MTV and Comedy Central

Background

Over time Viacom’s native iOS and Android apps for MTV and Comedy Central (among other channels) video content had become overrun with unnecessary junk making it hard for users to accomplish their primary tasks of finding and watching the latest episodes of their favorite shows.

Approach

Conducted over nine months, this project involved partnering with researchers, product managers, a visual designer and a small remote engineering team in New York City to plan and conduct several research studies, hold cross-disciplinary workshops, formulate and refine designs, prototype, build, and deliver updated iOS and Android video app experiences for MTV, Comedy Central and other Viacom channels.

Outcomes

Successful release of Android and iOS apps and adoption of updated architecture for all Viacom channel apps with 4 star Apple App and Google Play store ratings for both MTV and Comedy Central apps (as of November 2016).

MTV iOS app in the App Store (recently redesigned) →

Initial problem statement used to focus ideation in cross-disciplinary workshop.

Navigation usage stats presented in cross-disciplinary workshop to inspire and inform ideas for app navigation and architecture.

Design workshop run to come up with ideas for improving content discovery.

One of several paper prototypes used to assess and compare app architecture, navigation and content feed models in usability testing.

Wireframe demonstrating simplified feed and app architecture, prioritizing keeping up to date with your favorite shows firstly and content discovery as a subsequent, secondary task.

Usability testing utilizing a Pixate prototype to assess proposed app designs.

Detailed interaction notes for series detail view, intended for remote engineering team.

Final MTV iOS app UI: Architecture adopted by Comedy Central and all other Viacom channels and adapted for Android.