iPlayer
Helping shape the future delivery of BBC programmes online
We’ve been involved in
the iPlayer project from the very beginning. From early prototype trials in
2005, our research insights have fed into the iterative design process of this
hugely popular service. We have carried out research on a variety of platforms
for this project: desktop, mobile, various IPTV platforms and iOS.
Understanding diverse needs
In the early stages we ran ethnographic audience research
that enabled the team to understand how peoples were consuming TV and Radio,
and where the needs and opportunities were. Since then, we have run regular natural
usability research and concept tests, to provide the BBC with real insight into
how people are using the service and what they want from it.
Rapid, lively feedback
For each study, our findings have been quickly
delivered to the core design and marketing teams, using a combination of
detailed usability reporting and video-based audience insights. This has
enabled the iPlayer team to resolve difficult design challenges and prioritise
features and functions.
Outcomes
In just a few months after launch, BBC iPlayer became
Europe’s leading VOD over IP service and its dominance is still growing.
We continue to work with the iPlayer team, helping
them to shape the future delivery of BBC programmes.
Services