Flixtape is an in-app Netflix feature that allows users to compile, personalize, and share playlists of their favorite content.
Netflix introduced their own version of Flixtape in 2016, but people found a lot of issues with the service and it was ultimately shut down. As an avid binge-watcher, I understand the desire for a personal collection of my favorite programs, which stimulated my interest in finding a way to revive and improve Flixtape.
Increased Personal EngagementLonger times spent browsing the app, multiple playlists created and watched
Increased Social EngagementPlaylists shared internally and externally, features talked about outside the app
Elevated Industry StandingNot offered by other major streaming sites - only system of its kind
However, users were not entertained by the first iteration of Flixtape. It utilized an insufficient search engine, offered limited cover art options, and supported too few titles to produce decent playlists. I aimed to meet product expectations while staying true to the Netflix interface and brand.
Since most evidence of Flixtape's existence seems to be wiped off the face of the earth, product reviews from the lucky few that actually got to experience the service formed the basis of my research. Articles like this one helped me determine which functions and features needed revamping.
I collected quotes from several sources, created an affinity diagram, and sorted the data into three categories: About Flixtape, User Needs, and User Issues. This helped me identify the components I wanted to get rid of completely, components I could implement or change, and components I could not change as I have no control over them.
Should a cover represent the entire playlist or should its contents be displayed in a row?
What should the playlist menu look like? What options should it have?
How will I differentiate between adding a movie or television series to a playlist versus adding a single episode?
A new tab called My Netflix hosts the user's existing queue and their playlist collection. Titles are displayed horizontally and do not allow for playlist cover art.
Upon inspecting an individual playlist, the dropdown menu does not open directly under the down arrow. The playlist menu has an awkward layout, is wordy, and takes up too much space on the screen. The checkboxes used to sort the playlist are too small, and it is unclear whether or not the user can select more than one box.
The menu becomes more restricted with shared playlists, which cannot be edited by users other than the owner...
...unless permissions are set by the owner before sharing.
This system is neither familiar nor intuitive, and does not meet many of my requirements.
Flixtape makes it easier for Netflix users to create and share playlists of their favorite in-app content. A significant difference between the original service and my own version is that there is more autonomy. Where the original Flixtape suggested playlist names, content, and covers and left users to fill in the blanks, this new system allows users to independently build their own playlists.
The completion of this project has sparked a personal interest in the future of Flixtape. What's next? I imagine the service could evolve into a social platform where people can view what their friends are watching, see how others in their circle rate shows and movies, and create playlists together. This modified version of Flixtape could elevate Netflix's industry standing by providing a service that no major streaming sites currently offers, ending the debate over which streaming site is best.