DirecTV @ AT&T

The objective

In late 2019, DirecTV decided to update its technical implementation and user experience for the Chromecast experience. This was an opportunity to improve the existing poor user experience.

For example, when a user would cast from the mobile app. The application would simply become a non-functioning video player. The user would not be given any information on their casting status. Information such as what device they were casting to and what they were casting. The user could not easily pause or play the content they were currently casting. Lastly, the design did not take advantage of the casting.

The approach

Combining Google's UX guidelines, research about users' general behavior and iterative design the redesigned DirecTV Chromecast experience focused on improving two areas. First, give users persistent control of their playback experience. Allowing the user to pause/play, adjust audio levels, and more fron anywhere in the application. Secondly, improve discoverability of content when casting. When a user is casting, they no longer need the video player or realted features on their phone. Instead the realestate would be reutilized for content suggestion and discovery.