The challenge
The new version of the product aimed to make the streaming service an experience people can connect with and enjoy, with an attractive but modern look and feel to it.
UX case study
NLZIET 5.0
Company
NLZIET
My role
Product
Designer
Location
Hilversum and
Hybrid
About the project
Redesign NLZIET for
a better connected user experience
NLZIET is a Dutch streaming platform where the user can watch almost all Dutch tv content in VOD and Live. NLZIET is a cooperation between the biggest Dutch national tv broadcasters, combined in one service. At NLZIET I worked as a Product Designer. Responsible for the designs for all major platforms.
What’s on tv today?
As I delved deeper into this exciting project, it became apparent that a number of seemingly simple features were causing significant frustration among our users. Despite its potential as a top-notch streaming service, the product had fallen short in following basic and essential design principles. As a result, many users failed to see the true value and potential of the platform.
It was a frustrating discovery, but we didn't let it get us down. Instead, we saw this as an opportunity to start fresh and build something even better. That's why we made the bold decision to halt the design production of "NLZIET 4.0" and embark on a new and exciting journey with NLZIET 5.0.
We were determined to create a platform that not only exceeded the expectations of our users, but also delivered a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience. With a clean slate, we set out to incorporate the best of design, technology, and user feedback into NLZIET 5.0. The result was a platform that was intuitive, accessible, and most importantly, satisfying to use. We were thrilled with the positive response from our users and proud to offer a streaming service that truly exceeded their expectations.
We were determined to create a platform that not only exceeded the expectations of our users, but also delivered a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience. With a clean slate, we set out to incorporate the best of design, technology, and user feedback into NLZIET 5.0. The result was a platform that was intuitive, accessible, and most importantly, satisfying to use. We were thrilled with the positive response from our users and proud to offer a streaming service that truly exceeded their expectations.
My role
As the lead designer behind the new design for NLZIET 5.0, I was given the exciting challenge of creating a platform that would bring the entire country together through high-quality streaming content. My role involved taking charge of the product design, including the development of the information architecture, user experience (UX), and new visual standards that would shape the platform's look and feel.
Throughout the design process, I was determined to create a platform that was not only easy to use, but also offered a rich and engaging streaming experience. I carefully crafted the information architecture, considering the user's journey and ensuring that the content was easily accessible and well-organized. The UX design was developed with the user in mind, prioritizing simplicity and intuitive navigation, and the new visual standards were carefully crafted to ensure a consistent and cohesive look and feel across the platform.
My goal was to make NLZIET 5.0 a streaming service that the whole country could enjoy and feel connected with.
I was proud to be part of a project that aimed to bring people together through the power of television and I was thrilled with the positive response from our users. Through its intuitive design, rich content offerings, and commitment to high-quality streaming, NLZIET 5.0 has become a platform that truly stands out in the crowded streaming market.
I was proud to be part of a project that aimed to bring people together through the power of television and I was thrilled with the positive response from our users. Through its intuitive design, rich content offerings, and commitment to high-quality streaming, NLZIET 5.0 has become a platform that truly stands out in the crowded streaming market.
The user in their contextual atmosphere
NLZIET 4.0
NLZIET 4.0
The previous iteration of NLZIET, while popular, had not lived up to the expectations of many users. Despite its promising content offerings, it was plagued by a lack of stable design process and a subpar user-centered design approach. This resulted in a number of issues such as difficulty in discovering interesting content, overwhelming amounts of information on tiles, confusion regarding the differences between content types, and a lack of mixed content.
However, we were determined not to let these challenges defeat us. Instead, we took the invaluable feedback from our test panel and went back to the drawing board. We were determined to create a platform that addressed the flaws of the previous iteration and offered a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
However, we were determined not to let these challenges defeat us. Instead, we took the invaluable feedback from our test panel and went back to the drawing board. We were determined to create a platform that addressed the flaws of the previous iteration and offered a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Understanding the users
By working closely with our users and continuously gathering real-time feedback and data, we were able to gain a deep understanding of their needs and desires. This allowed us to focus on creating a new and innovative concept for NLZIET 5.0, one that would effectively meet the goals of our users.
We carefully considered the desired structure of the platform and what would be the most important and valuable features to include in the minimum viable product (MVP).
Our close collaboration with our users and continuous data-gathering allowed us to make informed decisions and prioritize the features that would have the greatest impact on the user experience. This close collaboration and focus on user-centered design led to the creation of a platform that was not only intuitive and easy to use, but also delivered a high-quality and satisfying streaming experience. NLZIET 5.0 had to become a platform that truly stands out in the crowded streaming market.
