Livestream Video

The New York Times
As video consumption grows, the need for quick, real-time updates becomes more prominent. To incorporate this fast-paced format into the traditional structure of the New York Times, I aimed to seamlessly integrate video alongside text to enhance our readers' experience. Thus, I was assigned the task of developing a live stream mini player.
Timeline
August 2023 - September 2023
3 weeks
Role
Solo
Skills
Video Prototyping
Product Thinking
Ideation
UX Research
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PROBLEM

In today's age of instant access to breaking news, there is a growing demand for readers to consume articles while receiving real-time updates

The New York Times is undergoing a transition, expanding beyond traditional text-based content to include more interactive and visual elements. As part of this evolution, the exploration of video on the platform is largely uncharted territory. Currently, the user experience features a mini-player video that is too small to be viewed effectively. Moreover, it lacks mobility, intuitiveness, and offers limited functionality, remaining fixed at the top of the page.

RESEARCH

Competitive Analysis

Before beginning the design process, I conducted a comprehensive competitive analysis to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing live-stream video experiences. This analysis encompassed both traditional news sources like BBC and The Washington Post, as well as nontraditional sources like YouTube and Twitch. I discovered that working within a limited space required striking a balance between customization and simplicity. The goal was to create a familiar yet forward-thinking design that aligns with the future vision of the New York Times.
Youtube
Twitch
BBC
Washington Post
NBC
YouTube offers four diverse video formats and unparalleled functionality, empowering users to control their viewing experience. This level of flexibility while enticing has the capacity to overwhelm users.  
Twitch was exceedingly similar to Youtube in terms of a variety of different viewing options and its functionality being consistent across all platforms. It differs primarily in its visual aspects, with smaller dimensions and lacking a progress bar.
BBC was good at indicating what was possible for the user, with clear icons and guided interactions. However, it had limited functionality and its experiences across platforms were inconsistent.
The Washington Post was the most bare bones experience, it contained only the most essential information and functionality. Its simplicity was straightforward and easy to use, but didn’t invite interaction nor elevate the experience.
NBC was very similar to BBC, with a commitment to immovable players and only necessary functionality. However, its ability to maintain both visual and interactive consistency across platforms was admirable.

DESIGN EXPLORATIONS

I explored several variations that fall within the categories of bands, immovable mini-players, and movable mini-players

This project required the careful balancing of user needs and the business goals of The Times. The objective was to promote simultaneous consumption of articles and videos, while maintaining consistency across platforms. The design needed to be adaptable for different viewing scenarios while also prioritizing a familiar, simple, and intuitive user experience. This delicate balance allowed for meeting business goals and delivering a user-friendly and engaging experience.

FINAL DESIGNS

Combining movable and immovable mini-players to provide an intuitive and efficient user experience, that is highlighted by its simplicity of use

The solution ultimately involved incorporating both a movable and immovable mini-player. The movable mini-player offers users control over their viewing experience on the app and mobile platforms, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface. On the other hand, immovable mini-players are retained on the desktop version to ensure simplicity and ease of use. The icons have been streamlined to include only essential functionalities, with the exception of the mini-player icon.

IMPACT

This project has the potential to influence all emerging video platforms at the Times, marking the company's initial foray into the video space and establishing a precedent for its representation in this medium. Furthermore, as visual formats for sharing information gain popularity, this project has the potential to enhance the current user experience and attract new users who prefer consuming news through video.

TAKEAWAYS

01
Less is More
By reducing complexity, we achieve clarity and enable users to focus on what truly matters. This approach leads to cleaner layouts, intuitive navigation, and improved usability, resulting in a more satisfying and effortless engagement with a product or interface.
02
Balancing business & User needs
Balancing user needs and business goals is crucial for the success of any product or service. While user needs should always be the primary focus, it is essential to align them with the overarching goals of the business in order to create a user experience that not only meets their expectations but also drives business outcomes. This balance ensures that the product or service delivers value to users while also achieving the desired business objectives, ultimately leading to long-term success. 
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