02

Netflix

02

Netflix

02

Netflix

Role:

User Research

Prototyping

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 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.

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.

Various ideas and layouts I explored on Figma

Various ideas and layouts I explored on Figma

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.

Join Party Flow

Join Party Flow

Entry Point for Join Party

To introduce the feature, I designed a distinct "Watch Party" icon that fits Netflix’s visual style. This icon is the entry point users can start or join a watch party. For those joining an ongoing party, I placed the entry point in the top right corner of the screen—visible but unobtrusive.

Entry Point for Join Party

Join Party Invite Screen

Join Party Invite Screen

Watch Room Screen

Watch Room Screen

Add Friends Screen

Add Friends Screen

Create Party Flow

Create Party Flow

To simplify the process, I created multiple ways for users to start a watch party. First, I added the "Watch Party" button in the Netflix recommendations section, alongside "Play" and "My List."

The second entry point is on individual movie/show pages, next to other action icons like "My List" and "Download," so users can easily start a party from any part of the platform.

Entry Points for Create Party

To simplify the process, I created multiple ways for users to start a watch party. First, I added the "Watch Party" button in the Netflix recommendations section, alongside "Play" and "My List."

The second entry point is on individual movie/show pages, next to other action icons like "My List" and "Download," so users can easily start a party from any part of the platform.

Create Party Screen

Create Party Screen

Watch Room Screen

Watch Room Screen

Add Friends Screen

Add Friends Screen

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.