Add a feature
Add a feature
Add a feature
A new solution to saving and organizing YouTube Shorts to a playlist
A new solution to saving and organizing YouTube Shorts to a playlist
A new solution to saving and organizing YouTube Shorts to a playlist
ROLES:
ROLES:
ROLES:
UX Researcher
UX Researcher
UX Researcher
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designer
UI Designer
UI Designer
UI Designer
Prototyper
Prototyper
Prototyper
TOOLS:
TOOLS:
TOOLS:
Figma
Figma
Figma
FigJam
FigJam
FigJam
DURATION:
DURATION:
DURATION:
80 Hours
80 Hours
80 Hours
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
With the rise of short-form video viewers, YouTube has recently been pushing content creators to create ”YouTube Shorts” on their platform by implementing a new monetization system. However, many viewers have expressed concerns about YouTube Shorts missing a key feature: saving shorts into a playlist.
With the rise of short-form video viewers, YouTube has recently been pushing content creators to create ”YouTube Shorts” on their platform by implementing a new monetization system. However, many viewers have expressed concerns about YouTube Shorts missing a key feature: saving shorts into a playlist.
With the rise of short-form video viewers, YouTube has recently been pushing content creators to create ”YouTube Shorts” on their platform by implementing a new monetization system. However, many viewers have expressed concerns about YouTube Shorts missing a key feature: saving shorts into a playlist.
My role as a UX/UI designer was to add a feature to YouTube’s mobile app that would allow users to save and organize their shorts to a playlist to rewatch it with ease.
My role as a UX/UI designer was to add a feature to YouTube’s mobile app that would allow users to save and organize their shorts to a playlist to rewatch it with ease.
My role as a UX/UI designer was to add a feature to YouTube’s mobile app that would allow users to save and organize their shorts to a playlist to rewatch it with ease.
THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
No save feature exists for 'Shorts'
Saving a video to a playlist can be important for users who want to rewatch the video at their leisure.
No method to search for specific 'Shorts'
Across all major platforms, there is no method to filter or search specific short-form videos in a playlist.
No save feature exists for 'Shorts'
Saving a video to a playlist can be important for users who want to rewatch the video at their leisure.
No method to search for specific 'Shorts'
Across all major platforms, there is no method to filter or search specific short-form videos in a playlist.
No save feature exists for 'Shorts'
Saving a video to a playlist can be important for users who want to rewatch the video at their leisure.
No method to search for specific 'Shorts'
Across all major platforms, there is no method to filter or search specific short-form videos in a playlist.
USER RESEARCH
USER RESEARCH
USER RESEARCH
User behavior differs across various platforms
User behavior differs across various platforms
User behavior differs across various platforms
I conducted an online survey that gathered data from users of various platforms rather than solely focusing on YouTube Shorts users to determine how users across all platforms utilize the save function.
I conducted an online survey that gathered data from users of various platforms rather than solely focusing on YouTube Shorts users to determine how users across all platforms utilize the save function.
I conducted an online survey that gathered data from users of various platforms rather than solely focusing on YouTube Shorts users to determine how users across all platforms utilize the save function.
Compared to TikTok and Instagram users, YouTube users were less inclined to save and rewatch short-form videos.
Compared to TikTok and Instagram users, YouTube users were less inclined to save and rewatch short-form videos.
Compared to TikTok and Instagram users, YouTube users were less inclined to save and rewatch short-form videos.
This disparity can most likely be attributed primarily to the absence of a save feature on YouTube.
This disparity can most likely be attributed primarily to the absence of a save feature on YouTube.
This disparity can most likely be attributed primarily to the absence of a save feature on YouTube.
TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram were the preferred platform to view short-form media from most to least popular, respectively.
TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram were the preferred platform to view short-form media from most to least popular, respectively.
TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram were the preferred platform to view short-form media from most to least popular, respectively.
TikTok and Instagram users were more likely to save a video to a playlist than YouTube users.
TikTok and Instagram users were more likely to save a video to a playlist than YouTube users.
TikTok and Instagram users were more likely to save a video to a playlist than YouTube users.
TikTok and Instagram users were more likely to rewatch a saved video than YouTube users
TikTok and Instagram users were more likely to rewatch a saved video than YouTube users
TikTok and Instagram users were more likely to rewatch a saved video than YouTube users
Competitive analysis: All platforms lack an important search feature
Competitive analysis: All platforms lack an important search feature
Competitive analysis: All platforms lack an important search feature
Although users of TikTok and Instagram can easily save videos into a playlist, all major platforms lacked a feature to find specific videos in a playlist.
