Design a video streaming application tailored for seniors.

Clarifying Questions

1. What do you mean by seniors? People aged 60+
2. Geography? Global
3. Content preferences (news, movies, documentaries, health, spiritual, or educational content)? All
4. Platform (Web/Apps/TV) All
5. Monetization model? Freemium

Problem Definition

Not all seniors are tech-savvy; hence, they often struggle with app navigation, content search, settings, etc. Goal is to build an intuitive and accessible video streaming platform to improve their viewing experience

User Personas

1. Retired Seniors: searching for casual content such as entertainment/Health
2. Professional Seniors: searching for work-related/concept-related contents
3. Educator Seniors: searching for knowledge-based content

Consumption of contents are not tightly coupled with personas but can overlap too

Customer Needs

1.     Simple and intuitive UI with minimal browsing

2.     Voice-activated search

3.     Personalized recommendations

4.     Accessibility features such as large text, high contrast, audio descriptions, TTS, etc

5.     Filter to easily find choice of content

Solutions (Product Features)

1.     Simplified UI/UX

2.     Voice-activated search

3.     AI-driven personalization

4.     Accessibility features

5.     Family playlists to share across users of common interests

6.     Watch-party

7.     Filter to easily navigate to content of choice say Spiritual, Movies, Music, Health, News, etc.

Prioritize Solutions (Value vs. Effort)

1.     High Priority (High Impact, Low Effort): Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 7

2.     Medium Priority (High Impact, Higher Effort): Numbers 4 and 5

3.     Low Priority (High Effort, Uncertain ROI): Number 6

Success Metrics

1. Adoption Rate (%)
2. Average Watch Time (minutes per session)
3. Retention Rate (%)
4. CSAT
5. NPS (Net Promoter Score)
6. Feature Usage Metrics (% of users used Filter option, etc.

Summary

The solution ensures accessibility, personalization, and ease of use through intuitive UI/UX

Here is my attempt: 

1. Design a video streaming application tailored for seniors
   1. Clarifying Questions:
      1. Define seniors? Specific age group or demographics we are focusing on? (i.e. more than 60)
      2. Proficiency with Digital products or smart phone? Novice or beginner or expert or new learner
      • Are there specific accessibility needs (e.g., vision, hearing impairments)?
      • Should we focus on particular content types (e.g., movies, educational content, health-related videos)?

2. Define the Goals

• Provide an easy, enjoyable, and accessible video streaming experience for seniors.
• Encourage adoption by addressing barriers like usability, trust, and relevance.
• Differentiate the product by focusing on their unique preferences and needs.

3. Understand the Target User

Seniors might:

• Have limited experience with tech, so simplicity is key.
• Need accessible interfaces (larger fonts, high-contrast design, voice navigation).
• Prefer content aligned with their interests (nostalgia, wellness, hobbies, news).
• Value privacy and security, particularly if personal data is involved.
• Need affordable pricing or tailored plans.

4. User Journey
   1. Onboarding
   2. Registration
   3. Home Page navigation
   4. Explore content
   5. Select Content
   6. Watch connect
   7. Like or subscribe
   8. Feedback or rate experience

4. Core Features

1. Onboarding & Setup:
   • Simple Registration: Minimal steps to sign up, perhaps with phone numbers instead of emails.
   • Guided Tutorials: Walkthroughs to help users learn how to navigate the app.
2. User Interface:
   • Accessibility-First Design: Large buttons, high-contrast text, clear labels, and voice navigation support.
   • Customizable View: Allow users to adjust font sizes, brightness, or themes.
   • Voice and Gesture Controls: Hands-free operation for ease of use.
3. Content Personalization:
   • Curated Content: Focus on genres like classic films, documentaries, music, educational videos, or health content.
   • Simplified Recommendations: Provide a few tailored suggestions based on preferences.
   • No Overwhelm: Avoid showing too many options at once.
4. Search & Navigation:
   • Simplified Search: Voice search or pre-categorized suggestions (e.g., "Relaxing Nature Videos").
   • Favorites & Bookmarks: Easy saving for frequently watched content.

