Inside Out: What the Premier League's RefCam Teaches Us About Empathy and Expertise

For years, football fans have cried foul over the ref's decisions: “How could they not see that?!”. But last weekend the Premier League gave us an eye-opening glimpse behind the scenes.

Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United featured the first &quotRefCam&quot - granting viewers an unfiltered look through the eyes of the head official.

Suddenly, you're not a spectator. You’re pulled into the intense choreography of 30,000 screaming fans, 22 elite athletes, two voices barking in your ears - all as you make split-second decisions that can decide the match. Check the video for a 30 second snippet.

This kind of Inside Out experience can go a long way. By granting access to the real-time processes driving any experience, you transform an audience into educated insiders. There’s deeper insight. Greater empathy (something the world needs now more than ever...)

I’m big on this concept of “Inside Out” dynamics. At Wavetable, we help organizations create immersive products that do just that - upskilling employees and customers as co-creators and advocates.

So while seeing the ref's world is fascinating, it gets me thinking where else this concept can apply…

- A Michelin-starred kitchen during Saturday night dinner service
- Closing a high-stakes diplomatic agreement at the eleventh hour
- Airport operations on a peak holiday weekend
- The Dean of an under-fire university…

Which worlds are you most curious to drop into?

‍

P.S. A little-known fact about me - I’m a qualified football ref. I can confirm it’s an incredibly challenging gig - whether Sunday League or Premier League. Oh, and I very much enjoyed Palace thumping Man U 4-0 :)

‍