Developing an
Entertaining
Learning Tool
Netflix Learn Mode
Conceptual Add-on
Feature for Netflix
UX Designer
Researcher
One Week
Background
People love watching TV as a language-learning method...
but it’s typically an ineffective method for language retention.
How might we develop a product, fully-integrated within a streaming platform, that allows users to enjoy studying and gain vocabulary effectively?
The Challenge
The Research
In order to understand the role of television-watching in the context of studying, I developed a survey to answer the following questions:
Study Habit Survey
How prevalent/popular is TV-watching as a study method?
Do people consider it to be an effective way of studying?
What platform do people use to watch TV while studying?
TV is Popular, but Not So Useful
The Survey Results
I found that, of those surveyed, watching TV or movies was the most popular study method. 81% of participants had used this method.
However, these users considered this method only moderately effective at best, giving it a 3 on a 5-star scale.
Is studying by watching TV inherently ineffective or do people simply not know how to study effectively?
Actually, Watching TV to Study Can be Effective
The Academic Research
In order to determine the true effectiveness of studying via the TV, I did some academic research. I collaborated directly with a language researcher and found that learning a language through television can be extremely effective…
…if the learner follows certain parameters.
Students must avoid cognitive overload.
Too much content, overly-challenging content, or too much time spent will not result in effective language acquisition. Smaller clips of movies or TV episodes are more effective than a full-length film or TV binge session.
Students must review & practice immediately.
If a student simply watches a few episodes in a row, there is very little retention. Students must review and practice the new words in order to retain them, ideally soon after initial exposure.
Ideation
Understanding the Flow
Based on the research and design goals, I decided on an efficient flow for users to save new vocabulary and study later.
Clarified Design Goals
Having the research and the flow in mind helped highlight a few priorities that guided the rest of the design process. I was left with these guiding questions:
Click each to jump to my solution!
Solutions & Iterations
Netflix Integration
1.
Navigation
The Learn Mode icon was developed following the thick, sharp icon language of the Netflix design system. Menu layout also completely integrates with existing menus.
The Learn Mode setting is nestled into the bottom menu, revealing itself when tapped or hovered.
Users can discover Learn Mode either by clicking the icon or through the Audio & Subtitles menu.
Multiple avenues of discovery allows unfamiliar users to experiment with the new feature.
Multiple places to toggle the feature on and off allows users ease if they need to switch between modes.
Limiting Cognitive Overload
2.
Dual Subtitle View
The layout of the subtitles took the most time and iterations. Even when following the native Netflix subtitle design, overlaying the visuals resulted in a complicated and overwhelming experience.
In order to reduce cognitive overload, I decided to create two separate screen areas, even at the cost of reducing the area of the visuals.
This way, users can still enjoy the show but also be able to quickly scan and parse the two sets of subtitles.
Users can navigate the content by clicking the left and right arrows. This allows them to engage piece by piece rather than all at once.
Users can also repeat the line to help retention by selecting the repeat icon at the top of the subtitles bar.
Encouraging Review
3.
To allow users to retain vocabulary, I developed a quick study session that allows users to practice immediately following every episode.
The questions are generated by the vocabulary words saved by the user. This allows the quiz to be unique.
Users can customize their practice session length and choose whether to include saved vocabulary from other episodes.
Quick Practice
Final Prototype
Click here to try the interactive prototype!
It was important to allow for flexibility in terms of format. Users like to watch TV in many different places and the tool will reflect that.
Device Responsive
Smartphone
Tablet
TV with Linked Smartphone
Next Steps
I’d like to continue development, specifically in terms of the two main features: the post-episode review and the dual subtitles.
Some questions I’d like to answer are:
- What other game options would encourage review?
- Would other subtitle layouts assist in reducing cognitive overload?
- Would other languages necessitate a variety of layouts or features?
Further Research & Usability Testing
A Useful Product within a Growing Market
Research indicates a popular and valuable market. Adoption could result in increased revenue, opportunity for corporate/education partnership, and of course, increased language skill for the user!
I believe this product has a place within the Netflix toolbox as well as within the classroom. I’m excited to see further developments.