Community Features:

• Shared Viewing: Enable virtual watch parties with friends or family.
• Discussion Boards: Option to discuss videos or topics with peers.

5. Support & Assistance:
   • Help Button: Prominent access to customer support or live chat.
   • Educational Content: Short how-to guides or video tips for tech issues.
6. Pricing:
   • Senior-friendly pricing tiers or discounts.
   • Family bundles that allow shared access.

Prioritization

Prioritizing only P1 and P1.5 feature now as it covers the crucial aspects of MVP and user journey

Differentiation

• Exclusive Senior-Friendly Content: Partner with content creators to produce programs specifically for seniors.
• Health & Wellness: Introduce wellness videos, stretching routines, or meditation.
• Trust Factor: Highlight privacy features and offer a safe, ad-free experience.

 Technical Feasibility

• Use existing frameworks for video streaming (e.g., AWS Media Services, CDN support).
• Leverage accessibility tools (e.g., screen readers, WCAG guidelines).
• Ensure low-latency and offline mode support for users in areas with weak connectivity.

  Metrics for Success

• Adoption: Number of new users in the senior age group.
• Engagement: Time spent watching, number of videos played.
• Retention: Monthly active users, subscription renewals.
• Customer Satisfaction: Feedback surveys, NPS (Net Promoter Score).

Conclusion

Summarize your key points:

• “To design a video streaming app for seniors, I’d focus on simplicity, accessibility, and relevance. By addressing barriers like usability and trust while tailoring the content to their interests, we can create an experience that not only attracts seniors but keeps them engaged. The goal would be to provide a product that feels welcoming and enriching, differentiating itself through exclusive content and senior-centric design.”

Clarifying question:

Is it a mobile app or for desktop ? mobile 

Video streaming is more like youtube for seniors or a movie platform for seniors ? youtube videos

will it be a new app or converting existing generic youtube app through settings a you tube for seniors ? new app

if mobile app , will it be android or for iOS users ? android

Are we targetting any specific demography ? assume anything 

Assuming indian demography 

Video streaming Platform :  online video streaming platform which can be like google existing model of you tube and generate revenue based on 2 options :

ad driven revenue model 

subscription based revenue model .

We have 2 different types of users : Content creators and consumers .Creater will create a video and uploads it and consumer will watch the video .

User segments:

Power viewers : The old people have access to internet and have smart device who like to watch  you tube everyday and spend around 1 hour and above to watch content of their choice.

Occasional Viwers : The seniors citizens who have access to internet and have smart device but prefer to watch 3 times a week  due to multiple constraints :

Casual users: Do not prefer to watch until someone share a video content through som social media platform .Fairly new to smart phone and do not to operate 

We will prioritize Occasional users because power users already use youtube and making it more tailored for the needs will be an add on for them.

Occasional users wants to use it but face hard time to consume video content due to multiple constraints :

• unable to connect with content 
• unable to understand language if they are more regional language speaking person 
• video streaming platform seems pretty difficult to understand and use
• watch only if someone share the video links to them 
• Do not know to search relevant content
• age -eyesight - font size issue
• too much of tabs , icons on a page which seems overwhelming 
• Lack of guidance to use platform once they land on you tube page.
• Cant type properly -languge contrainst , smaller keypads

Solutions : 

• we can create a simpler video streaming layout on home page with minimalistic icon , tabs etc  -- P1 
• categorise videos mostly based on content in regional language as an when with user video prefernce algo can be smarter enough to show content based on user preferences of videos --P1 
• recommend more videos for family oriented , Nat geo , discovery, cooking, spiritual  to cater the needs etc -- P1
• the color contrast should be present on all screen for older people to recognize  
• font size should be adjustable and relatively bigger for senior citizen -- P1
• tutorial on first few launch as "how to use " the app.
• integrated voice recognition in regional language support to search videos  - P1
• bigger keyboards layout to type.
• Live video TV recommendation based on user preferences. - P1
• drastic UI changes on app update should not be present