YouTube Connect

A proposed feature that would allow viewers to connect and watch simultaneously with each other through YouTube.

 My Role

UX Design

User Research

Prototyping

Usability Testing

Timeline

4 weeks

Goals

YouTube Connect focuses on bringing families and friends together virtually, whether it is for exercising, learning to cook, or just watching something together.

To add a “Connect” feature consistent with the YouTube platform’s brand and design.

The Problem

Can YouTube be used to enhance personal connection?

YouTube is the most commonly used video platform worldwide, with 1.7 billion visitors who desire to express their passions and find entertainment. In the US, 62% of users access YouTube daily, and 92% access YouTube weekly. YouTube Connect is a proposed feature that aims to build a community where family and friends can share entertainment and life together despite the challenges in the current world.

The Solution

Adding a connect function

YouTube’s primary focus has been on individual entertainment instead of connecting with others. Could there be a feature that allows users to also have the option to enjoy content with loved ones?

Competitive Analysis

The market of spending time watching content is expanding, simple/clear IA is key

I performed competitive analysis to examine how direct competitors implemented their connect features. After examining their designs, I produced a layout to capture their strengths and avoid exhibiting their weaknesses.

 

User Interview Insights

User interviews helped me to identify the desirability of this feature and whether or not it would be worth the time and effort to develop since people are so accustomed to watching alone on YouTube.

I conducted one on one virtual interviews with participants aged between 22 and 30.

User Persona

Meet Jacob, the user!

 

 Solution Exploration

User research revealed three possible solutions for creating an experience that users would enjoy. The primary challenge in developing the solution was determining the scope.

  • An all-in-one integrated system - Creating a separate platform that allows users to connect through all of YouTube’s different platforms (e.g. YouTube Music, TV, and Kids).

  • A function within YouTube’s main system - Add the feature within YouTube’s main flow and focus solely on video.

  • Increased visibility - Allow users to enable their friends to view their activities live.

    I decided to move forward with adding the connect function to YouTube’s main system for the following reasons:

    • Time and team size. Could I deliver a minimum viable product by choosing the integrated system approach in 80 hours?

    • Does increasing visibility allow users to have the flexibility, privacy, and user interaction they desire to see?

Sitemap

Once the decision was made, I created a sitemap to lay out the “big picture” of how the feature could be integrated into YouTube’s current system.

User Flow

I explored different scenarios users could encounter and these allowed me to prioritize which features needed to be developed to ensure that the connect feature would function smoothly.

Example User Task: Jacob wants to watch “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon —Catchphrase with Jim Parsons, Miles Teller and Wiz Khalifa” on YouTube with his friend John. He utilizes the connect feature to invite John to watch with him.

Sketches

I used sketches to incorporate and bring to life all the ideas I had gathered in the previous design stages. I explored different layouts, presentations, and flows. This was the start of a constant, iterative process to discover how to best implement the solution. During this process, numerous questions were asked:

• How do I connect with my friends? Is the main menu the only way I can connect?

• Can I communicate with my friends without using my video camera?

• Am I still able to do everything on YouTube the same way when I am connected with someone?

• How do I add a friend on YouTube?

Wireframes

After sketching, I created wireframes with simple layouts to visualize my designs before committing the time and effort to a Hi-Fi design.

Visual Design & Branding

YouTube is an established product with phenomenal branding/UI design and I kept the connect feature’s visual design consistent with YouTube’s current look.

 Hi-Fi Design

Prototype

I created a prototype based on the High Fidelity design above.

Usability Testing

The results of the usability tests were surprising and revealed that no changes were needed. All of my users enjoyed the new feature without any frustration. Users stated that it was simple, straightforward, and easy to navigate.

Priority Revisions

YouTube is a well-established system that all my users were familiar with. As a result, it was easy navigating through the system. The usability testing results also affirmed that the added feature was consistent with the current design and user experience.

 If I had more time, I would …

• Conduct more research with a bigger pool of participant to understand the needs and wants of the users.

• Explore the option of creating the an all-in-one integrated system that would allow users to access all platfrom within the connect feature.

• Explore areas that could make the design includsive and accessiable to all groups of people.

Lessons Learned

Design is a process, not an expression of self. When I produced my first UX design project, I learned that the design process requires foundational work that needs to be done before I can implement a solution. I was intrigued by the complexity of each stage in the design process.

Adapt to the inevitable changes of the tech world. I learned that UX design is always changing, so I will adapt accordingly to learn and grow in my knowledge and practice of UX. 

As a designer, be confident and proud of your design. Just keep learning. Initially, I felt inadequate and lacked confidence because I came from a background unrelated to design. After working on multiple projects, I learned that anyone has the potential to become a great designer as long they are equipped with a curious mind and passion for solving problems. As a designer, I continue to be encouraged to learn more and further develop my UX skills.

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