Project
A Little Help
Homepage/Sign Up Rework
Role
Product Designer
Timeline
Nov-Dec 2022
The Problem
In order to foster meaningful discussions and maintain a safe environment, YouTube must address the challenge of enhancing its comment section. Effectively combating spam and hate speech is paramount. What modifications should be implemented to alleviate user frustration and promote increased engagement within the comments section?
"Despite a high number of viewers on a video, over 70% will not leave a comment"
JackFrags (YouTuber)
The Solution
Revitalizing the comments section with enhanced user control: customizable comment visibility, comment filters, and a dedicated search bar for specific information to increase use of the comments section
Before vs After
Link To Figma Prototype
Identifying the Problem
Discovering preferences of 640 users, our research reveals that 71% rarely comment on videos due to discouragement from "negative" connotations in other comments left on the video.
Other Leading Factors for Not Commenting
1. Large amount of Spam/Negative Comments
2. No Valuable or Meaningful Conversations
3. Lack of value when using the Comments
6
User Tests
640
Google Forms Responses
Content Customization
A customizable Content Filter was implemented. This empowers users to remove comments that do not align with their preferences, including generalized inappropriate terms/phrases, and comments from specific users in their feed.
Users can customize their experience by toggling preset filters on/off to reduce negative comments, improve real conversations, and enhance enjoyment while reading comments.
Focus on Recognition over Recall
YouTube maintains user familiarity with its product, minimizing confusion by ensuring a consistent interface. The redesign will build upon the existing features of YouTube, aiming to enhance current options rather than introducing drastic changes
Sort By
The "sort by" button had limited options, rendering it largely ineffective. To rectify this, I expanded the number of choices to provide more useful sorting functions.
Filters
New filters like "BEAST" were introduced to allow comment authors to succinctly describe the content of their comments.
Emoji's
To enhance comment readability and engagement, I expanded the use of emojis beyond comment authors, allowing readers to also attach emojis to express reactions beyond just liking or disliking
Testing Content Filtering
The testing primarily focused on two aspects: whether the users comprehend the changes made and whether these modifications lead to an increase in user interest and flow.
6
User Tests
640
Google Forms Responses
The End Result
The testing primarily focused on two aspects: whether the users comprehend the changes made and whether these modifications lead to an increase in user interest and flow.
“I have never been much of a commenter on any platform, but I would definitely consider leaving or reading the comments, if they were filtered like this”
- User from Final round of Testing
Mobile Final Design
