Client:
TOP GOLF
Year:
2021-2024
Role:
Product Visualization, Industrial Design, Interface/Instructional Design
At TopGolf venues, the hum of conversation and the sound of golf balls hitting their targets create a symphony of play. Within this energy, the "Next Generation" Golf Ball Dispenser plays a quiet yet essential role—a cornerstone that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with intuitive interaction.
My involvement came as the project matured, focusing on the finer points of design: accessories that complement user interactions, service solutions that ensure operational ease, and material refinements that guarantee durability. Together, these elements transformed the dispenser into more than a utility—it became a key player in the TopGolf experience.
The project centered on refining a pre-established "wedge" design, with opportunities to introduce user-friendly elements and improve modularity.
We started with hands-on mockups and test builds to define critical zones: ball fill, display visibility, access panels, and ball release. From there, we developed and iterated on concepts that balanced ergonomic improvements with manufacturability. Panel cuts, material choices, and surface angles were all refined to improve how the unit would be used and maintained.
This wasn't about creating something new for the sake of it. It was about taking a field-tested form and improving every key touchpoint—making it easier to understand, easier to fix, and better aligned with how Topgolf wants the guest experience to feel.
Key design considerations included:
User Interaction: The design team looked to create a user-friendly experience through simple, intuitive visual feedback - such as LED indicators to signal ball dispense-ability or .
Safety Features: The angles of the dispenser's leading external faces serve as protective elements - guiding errant balls safely away from users.
Serviceability: Modular panels allowed for ease of access during maintenance and for part replacement to center around "Design for Disassembly" - rather than consumption.
Material Strategy, Brand Integration
Collaborating with TopGolf’s brand team, I worked on the development of CMF strategies that highlighted the product’s premium positioning. Every touchpoint was tested against the physical realities of TopGolf’s high-energy, outdoor environment:
Every exterior panel is modular—mounted independently with standard hardware to support quick swaps and reduce machine downtime. A clear, impact-resistant display lens was designed with tinting, a shallow tilt and subtle surface texture to reduce glare and protect the embedded screen from errant balls.
Lighting elements were integrated into key locations to support game feedback and venue ambiance. Controllable LEDs at the side panels and ball release area offer real-time visual cues that reinforce gameplay without overwhelming the bay.
Materials That Last: Rugged finishes and thoughtfully selected materials allowed the dispenser to maintain its sleek aesthetic even after thousands of uses.
A Cohesive Look: The refined CMF palette bridged durability and elegance, ensuring the dispenser felt like an integral part of TopGolf’s brand experience.
Late-stage ideation revolved around integrating accessories that enhanced functionality:
For guests, the addition of an LED ring around the ball release provides a clear visual indicator that a ball is ready—especially important in low-light or high-traffic conditions. Inside, the ball hopper was redesigned to maximize capacity and improve fill performance, all while reserving space for future hardware like sensors or processing units.
Interactive Feedback: Adding LED rings that blink to signal ball readiness, creating a dynamic link between user actions and dispenser activity.
Peripheral Details: Elements like interlocking panels and removable driving "mat" streamlined maintenance while aligning with TopGolf’s operational needs.
Elevated Brand Presence: By integrating utility with sleek aesthetics, the dispenser reinforced TopGolf’s reputation for innovation.
Maintenance was an essential consideration for high-traffic environments.
Beyond consumer-facing design, I contributed to optimizing service workflows, ensuring the product could be easily supported by maintenance teams. This included creating detailed visualizations to communicate assembly and repair processes effectively, and iterating on the design and part breakup of internal components to optimize functionality and repair-ability.
A new front lock design improves accessibility and blends into the form more cleanly. Rear door access was reworked with lighter materials, offset cable tethers, and cradle-style hinges that simplify open-and-close movement. Every maintenance-facing element was reviewed for tool-free or quick-action use wherever possible.
Behind the scenes, the dispenser’s design needed to anticipate the needs of busy technicians:
Modular Service Solutions: The team introduced replaceable panels and improved hinge designs for easy maintenance, ensuring that operations were never stalled for long.
Anti-Glare Screen Innovation: To combat wear and field glare, we proposed tempered glass covers with anti-glare coatings — replaceable and rugged enough to endure high-use environments.
The "Next Generation" Golf Ball Dispenser is more than a utilitarian object. It’s a character in the TopGolf story—a touchpoint that blends cutting-edge technology with the joy of play. Its modular build keeps it performing, its lighting adds theater, and its CMF ensures it stands the test of time and offers clear value across the board.
For Topgolf: Enables richer brand storytelling and tech expansion while lowering long-term replacement costs.
For Operators: Simplifies servicing with improved access, modular panels, and increased ball capacity.
For Guests: Delivers real-time gameplay feedback, clearer interaction cues, and a safer, more refined experience.
Recognition: The project received industry accolades, including two IDEA awards - IDEA Silver and IDEA People's Choice.