Although users of TikTok and Instagram can easily save videos into a playlist, all major platforms lacked a feature to find specific videos in a playlist.
Although users of TikTok and Instagram can easily save videos into a playlist, all major platforms lacked a feature to find specific videos in a playlist.
User Interviews: Trouble locating a particular video within a playlist
User Interviews: Trouble locating a particular video within a playlist
User Interviews: Trouble locating a particular video within a playlist
I interviewed users of various platforms to determine if there are any key differences to how individuals save and organize videos.
I interviewed users of various platforms to determine if there are any key differences to how individuals save and organize videos.
I interviewed users of various platforms to determine if there are any key differences to how individuals save and organize videos.
Two major patterns in how people organized videos:
Users save videos in a single playlist
Users save videos in different playlists depending on the content of the video
Two major patterns in how people organized videos:
Users save videos in a single playlist
Users save videos in different playlists depending on the content of the video
Two major patterns in how people organized videos:
Users save videos in a single playlist
Users save videos in different playlists depending on the content of the video
Users save videos to rewatch at their leisure; however, they rarely do so due to not being able to find the video.
Users save videos to rewatch at their leisure; however, they rarely do so due to not being able to find the video.
Users save videos to rewatch at their leisure; however, they rarely do so due to not being able to find the video.
Some users are selective about which videos to save to minimize the number of videos in a playlist for easy access.
Some users are selective about which videos to save to minimize the number of videos in a playlist for easy access.
Some users are selective about which videos to save to minimize the number of videos in a playlist for easy access.
Despite being saved in a playlist, why is it difficult for users to rewatch a specific video?
Despite being saved in a playlist, why is it difficult for users to rewatch a specific video?
Despite being saved in a playlist, why is it difficult for users to rewatch a specific video?
Users have to scroll through many videos in their playlist due to no search feature
Users have to scroll through many videos in their playlist due to no search feature
Users have to scroll through many videos in their playlist due to no search feature
Even with a search feature, users may still struggle to find a video they are looking for.
Even with a search feature, users may still struggle to find a video they are looking for.
Even with a search feature, users may still struggle to find a video they are looking for.
As most users report that they often do not read descriptions or hashtags, users will not know which keywords to use in the search function.
As most users report that they often do not read descriptions or hashtags, users will not know which keywords to use in the search function.
As most users report that they often do not read descriptions or hashtags, users will not know which keywords to use in the search function.
Looking beyond direct competitors for inspiration
Looking beyond direct competitors for inspiration
Looking beyond direct competitors for inspiration
Due to the absence of solutions for users to locate specific videos, I actively investigated the searching and filtering methods utilized by other businesses.
Due to the absence of solutions for users to locate specific videos, I actively investigated the searching and filtering methods utilized by other businesses.
Due to the absence of solutions for users to locate specific videos, I actively investigated the searching and filtering methods utilized by other businesses.
Etsy: Strategizing product sales via category and personalized tags
Etsy: Strategizing product sales via category and personalized tags
Etsy: Strategizing product sales via category and personalized tags
Specify a category: Etsy sellers must categorize their products, ensuring better visibility and discoverability.
Specify a category: Etsy sellers must categorize their products, ensuring better visibility and discoverability.
Specify a category: Etsy sellers must categorize their products, ensuring better visibility and discoverability.
Personalized tags: Sellers can add personalized tags, enabling buyers to search for items more effectively.
Personalized tags: Sellers can add personalized tags, enabling buyers to search for items more effectively.
Personalized tags: Sellers can add personalized tags, enabling buyers to search for items more effectively.
By indicating specific tags and categories, sellers increase the likelihood of buyers discovering their products easily.
By indicating specific tags and categories, sellers increase the likelihood of buyers discovering their products easily.
By indicating specific tags and categories, sellers increase the likelihood of buyers discovering their products easily.
Twitch: Using predetermined or personalized tags that viewers can use
Twitch: Using predetermined or personalized tags that viewers can use
Twitch: Using predetermined or personalized tags that viewers can use
Discoverability through tags: streamers have the flexibility to use either predetermined or custom tags, enabling viewers to easily discover their content.
