Designing Seamless Navigation for OTT User Interfaces

Understanding User Needs

Most viewers turn to streaming services for relaxation or quick entertainment. They are tired, they have had a long day, and they do not want to put up with slow loading, confusing navigation, or setups that have been done poorly so that an accidental click can erase all the progress they've made in a search.

Start by mapping out the typical journey that a user will make on your platform, starting with signing in. Then think through the things they're most likely to want to do: usually either search for something or go back to a show they haven't finished. Now, ask yourself, "What are the common pain points in this process?"

Conduct testing with real users and get feedback on prototypes so you can spot where people are getting stuck along the way. Then refine based on that input so that the interface feels natural, you avoid frustration, and you're delivering as simple and pleasant an experience as possible.

OTT Media Navigation Essentials

There are a few non-negotiables that every platform needs to have. First is clear organization with horizontal scrolling carousels that group your content by genre or theme so users can quickly swipe through the options without feeling like they're getting lost in a grid. The goal is to keep the screen uncluttered and guide the eye naturally.

Next, your search bar has to be very easy to find. In most cases it should be right at the top or have its own dedicated and obvious icon. Be sure to add predictive autocomplete so that any searches can be sped up as much as possible. Include filters for all the major concerns, such as language, genre, and rating, so it's easy for your user to narrow things down quickly.

Personalization for Better Flow

Personalization is what allows a user to take a generic interface and make it their own. Analyze the viewing patterns of your users so you can make better and better recommendations based on what they've watched before. Interactive touches that allow short previews to play when a user hovers over a certain area will also help them to make their decisions more easily.

Optimizing to Support Navigation

No matter how well designed everything is, if the app is glitchy, everything is ruined. You users want interfaces to load very fast, so make sure you're using compressed images and efficient code so your assets are as light as possible and wait times are minimized. Test your platform across all your devices to confirm that you've got smooth operation everywhere, and make sure things optimize for every screen automatically.

Delivering the kind of smooth navigation your viewers want comes from having an intuitive design, smart personalization, and solid performance. For expert help in building all these features, check out Lightcast.com today and request a demo.