BBC iPlayer
Introducing visual variation on the homepage
ROLE
UX designer
YEAR
2024
PLATFORM
iPlayer TV
CONTEXT
On the iPlayer homepage had become visually monotonous
Relying on long rows of identical components, users found the homepage lacking the engaging visual design that they had become accustomed to on other platforms, which reinforced the idea that there wasn’t anything “for them” to watch on iPlayer.
Leading the shift from a tactical request to a scalable framework
The initial task I was given was quite tactical: Create some visually different components to break up the page.
However, I recognised a risk: adding arbitrary visual changes without a system would lead to a fragmented, inconsistent experience that would be difficult for design and engineering to maintain.
So, I made the strategic decision to go beyond the brief. Instead of just designing some new components I set out to create a framework that would ensure visual variation was introduced with intention and scalability.
My hypothesis
Introducing purposeful visual variation, will enhance content discovery and support accessibility needs.
This system will address user needs by aiding discovery and business needs by providing reusable components.
By introducing intentional visual variation as ‘speed bumps’ it will slow scrolling and encourage deeper engagement with content.