Reimagining Online Learning for the Next Generation of Foilers

While at Slingshot Sports, I led the redesign of Foil Academy, the brand's online learning platform built to help riders progress from their first session to advanced foiling techniques.

The project coincided with the launch of wingfoiling, an entirely new discipline in watersports. Our goal was to create an educational experience that could support a rapidly growing audience while organizing an expanding library of instructional content into a learning journey that felt approachable, engaging, and easy to navigate.

Working closely with Slingshot's CEO and marketing leadership, I designed the experience from the ground up using the Thinkific learning platform. Every page was carefully crafted to balance educational content with the energy and personality of the Slingshot brand.

Designing for Learning

Rather than treating the platform as a collection of videos, we structured the experience around clear learning pathways that guided users from foundational skills to more advanced techniques.

Key considerations included:

Creating an intuitive information architecture for a growing video library.
Designing responsive page layouts that worked seamlessly across desktop and mobile.
Establishing visual hierarchy to make lessons, courses, and progress easy to understand.
Reinforcing the excitement of the sport through immersive photography, typography, and motion-inspired layouts.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project was introducing wingfoiling as a completely new category within the Academy.

As the sport emerged, riders were looking for trusted instruction and a clear place to begin. The redesigned experience provided a dedicated learning hub that helped establish Slingshot as an authority while making it easier for newcomers to build confidence and progress.

My Role

UX and UI Design
Information Architecture
Responsive Web Design
Visual Design
Thinkific Platform Design
Cross-functional collaboration with Executive and Marketing teams

Outcome

The redesigned Foil Academy became the foundation for Slingshot's digital education strategy, supporting the launch of new video curriculum while giving the brand a scalable platform for future courses and emerging sports. By simplifying navigation and creating a more cohesive learning experience, the redesign made it easier for riders to discover content, build skills, and stay engaged with the Slingshot community.