Discoverability through tags: streamers have the flexibility to use either predetermined or custom tags, enabling viewers to easily discover their content.
Discoverability through tags: streamers have the flexibility to use either predetermined or custom tags, enabling viewers to easily discover their content.
Custom tags usually indicate interests or internet slang that viewers commonly use.
Custom tags usually indicate interests or internet slang that viewers commonly use.
Custom tags usually indicate interests or internet slang that viewers commonly use.
IDEATE
IDEATE
IDEATE
A novel method to save and find a short-form video in a playlist
A novel method to save and find a short-form video in a playlist
A novel method to save and find a short-form video in a playlist
To make YouTube Shorts more marketable among its competitors, there are two main pain points that must be addressed.
To make YouTube Shorts more marketable among its competitors, there are two main pain points that must be addressed.
To make YouTube Shorts more marketable among its competitors, there are two main pain points that must be addressed.
A new method to save and organize video
A search/filter function to find specific videos
A new method to save and organize video
A search/filter function to find specific videos
A new method to save and organize video
A search/filter function to find specific videos
Simply adding a search feature to playlists is not a viable solution, as many users do not read or remember descriptions and hashtags.
Simply adding a search feature to playlists is not a viable solution, as many users do not read or remember descriptions and hashtags.
Simply adding a search feature to playlists is not a viable solution, as many users do not read or remember descriptions and hashtags.
However, enabling users to create custom tags when saving, could be more effective to identify videos and facilitate their search in playlists.
However, enabling users to create custom tags when saving, could be more effective to identify videos and facilitate their search in playlists.
However, enabling users to create custom tags when saving, could be more effective to identify videos and facilitate their search in playlists.
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
Saving a video to a playlist
Saving a video to a playlist
Saving a video to a playlist
To save a ‘Shorts’, users will be prompted to add tags either by creating their own or selecting from suggestions and select a playlist to add to.
To save a ‘Shorts’, users will be prompted to add tags either by creating their own or selecting from suggestions and select a playlist to add to.
To save a ‘Shorts’, users will be prompted to add tags either by creating their own or selecting from suggestions and select a playlist to add to.
Although adding tags is not required, it is highly recommended as it will allow users to easily find ‘Shorts’ they may want to rewatch.
Although adding tags is not required, it is highly recommended as it will allow users to easily find ‘Shorts’ they may want to rewatch.
Although adding tags is not required, it is highly recommended as it will allow users to easily find ‘Shorts’ they may want to rewatch.
Step 1: Save a video
Step 1: Save a video
Step 1: Save a video
Users save a video by tapping on the ‘Save’ button, which will then prompt users to add tags.
Users save a video by tapping on the ‘Save’ button, which will then prompt users to add tags.
Users save a video by tapping on the ‘Save’ button, which will then prompt users to add tags.
The ‘Remix’ button was replaced with a ‘Save’ button on the sidebar as the icon below it serves the same function.
The ‘Remix’ button was replaced with a ‘Save’ button on the sidebar as the icon below it serves the same function.
The ‘Remix’ button was replaced with a ‘Save’ button on the sidebar as the icon below it serves the same function.
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
Step 2: Tags Overlay Menu
Step 2: Tags Overlay Menu
Step 2: Tags Overlay Menu
The tag overlay menu will prompt users to enter personalized custom tags and/or choose from suggested tags
The tag overlay menu will prompt users to enter personalized custom tags and/or choose from suggested tags
The tag overlay menu will prompt users to enter personalized custom tags and/or choose from suggested tags
By default, all saved videos will be stored in a ‘Favorites’ playlist. The user can skip adding tags or adding a video to playlist by tapping outside of the overlay menu.
By default, all saved videos will be stored in a ‘Favorites’ playlist. The user can skip adding tags or adding a video to playlist by tapping outside of the overlay menu.
By default, all saved videos will be stored in a ‘Favorites’ playlist. The user can skip adding tags or adding a video to playlist by tapping outside of the overlay menu.
1
2
3
1
Add to Playlist
Add to Playlist
Add to Playlist
Users can add a ‘Short’ to a playlist after adding tags.
Users can add a ‘Short’ to a playlist after adding tags.
Users can add a ‘Short’ to a playlist after adding tags.
2
Custom Tags
Custom Tags
Custom Tags
Users can create their own tags to associate the video with that can be later used to find videos in a playlist.
