To address the main challenges of BBC iPlayer, I have worked on a comprehensive solution that includes Concepts, Wireframe, UX/UI/IX Design, Prototype, Mockup, MVT, and AB User Testing. I have also led the UX/UI iPlayer Download Manager App, working closely with Creative Direction, Product Managers, UX Designers, Users researchers, User Testers, Software Engineers, and Developers.

The focus of the solution was to create a lean and intuitive interface that allows users to easily select from a wide range of video shows through a series folder. To achieve this, I collaborated with the Principle Engineer to define the best practices for a small utility that remains light on system resources and does not interfere with other programs' functionality while still delivering an excellent user experience.

The result is a simple software solution that allows users to view their favorite TV programs with ease. The design is suitable for a global audience regardless of their experience level, ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy the content on BBC iPlayer. Overall, this solution aims to enhance user experience and improve the platform's reach, quality, and time spent.

In the Product Audit, it is evident that BBC iPlayer Desktop is a useful and lightweight software application that is designed to allow users to view BBC programmes and download them for offline viewing. The software application is easy to work with, and most of the operations can be carried out with just a few clicks. Users can play or stop the current selection and adjust the volume as desired.

However, it is worth noting that there may be opportunities to further enhance the user experience and improve the platform's reach and engagement. For example, the addition of new features such as the ability to automatically download entire series of programmes using the Series Record feature could make the platform even more convenient and appealing to users. Additionally, conducting regular user testing and research to gather feedback and insights could help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the platform remains relevant and engaging to its audience.

To ensure that we address the complexities of the platform in a robust manner, we proposed to conduct a comprehensive user test and research study. The study will consist of up to two rounds of usability task-based testing, with the aim of identifying areas where users may be experiencing difficulties or confusion when using the platform.

One of the key findings from the study was that users expect to see all episodes listed within the My Downloads pane. The current Series container > Episodes contained model sets up a hierarchy, and messaging needs to appear accordingly.

Another issue that was identified was with the 'Series Download' feature. The label, instruction, and interaction design cause a range of misconceptions, and users expect the whole series to be downloaded from the start. Additionally, users want the Series panel on My Downloads to indicate more about the status of episodes inside.

Furthermore, users form a strong identification with the programme items, and some have asked for a watched episode to be labelled "watched." Users are keen to discern what is watched at-a-glance, to see what is next for them to watch. These findings will be used to inform the development of new features and improvements to the platform's user interface and user experience.

Scenario 1: User opens the BBC iPlayer Desktop application and navigates to the "Download Manager" section. The "Download Manager" screen is currently empty. User clicks on the "Visit iPlayer" button. User is redirected to the BBC iPlayer website. User browses through the available programmes and selects the one they want to download. User clicks on the "Download" button located on the programme's page. The programme is downloaded and added to the "Download Manager" section of the BBC iPlayer Desktop application.

Scenario 2: User opens the BBC iPlayer Desktop application and navigates to the "Download Manager" section. The "Download Manager" screen is currently empty. User uses the search bar on the "Download Manager" screen to find a specific programme they want to download. User selects the programme they want to download from the search results. User clicks on the "Download" button located on the programme's page. The programme is downloaded and added to the "Download Manager" section of the BBC iPlayer Desktop application.

Scenario 3: User opens the BBC iPlayer Desktop application and navigates to the "Download Manager" section. The "Download Manager" screen is currently empty. User clicks on the "Recommended for you" section on the "Download Manager" screen. The BBC iPlayer Desktop application suggests a programme for the user to download based on their viewing history. User clicks on the "Download" button located on the suggested programme's page. The programme is downloaded and added to the "Download Manager" section of the BBC iPlayer Desktop application.

In the new version of the BBC iPlayer Download Manager app, users can now use the Series Record feature to automatically download all episodes of a selected series.

To use this feature, the user can search for the desired series and click on the "Download" button. A pop-up window will appear, offering the option to download only the selected episode or to enable Series Record. If the user selects Series Record, all episodes of the series will be downloaded automatically as soon as they become available on iPlayer.

During user testing, participants found the Series Record feature to be intuitive and easy to use. They appreciated the clear organization of downloaded episodes and the visual cues that indicated which episodes had already been watched. Overall, users were satisfied with the new app and the improved functionality it offered.

The majority of participants were able to easily comprehend the functionality of "Download Future Episodes." The interaction and communication of this feature appears to be effective overall. However, it was noted that this element could be made more intuitive to encourage more direct user interaction.

From the download manager empty screen, the user can search for a standalone film and download it for offline viewing. Once the download is complete, the user can access the downloaded film from the My Downloads section and watch it without an internet connection. The user can control the playback of the film, including pausing and adjusting the volume, using the controls provided by the download manager.

From the download manager, the user can select a programme and choose to add it to an existing series or create a new series. Once added, the programme will be sorted into the appropriate series folder within the My Downloads section for easy access and organization. The user can also edit or delete the series and its contents as needed.

During the user testing, it was found that most users expect the expired episodes to be automatically deleted after a certain period of time. They prefer not to engage in the trivial task of manually deleting them. None of the participants expressed a desire to have the expired episodes stay in the app permanently.

The general consensus was that users would like to see the expired episodes for a limited time, such as a week or two, before they are automatically removed from the app. This would ensure that the users have enough time to watch the episodes before they expire, without cluttering up the app with unnecessary content.