Overview

YouTube is a video sharing and social media platform where users can watch, like, share, comment and upload their own videos. It can connect millions of people internationally together, whether it’s watching streams of peoples’ favorite content creators, scrolling through entertaining YouTube shorts, sharing knowledge, and experiences.

Tools

Figma

Adobe Photoshop

Davinci's Resolve

  

The Challenge

The subscription section of YouTube is an essential feature for users to keep track of their favorite channels and creators. However, currently users often miss new videos from their subscribed channels or have trouble managing their subscriptions leading to frustration and confusion. This results in a suboptimal user experience and reduces user engagement with the platform.

My Role

UX designer | researcher

I contributed to the entire design process, from defining the project scope to conducting UX research, creating wireframes, high-fidelity prototypes, and visually captivating mock-ups.

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user research

  

How might we bring more engagement to Youtube subscriptions?

Users frequently encounter challenges in staying updated with the latest videos from their subscribed channels or face difficulties in effectively managing their subscriptions. This often results in feelings of frustration and confusion.

  

Working Backwards from our users

  

Research 01 - User Surveys

What we got from the survey?
  • A more precise definition of Youtube active user group.
  • A validation of user need on Youtube subscriptions.
  

Research 02 - User Interviews

Participants Demographics

To understand how might we help active users enhance the management of their subscriptions to further increase their engagement. 6 candidates were selected and interviewed.

Voice from interviewees

“ 

I'm actually not using the subscription section as much because the amount of content and the channels I'm subscribed to will result in a pretty chaotic subscription section. Where it results in I don't exactly know what I'm looking at.
-Kevin

”

“ 

I could not search for my favorite channel through the subscriptions bar; instead, I would type the channel's name in the search bar.
-Brenden

”

  

Persona

  

User Journey Map

  

Key Insights

  • The "chaotic design" of the subscription section decreases user engagement.
  • A user's interested categories affect how important it is for them to manage their subscription content.
  • Users could not search for their favorite channel through the subscriptions bar; instead, they would type the channel's name in the search bar.
  • Users lack the willingness to subscribe, and users want to have more autonomy to manage their subscriptions.
  

How might we empower active users that are subscribed to many channels access their desired content more conveniently through organizing their subscriptions.

We revised our original HMW statement after we gained more insight from primary and secondary research. YouTube users who are subscribed to lots of channels have a hard time discovering content due to the lack of organization.

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ideation

  

Rapid ideas from HMW

  

2 By 2 Brainstorming

  

Down Selection

  

Task Flow

  

Wireframes

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usability testing

  

Validating the Designs

We tested our prototype with 6 users. During the testing sessions, we observed how users interacted with our prototype and noted their feedback. This helped us identify areas for improvement, which we will use to refine our prototype.

  

Feedback and Iterations

Extra Button Causes Confusion on Video Page

We added a new button for our new features but users are not sure what it does and are confused on which button to click, so we decided to only have one main CTA to avoid confusion and added our new features to the drawer of that one button.

No Option to Manage Individual Group on All Subscriptions Page

Our new feature allows user to add channels to different groups, but we didn't have any way for the users to manage the groups they created, so we made a mange button for them to do so.

Originally there is also another kebab menu at the top right of this page, however it only offers “help” so we replaced it with a more appropriate icon to reduce confusion.

Low Visual Hierarchy on Filters Page

Our new feature allows user to add customized filters to apply on the subscription feed, but the visual hierarchy of it is unclear and the minus button adds confusion on how to remove active filters; so we improved the visual design of the active filters and removed the minus button.

  

Design System

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final design

  

Channel Groups

This feature allows users to add channel to existing groups or create and add channel to new groups. Which give users the ability to better organize their subscribed channels so they can quickly find the content they're interested in.

  

Manage subscriptions directly on video page

With this design, users can easily access the feature to create personalized groups outside of the main subscription section, providing a more convenient and flexible way to manage their subscribed channels.

  

Customizable Filters on subscription feed

The feature allows users to add or remove filters from a list of recommended ones or custom groups they have created. With this capability, users can view videos of specific categories from their subscribed channels and tailor their video feed to match their preferences.

  

Manage Group

Whether it's renaming a group to better reflect its contents or deleting a group that is no longer needed, users can efficiently manage groups they created to fit their needs and preferences.

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Reflections & Next Steps

  

how to Measure success

  

Reflections and takeaways

  • Developed effective collaboration skills by working closely with diverse UX designers. Gained invaluable insights and diverse perspectives that enriched my understanding of user-centered design.
  • Strengthened my design and communication skills. Enabling me to convey ideas clearly and collaborate seamlessly with team members, fostering shared understanding and driving successful outcomes.
  • Embraced a goal-oriented and process-driven approach. Setting clear objectives and following a structured framework to ensure the creation of user-friendly solutions.
  • Solved ambiguous challenges. Breaking down complex problems into manageable components, conducting research, and iteratively developing solutions that address user needs effectively.

Contact

Get in Touch

Resume

email

Github

linkedin

Currently based in Seattle

Tianningy1119@gmail.com
© 2024 Tianning Yu