Users can create their own tags to associate the video with that can be later used to find videos in a playlist.
Users can create their own tags to associate the video with that can be later used to find videos in a playlist.
3
Suggested Tags
Suggested Tags
Suggested Tags
The suggested tags consist of commonly used tags by the user/other users and hashtags used by the creator.
The suggested tags consist of commonly used tags by the user/other users and hashtags used by the creator.
The suggested tags consist of commonly used tags by the user/other users and hashtags used by the creator.
Step 3: Playlist Overlay Menu
Step 3: Playlist Overlay Menu
Step 3: Playlist Overlay Menu
After entering custom tags, users can add videos to a designated playlist for further organization.
After entering custom tags, users can add videos to a designated playlist for further organization.
After entering custom tags, users can add videos to a designated playlist for further organization.
Users are not required to add a video to a playlist. Although it may help, they should be able to easily find videos in the ‘Favorites’ playlist as long as tags are used.
Users are not required to add a video to a playlist. Although it may help, they should be able to easily find videos in the ‘Favorites’ playlist as long as tags are used.
Users are not required to add a video to a playlist. Although it may help, they should be able to easily find videos in the ‘Favorites’ playlist as long as tags are used.
1
2
Create New Playlists
Create New Playlists
Create New Playlists
If users do not have playlist they want to add to their current list, they can create a new playlist.
If users do not have playlist they want to add to their current list, they can create a new playlist.
1
Add to playlists
Add to playlists
Add to playlists
Users can scroll through their current playlists to designate where to add the video to.
Users can scroll through their current playlists to designate where to add the video to.
Users can scroll through their current playlists to designate where to add the video to.
2
Finding a specific ‘Shorts’ video in playlists
Finding a specific ‘Shorts’ video in playlists
Finding a specific ‘Shorts’ video in playlists
When users have a specific ‘Shorts’ they would like to rewatch, they can navigate to a playlist and use tags to filter through their videos.
When users have a specific ‘Shorts’ they would like to rewatch, they can navigate to a playlist and use tags to filter through their videos.
When users have a specific ‘Shorts’ they would like to rewatch, they can navigate to a playlist and use tags to filter through their videos.
Step 1: Filtering for ‘Shorts’
Step 1: Filtering for ‘Shorts’
By default, a playlist will display long-form videos and ‘Shorts’.
By default, a playlist will display long-form videos and ‘Shorts’.
Users can filter the playlist to only display ‘Shorts’ by tapping on the ‘All’ to view and select the ‘Shorts’ option.
Users can filter the playlist to only display ‘Shorts’ by tapping on the ‘All’ to view and select the ‘Shorts’ option.
Step 2: Using tags to find a video
Step 2: Using tags to find a video
Users can tap on ‘Tags’ to further filter videos in a playlist by selecting tags that are associated with the video they are looking for.
Users can tap on ‘Tags’ to further filter videos in a playlist by selecting tags that are associated with the video they are looking for.
Users can tap on ‘Tags’ to further filter videos in a playlist by selecting tags that are associated with the video they are looking for.
Adding tags to a video is recommended because otherwise users are limited to scrolling through the playlist to find it.
Adding tags to a video is recommended because otherwise users are limited to scrolling through the playlist to find it.
Adding tags to a video is recommended because otherwise users are limited to scrolling through the playlist to find it.
Enter tags
Enter tags
Enter tags
If the user remembers the tag associated with the video, they can type it in the text box.
If the user remembers the tag associated with the video, they can type it in the text box.
If the user remembers the tag associated with the video, they can type it in the text box.
1
Most recently used tags
Most recently used tags
Most recently used tags
Users can quickly access tags that they use most often. If they cannot find the tag they are looking for, they can enter their custom tags or tap on ‘View all’.
Users can quickly access tags that they use most often. If they cannot find the tag they are looking for, they can enter their custom tags or tap on ‘View all’.
Users can quickly access tags that they use most often. If they cannot find the tag they are looking for, they can enter their custom tags or tap on ‘View all’.
2
Tags: View all
Tags: View all
Tags: View all
This page displays all available tags in the designated playlist. Only tags used for videos contained in the playlist is displayed.
This page displays all available tags in the designated playlist. Only tags used for videos contained in the playlist is displayed.
This page displays all available tags in the designated playlist. Only tags used for videos contained in the playlist is displayed.