Our close collaboration with our users and continuous data-gathering allowed us to make informed decisions and prioritize the features that would have the greatest impact on the user experience. This close collaboration and focus on user-centered design led to the creation of a platform that was not only intuitive and easy to use, but also delivered a high-quality and satisfying streaming experience. NLZIET 5.0 had to become a platform that truly stands out in the crowded streaming market.
Creative facilitation exercise - Short user stories
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Back to the drawing board
After conducting several productive brainstorming sessions, we took a closer look at the current structure of NLZIET and identified areas for improvement. One of the key areas we focused on was the information architecture. We sought to make the platform more user-friendly and intuitive by adopting a more understandable and human-centered UX approach.
We carefully analyzed how users interacted with the platform and what their pain points were. This information helped us to identify areas where we could streamline the user experience and make it more enjoyable and efficient. We then worked to redesign the platform to incorporate these improvements, ensuring that the user was at the center of everything we did.
Creative facilitation exercise - Brain storming
Flowchart
To ensure that the new structure of NLZIET was intuitive and easy to understand, we created a detailed flowchart that provided a comprehensive overview of the main user flow. This flowchart was a crucial tool in our redesign process, as it allowed us to visualize the entire user journey and identify any potential gaps or areas for improvement.
We spent significant time researching and analyzing the flow of the previous version of NLZIET to understand where users often encountered difficulties or felt frustrated. By creating a flowchart, we were able to map out the entire user journey and identify areas where we could streamline the process and make it more efficient.
Furthermore, the flowchart allowed us to detect any design inconsistencies or areas that could lead to confusion for the user. This was essential as it gave us the opportunity to make necessary changes before the final design was implemented, ensuring that the platform was as user-friendly and intuitive as possible. Overall, the flowchart played a critical role in the redesign of NLZIET, allowing us to create a platform that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly functional and easy to use. The end result was a platform that was designed with the user in mind, delivering a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience.
Furthermore, the flowchart allowed us to detect any design inconsistencies or areas that could lead to confusion for the user. This was essential as it gave us the opportunity to make necessary changes before the final design was implemented, ensuring that the platform was as user-friendly and intuitive as possible. Overall, the flowchart played a critical role in the redesign of NLZIET, allowing us to create a platform that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly functional and easy to use. The end result was a platform that was designed with the user in mind, delivering a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience.
Wire flow for NLZIET 5.0
New face, better identity
The branding for NLZIET 5.0 was a crucial part of the redesign process, as it helped to establish the tone and personality of the platform. Our team worked closely with the brand strategists to create a visual identity that not only reflected the values of the company but also resonated with the target audience.
We wanted the branding for NLZIET 5.0 to be bold, distinctive and memorable, yet simple and easy to recognize. The color palette, typography and imagery were carefully selected to reflect the new, modern and sleek design of the platform, while also maintaining a sense of familiarity and comfort for users.
The brand messaging was also a key element of the branding, as we wanted to communicate the value and benefits of using NLZIET 5.0 in a clear and concise manner. The messaging was crafted in a way that was relatable and appealing to users, highlighting the many features and capabilities of the platform that set it apart from the competition. Overall, the branding for NLZIET 5.0 was an integral part of the redesign process, as it helped to establish the platform as a leader in the streaming industry and build a strong connection with its users.
The brand messaging was also a key element of the branding, as we wanted to communicate the value and benefits of using NLZIET 5.0 in a clear and concise manner. The messaging was crafted in a way that was relatable and appealing to users, highlighting the many features and capabilities of the platform that set it apart from the competition. Overall, the branding for NLZIET 5.0 was an integral part of the redesign process, as it helped to establish the platform as a leader in the streaming industry and build a strong connection with its users.
Branding exercise
UX Design
Once we had a clear understanding of the user needs and goals, the next step was to create wireframes for NLZIET 5.0. These wireframes served as the foundation for the design, helping to outline the layout, functionality, and user flow of the platform. During this stage, it was important to keep in close communication with stakeholders, including the brand strategists, developers, and stakeholders, to ensure that all expectations were met.
The wireframes were an iterative process, with multiple rounds of feedback and revision, until we had a solid foundation for the design. We carefully considered how users would interact with the platform, and made sure that the most important content and functions were easily accessible and intuitive to use. We also considered the information architecture and user flow, making sure that users could find the content they were looking for, and navigate the platform with ease.
The wireframes were an iterative process, with multiple rounds of feedback and revision, until we had a solid foundation for the design. We carefully considered how users would interact with the platform, and made sure that the most important content and functions were easily accessible and intuitive to use. We also considered the information architecture and user flow, making sure that users could find the content they were looking for, and navigate the platform with ease.
