originated from Project Martian, which was the initial name for what eventually became Kayo Sports. Here's the backstory:
Fox Sports and Foxtel were facing significant challenges. They had overlooked the internet’s potential, and a new streaming service called Netflix was making big waves in Australia. People were dropping Foxtel like hotcakes, and the CEO at the time, Peter Tonagh, seemed oblivious. Meanwhile, Patrick Delany, the CEO of Fox Sports Australia, was excelling. Fox Sports was the most profitable business within News Corp, pushing the boundaries of digital content.
I was brought in on a contract to advise on their digital subscriptions. The more I explored, the more I saw a glaring customer need. It was in plain sight, yet many product people were too scared to acknowledge it. Fox Sports Digital had a massive following. Australian sports fans were flocking to the app or website for all their sports information before, during, and after live matches. While Fox Sports had the features and functionality they desired, it didn’t offer live broadcasts or replays of the matches. Foxtel provided live broadcasts to its 3 million customers, leaving 7 million sports lovers in Australia seeking alternatives.
I compiled research on the clear trends and customer requests, along with some recommendations. However, these were met with a clear "NO" from the higher-ups. I was shocked but not entirely surprised. I saw out my contract and was about to start a new role at BCG.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Fox Sports, Patrick Delany, was on a flight to the UK when he first saw the movie The Martian. In the film, an astronaut becomes stranded on Mars and has to think outside the box to survive. Delany realised that Foxtel and Fox Sports needed to be just as radical. Inspired, he watched the movie several times and encouraged other staff members to watch it as well.
At that time, I was at home, completing the numerous tasks my wife had assigned before starting my new role in three months. I received a phone call offering me a short-term contract. Though it wasn’t within Fox Sports, it was in the same building. Intrigued, I agreed. I entered what was once a second boardroom, now converted into a separate office space. Inside was a small team, including members from McKinsey and three others. This was the start of Project Martian, a team I would grow close to over the next 12 weeks.
As the project took shape and the team expanded, many adventures unfolded. Eight years later, here I am, tapping away at a keyboard. Most of my posts will be short and sweet, with occasional stories from my product adventures.
In reference to the Martian movie. i have probably watched it more times then PRD now, It is an approach to product i take every day, always looking to innovate and improve, whether its this new website, a new client or project, there is something about product design that sucks me in. Always happy to talk product always wanting to innovate.
Stay tuned for more!