TESTING AND ITERATIONS
TESTING AND ITERATIONS
TESTING AND ITERATIONS
Overall, all users were able to save and find a video without major issues and completed the tasks under a minute. Many expressed favor in being able to use tags to find videos and view all filters used for videos in a playlist.
Overall, all users were able to save and find a video without major issues and completed the tasks under a minute. Many expressed favor in being able to use tags to find videos and view all filters used for videos in a playlist.
Overall, all users were able to save and find a video without major issues and completed the tasks under a minute. Many expressed favor in being able to use tags to find videos and view all filters used for videos in a playlist.
All users tapped ‘Sort’ instead of ‘All’ to filter playlist to only display ‘Shorts’
All users tapped ‘Sort’ instead of ‘All’ to filter playlist to only display ‘Shorts’
All users tapped ‘Sort’ instead of ‘All’ to filter playlist to only display ‘Shorts’
Users were initially confused about what ‘All’ meant, which led them to tap on ‘Sort’ to display ‘Shorts’ only. Based on feedback, I replaced the ‘grid’ icon with a ‘filter’ icon to clarify that videos can be filtered by type of video: All, Videos (long-form), or Shorts.
Users were initially confused about what ‘All’ meant, which led them to tap on ‘Sort’ to display ‘Shorts’ only. Based on feedback, I replaced the ‘grid’ icon with a ‘filter’ icon to clarify that videos can be filtered by type of video: All, Videos (long-form), or Shorts.
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
AFTER
Save a Shorts
Save a Shorts
Save a Shorts
Find a Shorts
Find a Shorts
Find a Shorts
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
Exploring other design solutions
Exploring other design solutions
Exploring other design solutions
While users were able to quickly understand how to filter the type of video, I aim to minimize any potential confusion.
While users were able to quickly understand how to filter the type of video, I aim to minimize any potential confusion.
While users were able to quickly understand how to filter the type of video, I aim to minimize any potential confusion.
I have created two other design options. As the next step, I would like to select two designs from the three I have created and conduct an A/B test to determine which is the best option for users.
I have created two other design options. As the next step, I would like to select two designs from the three I have created and conduct an A/B test to determine which is the best option for users
I have created two other design options. As the next step, I would like to select two designs from the three I have created and conduct an A/B test to determine which is the best option for users
Option 2: Displaying all video options as text
Option 2:
Displaying all video options as text
Option 2:
Displaying all video options as text
By presenting all options, users can filter videos according to their preference, leading to a more intuitive experience.
By presenting all options, users can filter videos according to their preference, leading to a more intuitive experience.
By presenting all options, users can filter videos according to their preference, leading to a more intuitive experience.
Although the design may be user-friendly, it becomes a little congested due to how packed everything is.
Although the design may be user-friendly, it becomes a little congested due to how packed everything is.
Although the design may be user-friendly, it becomes a little congested due to how packed everything is.
Option 3: Displaying all video options as icons
Option 3:
Displaying all video options as icons
Option 3:
Displaying all video options as icons
By using icons, the design looks cleaner when compared to option 2.
By using icons, the design looks cleaner when compared to option 2.
By using icons, the design looks cleaner when compared to option 2.
However, by relying solely on icons, users may face challenges to understand the meaning and functions of each icons
However, by relying solely on icons, users may face challenges to understand the meaning and functions of each icons
However, by relying solely on icons, users may face challenges to understand the meaning and functions of each icons
LESSONS LEARNED
LESSONS LEARNED
LESSONS LEARNED
Going beyond direct competitors for inspiration
Going beyond direct competitors for inspiration
Going beyond direct competitors for inspiration
This project posed a significant challenge, as existing popular platforms did not offer a satisfactory solution for users seeking to locate specific videos. As a result, I expanded my research beyond short-form media apps and examined how users organized/filtered content in other applications. This exploration ultimately inspired my solution.
This project posed a significant challenge, as existing popular platforms did not offer a satisfactory solution for users seeking to locate specific videos. As a result, I expanded my research beyond short-form media apps and examined how users organized/filtered content in other applications. This exploration ultimately inspired my solution.
This project posed a significant challenge, as existing popular platforms did not offer a satisfactory solution for users seeking to locate specific videos. As a result, I expanded my research beyond short-form media apps and examined how users organized/filtered content in other applications. This exploration ultimately inspired my solution.
