neon

Product Design (Software + Hardware)

TLDR— As a Senior UI/UX Designer for DLA (a subsidiary of telecom company America Movíl), I led the efforts to envision the set-top box (STB) experience along with working closely with the hardware team in creating a unified experience for our new content delivery platform, Neon.

Home screen and menu overlay

Home screen and menu overlay

My Approach

With the web and native app experiences underway, I wanted to create an experience that was familiar but also able to leverage the platform’s uniqueness.  We strategized an experience around the users’ main tool - the remote. Working closely with an agency developing the hardware, I lent my product development experience to bridge the gap between the software and the hardware.

Outcome

I ensured a holistic approach to the platform - a minimalistic remote that intuitively interacted with the set top box’s interface.

My Contribution

  • Wireframes

  • User Flows

  • Interaction Design

  • Design Strategy

  • UI Design

  • Hardware Design Considerations


Simple Interaction Model (Remote and Screen)

Simple Interaction Model (Remote and Screen)

Exploring the Interaction Model

Researching best practices for 10-foot design, I approached this with the most recognizable interaction model: the grid layout. Key functions were just a button press away with the ‘one-button’ remote. I also made sure there were UI alternatives for ease of use.

Key Features:

  • Simplified interaction model featuring simple navigation and interaction

  • Smooth transitions from each content


Obligatory Venn Diagram

Obligatory Venn Diagram

Bridging the Gap

Working alongside the hardware team, I made sure each user touch point was thoughtfully considered from both a hardware and software perspective. With constant sync-ups and design reviews, we made sure both tandem projects informed each other.

Key Highlights:

  • Worked alongside product specialists from Apple and Samsung.

  • Delivered a holistic approach to the platform.

  • My product design background proved invaluable



The Takeaway

Having the opportunity to lead the UIUX effort for the 10-foot experience was a daunting but satisfying experience. Coming from a physical design background, I was able to ‘talk shop’ with the hardware team which allowed us to streamline how we integrated the digital experience.