JUAN RUIZ

REF! explores how the NBA can improve the fan experience with referees. The thesis examines how social media shapes viewers’ perceptions of the game, using data visualizations to add clarity & context.

While the NBA is driven by statistics around players, coaches, and teams, referees are rarely presented with the same transparency—despite often being blamed when issues arise. By using Instagram and data visualizations, referees become more visible and relatable through names, images, and engaging content, while complex officiating data is made easier to understand.

The thesis presentation was successful, sparking meaningful discussions about referees’ impact on games, potential applications in sports betting, and feedback on the data visualizations.