Timeline

5 weeks

Teammate

Individual

Role

User Researcher, Experience Designer

Problem Statement

YouTube's cumbersome video upload process and busy front page can make it difficult for users to navigate the platform and upload content smoothly.

Impact

In analyzing the evolution of YouTube's uploading icons over time, I observed a trend of simplification, with the platform gradually reducing the number of icons from four to three. Interestingly, our design decision coincides with this trend, as we implemented a streamlined approach with only two icons.

My Design

YouTube Early 2024

YouTube June 2024

Results

Homepage Categories Lists

I organized information management by listing fewer categories on the left, reducing user confusion and stress. This approach led to a cleaner and more intuitive UI design, addressing users' desire for clarity.

Homepage Uploading Icon

In response to users' struggles, we relocated the uploading icon homepage, making it more prominent by highlighting it in red. Additionally, we limited the number of icons listed on the home screen to reduce clutter and improve navigation.

Jump to evidences

Who?

Youtuber

  • Share lifestyle videos 
  • Earn money from making content

Viewer

  • Watch tutorial 
  • Kill time, Messy around

What I did

Usertesting tests

Thelilpproductuer

37 female

Wadecounty

36 male

PipingLass

26 female

Moderated tests

Myown

21 female, Texas

Tina

24 female, Boston

PipingLass

23 female, Santa Barbara

Competitive analysis (strength)

  • larger audiences base, more quantity videos
  • A clear-allocateClear-allocate system, free storage space

Succeeded group

Task 1:search a tutorial video

Task 4: delete a video you uoploaded

Competitive analysis (weakness)

Customized ads

Specific content (education)

Less succeeded group

Task 2:Watch three recommendation videos

Task 3: Upload a video

Homepage UI design

User quote: "I wish to have a clear web page"

Before

After

Redesign version

Recommend videos

User quote: "Some of the videos that I don't interested in now, or future, and I don't know why they recommend those videos to me”"

Before

After

Missing instructions

"It would be better if youtube gave a clear instruction on uploading videos, instead of a lot of information on one page"
"I feel so stressed and crazy to see too much info on one page."

After

Uploading icon

The upload video icon is too small to notice,
and blend in with other heroes.
However, the upload video icon should be easy to find.
‍

Evidence video

Before

After

2023 YouTube comparisons

ThisThe story goes on. This project started in 2022, redesigned based on original user research and analysis.
In Youtube 2023 updated version, a user research and analysis series coordinates with Youtube developed design.

A Learning feature is added into youtube homepage under explore

participantsIn user research, several participates mentioned youtube could be a better search academic video platform.

The icon sets on right side is limited only two, which makes the uploading icon stand out more.


In the uploading icon task, most of the participants need help to upload a video. Eliminating icon numbers could be an improvement.

Original design

Here are original sketch UI design made in 2022.

Other projects

Fashion Waste

Not CAT Dinner

WWW