UX Prototype
The wireframing process was a critical part of the redesign, as it allowed us to test our ideas and make any necessary adjustments before moving onto the next stage of design and development. By working closely with stakeholders and ensuring that their expectations were met, we were able to create a platform that was not only visually appealing, but also easy to use and intuitive for users.
Broadcasting partners
NLZIET is a complex streaming platform that requires the coordination and collaboration of multiple partners to deliver its content to viewers. The three biggest partners that deliver content to the platform are NPO, RLT, and Talpa.
NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep) is a public broadcasting organization in the Netherlands that provides a wide range of programming, including news, sports, entertainment, and educational content. They have a complex legal agreement with NLZIET that outlines the terms of their content distribution, including the types of programs that can be streamed, and the duration of the licensing agreement.
RTL (Radio Télévision Luxembourg) is one of the largest commercial television broadcasters in the Netherlands.
They offer a wide variety of popular TV shows, movies, and other content, and have a complex legal agreement with NLZIET that outlines the terms of their content distribution. This includes restrictions on how the content can be used, and how it is to be marketed and promoted by NLZIET. Talpa is a media company that owns and operates multiple television networks and production companies. They offer a range of popular programs and content, and have a complex legal agreement with NLZIET that outlines the terms of their content distribution, including restrictions on how the content can be used, and how it is to be marketed and promoted by NLZIET.
In addition to these three major partners, NLZIET also works with regional broadcasters to provide content to users in specific regions of the Netherlands. These agreements can be equally complex and require a deep understanding of the local media landscape and the legal requirements of each broadcaster. The complexity of NLZIET's content delivery system is due to the multiple partners, licensing agreements, and restrictions that must be considered to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This requires a high level of coordination and collaboration between the various partners, and a deep understanding of the complex legal agreements that govern their content distribution. By working closely with these partners, NLZIET is able to provide a diverse and engaging streaming experience to its viewers.
They offer a wide variety of popular TV shows, movies, and other content, and have a complex legal agreement with NLZIET that outlines the terms of their content distribution. This includes restrictions on how the content can be used, and how it is to be marketed and promoted by NLZIET. Talpa is a media company that owns and operates multiple television networks and production companies. They offer a range of popular programs and content, and have a complex legal agreement with NLZIET that outlines the terms of their content distribution, including restrictions on how the content can be used, and how it is to be marketed and promoted by NLZIET.
In addition to these three major partners, NLZIET also works with regional broadcasters to provide content to users in specific regions of the Netherlands. These agreements can be equally complex and require a deep understanding of the local media landscape and the legal requirements of each broadcaster. The complexity of NLZIET's content delivery system is due to the multiple partners, licensing agreements, and restrictions that must be considered to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This requires a high level of coordination and collaboration between the various partners, and a deep understanding of the complex legal agreements that govern their content distribution. By working closely with these partners, NLZIET is able to provide a diverse and engaging streaming experience to its viewers.
UI Design
The visual style of NLZIET 5.0 is modern and stylish, designed to appeal to a wide range of users. The clean, simple interface provides a user-friendly experience with a focus on ease of use. The visual identity of NLZIET 5.0 is designed to enhance the overall streaming experience and provide a sense of familiarity for users. The use of color, typography, and other visual elements help create a cohesive and consistent brand experience across all devices. Whether users are watching on their computer, tablet, or smartphone, the visual style of NLZIET 5.0 delivers a visually appealing and enjoyable experience.
Mobile and Responsive Web designs
Usability testing
The usability testing of NLZIET 5.0 was a resounding success. Through extensive testing with a diverse range of users, the design team was able to validate the new design and make further improvements to enhance the overall user experience. The results of the testing showed that the new design was well received by users, with a high level of satisfaction reported across key metrics such as ease of use, findability of content, and overall enjoyment. The testing also revealed areas for improvement, allowing the design team to make further refinements to the platform to ensure that it meets the needs of all users. The success of the usability testing is a testament to the commitment of the NLZIET team to delivering a high-quality, user-centered design that provides a seamless and enjoyable streaming experience for all.
Conclusion
Working on the NLZIET project has been a truly rewarding experience. The passion and dedication of the entire team to deliver a world-class streaming service is truly inspiring. I have been struck by the commitment of all parties involved to ensure that NLZIET is not only a technical triumph, but also a platform that truly meets the needs of its users. The new design represents a major step forward for the platform, and I am proud to have been a part of the team that brought it to life.
The results of the usability testing are a testament to the hard work and effort that has gone into making NLZIET the leading streaming service in the Netherlands. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this project and I am confident that it will continue to be a source of inspiration and joy for users for many years to come.
The results of the usability testing are a testament to the hard work and effort that has gone into making NLZIET the leading streaming service in the Netherlands. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this project and I am confident that it will continue to be a source of inspiration and joy for users for many years to come.