Brunswick Connected Boating App

We designed Brunswick's connected boating mobile application, creating a digital companion for boat owners that puts engine diagnostics, maintenance tracking, and navigation tools in one intuitive interface.
Challenge
Boating technology was moving toward connected systems, but the user experience hadn't kept pace. Boat owners were dealing with fragmented information sources for engine health, maintenance schedules, and trip planning. Brunswick needed a mobile experience that could synthesize complex marine data into something accessible to both experienced boaters and weekend enthusiasts. The app also had to work reliably in marine environments with intermittent connectivity.
Solution
We designed the app around the boating lifecycle — pre-trip preparation, on-water operation, and post-trip maintenance. Engine diagnostics are presented through clear visual indicators rather than raw data, making it easy to understand system health at a glance. The maintenance tracking system uses proactive notifications based on engine hours and seasonal schedules. We designed an offline-capable architecture that caches critical information for use when cellular connectivity drops. The interface uses high-contrast, glare-resistant design patterns optimized for outdoor, on-water use.
Results
The connected boating app gave Brunswick a significant digital differentiator in the marine industry. Boat owners gained a single, reliable source for vessel management, reducing the friction of ownership and maintenance. The app's offline-capable design proved essential for real-world boating use, and the proactive maintenance features helped dealers strengthen their service relationships with customers.
Project Details
2017


