01

Netflix

01

Netflix

01

Netflix

Role:

User Research

Team:

Independent Project !

Timeline:

February 2024 - May 2024

Overview

As a college student who loves Netflix movie nights with friends, I encountered challenges staying connected during breaks or when friends were abroad. Existing tools like Teleparty and Zoom screenshare were clunky and distracting. This led me to create a seamless way for users to enjoy synchronized movie nights directly within Netflix.

Problem

While Netflix is perfect for solo viewing, users rely on third-party extensions for social watch parties, which disrupt the experience with issues like audio sync problems and the need to switch between apps. These tools detract from the immersive experience users seek.

Solution

I designed an integrated "Watch Party" feature within Netflix, allowing users to host or join watch parties without leaving the app. The feature includes synchronized video playback, real-time chat, and audio controls—all natively embedded into the Netflix interface.

Overview

As a college student who loves Netflix movie nights with friends, I encountered challenges staying connected during breaks or when friends were abroad. Existing tools like Teleparty and Zoom screenshare were clunky and distracting. This led me to create a seamless way for users to enjoy synchronized movie nights directly within Netflix.

Problem

While Netflix is perfect for solo viewing, users rely on third-party extensions for social watch parties, which disrupt the experience with issues like audio sync problems and the need to switch between apps. These tools detract from the immersive experience users seek.

Solution

I designed an integrated "Watch Party" feature within Netflix, allowing users to host or join watch parties without leaving the app. The feature includes synchronized video playback, real-time chat, and audio controls—all natively embedded into the Netflix interface.

User Feedback/Analysis

User Feedback/Analysis

User Feedback/Analysis

User interviews revealed frustrations with third-party tools like Teleparty, citing issues with syncing and the hassle of switching apps. Users desired a native solution that kept interactions within Netflix, allowing for smoother watch parties and easier access to social features. This feedback underscored the opportunity to enhance the Netflix experience by integrating social viewing directly into the platform, improving user engagement and creating a more cohesive movie night experience.

User interviews revealed frustrations with third-party tools like Teleparty, citing issues with syncing and the hassle of switching apps. Users desired a native solution that kept interactions within Netflix, allowing for smoother watch parties and easier access to social features. This feedback underscored the opportunity to enhance the Netflix experience by integrating social viewing directly into the platform, improving user engagement and creating a more cohesive movie night experience.

User interviews revealed frustrations with third-party tools like Teleparty, citing issues with syncing and the hassle of switching apps. Users desired a native solution that kept interactions within Netflix, allowing for smoother watch parties and easier access to social features. This feedback underscored the opportunity to enhance the Netflix experience by integrating social viewing directly into the platform, improving user engagement and creating a more cohesive movie night experience.

  • Branding: Inconsistent branding weakened user trust and recognition.

  • Branding: Inconsistent branding weakened user trust and recognition.

  • Course Flow: Overcomplicated structure made learning difficult.

  • Test Center: Its absence left users unable to gauge their progress.

Insight

This feature bridges the gap between physical and virtual movie nights, enabling users to stay connected and enjoy movies together—no third-party tools required. By incorporating social features directly into Netflix, the platform becomes more immersive and user-friendly.

Ideating Solutions

Ideating Solutions

I explored various layouts and entry points for the Watch Party feature, ensuring it would be easy to find and use from both the home screen and individual content pages. I tested different flows and refined designs based on user feedback, aiming for a balance between functionality and user experience.

  • Logo: Feedback from managers guided the logo redesign to better reflect AlgoLink’s values and mission.

  • Course Dashboard: I brainstormed layouts and researched best practices in existing course platforms.

  • Test Center: I sketched initial ideas and tested flows to ensure ease of use.

The Final Design

The Final Design

The final design of the "Watch Party" feature integrates social interaction directly into Netflix. I created a user-friendly interface that makes starting or joining watch parties easy and intuitive. Users can invite friends and enjoy synchronized viewing without interruptions, while real-time chat allows for interaction without disturbing the content.

The final design of the "Watch Party" feature integrates social interaction directly into Netflix. I created a user-friendly interface that makes starting or joining watch parties easy and intuitive. Users can invite friends and enjoy synchronized viewing without interruptions, while real-time chat allows for interaction without disturbing the content.

  • Logo: A refreshed visual identity that represents AlgoLink’s mission.

  • Landing Page: Redesigned to communicate the platform’s offerings clearly and convert visitors into users (content still in progress).

  • Course Dashboard: A centralized hub where users can track progress and manage their courses.

  • Course + Lessons Page:

Cleaner layout and enhanced navigation to create an intuitive learning path.

  • Test Center:

New feature offering skill exams to showcase user expertise to recruiters.

The Final Design

The final design of the "Watch Party" feature integrates social interaction directly into Netflix. I created a user-friendly interface that makes starting or joining watch parties easy and intuitive. Users can invite friends and enjoy synchronized viewing without interruptions, while real-time chat allows for interaction without disturbing the content.

  • Logo: A refreshed visual identity that represents AlgoLink’s mission.

  • Landing Page: Redesigned to communicate the platform’s offerings clearly and convert visitors into users (content still in progress).

Landing Page (Slides 1-2)

Landing Page (Slides 3-4)

Landing Page (Slides 4-5)

  • Course Dashboard: A centralized hub where users can track progress and manage their courses.

  • Course + Lessons Page:

Cleaner layout and enhanced navigation to create an intuitive learning path.

  • Test Center:

New feature allowing users to take exams and quizzes, preparing them for real-world job applications.

New feature offering skill exams to showcase user expertise to recruiters.

Conclusion

This feature bridges the gap between physical and virtual movie nights, enabling users to stay connected and enjoy movies together—no third-party tools required. By incorporating social features directly into Netflix, the platform becomes more immersive and user-friendly.

Reflection + Future Trajectory

This project highlighted the importance of seamless integration and user-centered design. Moving forward, I plan to expand social features based on user needs, ensuring that any additions complement Netflix’s core viewing experience without causing disruption.