Challenge: Integrate a feature in the HBO NOW App for users to schedule Viewing Parties.
Goal: To capture, iterate and confirm the feature’s requirements in an effort to create a user experience that is easy, intuitive and entertaining for users.
Role: UX/UI Designer & Researcher
Deliverables: User Research, Personas, Design solutions in High-Fidelity Screens, re-designs of current interface for enhanced User Experience.
User Research
“ Under which premise would HBO Now users entertain the idea of a viewing party, and if so, what would be of value? “
In an effort to gauge users’ feelings towards the idea of a viewing party:
We built an empathy map
Several interviews were conducted with current HBO Now users as well as with people who have been a part of a viewing party.
We gathered information from a total of 15 participants.
Key Findings
Users juggle between HBO Now streams & text messages to discuss what’s happening in a given show. (Real time engagement is sought after, but may be distracting)
Users are most likely to consider attending viewing parties for major events. (i.e. Highly anticipated season finale, major sports events, political debates etc.)
Users usually prefer to watch a show in comfort of their own homes.
Personas
Two personas were created for this project to represent prospective users of the design solution. For this particular case, users are quite similar as those using the feature are friends and share common interests.
OPPORTUNITY
Looking at current HBO NOW users, it was clear that friends enjoy discussing the show capturing their minds at the present time, and sharing their feelings and opinions.
We saw the opportunity to integrate a feature that would allow HBO NOW users to host a virtual party & enjoy a show with their friends.
We designed a virtual viewing party that allows users to manually share and experience video streams in real-time, remotely. We made sure to preserve the essence of the current brand’s interface as well. Streams are synchronized, so users are seeing the same thing, at the same time, while being able to express themselves through real-time commentary and emojis.
High-Fidelity Screens
Concept: This design encourages a passive user to explore the new feature, which allows them to schedule a remote viewing with friends.
- Friends must also have an HBO Account
