Met Opera, Reelz, UMC, Acorn… +
App Design
Systematized Brightcove Global Services design approach for delivering multi-platform video apps at speed with high standards for the user experience
Met Opera, Reelz, UMC, Acorn… +
Brightcove Global Services (BGS) is similar to an agency within Brightcove, focused on custom solutions for customers – often one-off apps.
As the UX/UI Design Director at Brightcove Global Services, I led the design of custom video solutions, including video apps and portals for customers focused on marketing, internal communications, and media. I standardized a set of templates that allowed us to move quickly for our clients.
Small to medium-sized media companies often need to make custom multi-platform video apps for their customers. However, investing in an entirely in-house, unique solution is a significant investment. On the other hand, out-of-the-box offerings usually fail to meet their unique needs.
Brightcove wanted to offer custom app solutions as efficiently as possible.
Brightcove (Global Services)
UX/UI Design Director
Lead Designer
End-to-End UX Design
Brightcove Global Services
BGS Engineers, BGS Project Managers, Clients
2012 - 2019
Every customer had unique needs…
but there were many
similarities
I, along with my engineering counterpart, promoted the idea within the department that we needed templates and a common codebase to serve as a starting point for these projects. Not all clients required every platform, but I created templates based on the most commonly used devices.
Based on numerous conversations with customers and colleagues, as well as my research into the most popular video services, I compiled a list of all the possible features we could add to our apps. This document provided a starting point for kick-offs with customers or refining the scope of work. It's much easier to find the right solution when you have a clear understanding of all the possibilities. I eventually handed the document off to the project management team to own and formalize, and it served as a good reference.
I created flows and templates for the most common features.
I created templates for all supported platforms in Sketch. If I were to do this today, I would use Figma. Here are some sample screens from the iOS template.
I prepared the templates for easy modification, including styles and components, to facilitate customization. It was a mini design system. Whenever I started a project, I started here. After replacing the fonts, colors, and components, I was 75% done with the first pass.
I explored new approaches, platform standards, features, and experiences, including micro-interactions and motion design. I incorporated ideas into the baseline templates and saved others for client pitches.
Browsing a video platform app should be a joyful experience. To enhance the playful feel, I created a Finto prototype to explore parallax animation in a hero slider.
I hired and led a team of 2-4 designers so that we could provide custom-designed solutions for multiple clients at once and take on large projects like Lightbox and deliver on time.
