Part 2: My Streaming Dream, Realized - A Product Design Solution

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to the second part of this segment. In Part 1, I discussed my frustration with the lack of personalized playlist features on streaming platforms. I pondered its reasons the licensing labyrinths, the algorithm's grip, and maybe even a little fear of giving us too much control. I envisioned watching a sitcom like The Nanny, followed by a Thriller series, The Jackal, and then maybe some Downton Abbey, all in one curated playlist. As a Product Designer, this wasn't just a wish, it was a challenge to solve. So, I've developed a solution, a way to bring this personal TV channel dream to life without disrupting the core business models of streaming services.

The Solution: "Flow Channels"

I'm calling my proposed feature "Flows". It's designed to give users the control they want while still respecting the streaming services' need for structure. It's all about curated flexibility.

Here's how it would work:

1. Themed Playlists with Flexible Sequencing:
   • Concept: Instead of completely open playlists, users will create playlists within specific categories or themes, set by the streaming service. However, within these themes, you have complete freedom to select and order content as you like.
   • Example Themes: This allows for categories like, "Sitcom Saturdays," "Epic Adventures," or "Mystery Mondays." I can pick "Sitcom Saturdays" and load up my Frasier, then move to "Epic Adventures" and include the shows I choose, then back into "Mystery Mondays" for my selected episode of CSI.
   • My Use Case: I can easily create a playlist including Yellowstone, Roseanne, Night Court, Chicago PD, Modern Family, Law and Order, The Closer and finally Bones by selecting shows from the relevant category, giving me my desired personal channel experience.
   • The Benefit: This balances a personalized experience with content recommendations the service wants to showcase.
   • How it Solves Licensing: By working within pre-defined categories, we minimize licensing issues while preserving user freedom within each category.
2. Seamless Queueing, Intelligent Progression & Incremental Duplication

• Concept: Within a "Flow," you select specific content from a category to create a playlist queue. When the queue ends, there are options:
  • Loop the Playlist: Perfect for a favorites marathon.
  • Incremental Duplication: The crucial feature here. Instead of the playlist ending, the system allows me to copy the initial playlist sequence to the next day using the same selection of shows but automatically cueing up the next available episode in each. If I watched episodes 1 of Frasier, an adventure show, CSI, and Dark Shadows, on the first day, I can have the playlist automatically queue up episodes 2 of Frasier, the next episode of the adventure show, and so on.
  • Intelligent Auto-Play: Or, the system can recommend content within the playlist's theme based on my watch history. This would be an option after the incremental duplication so I can discover similar new content.
  • Prompt for New Playlist: If all episodes have been watched, the system can then prompt me to either loop or create a new playlist.
    * The Benefit: Provides uninterrupted playback with the option for discovery, and the core of the personal channel is an incremental duplication which adds ease.
• How it Solves Algo Problems: The recommendation system works alongside my playlists, not against them, and the incremental duplication keeps the selection I chose and makes it easy to pick up from where I left off.

1. Content "Snacks" and Trailers:

• Concept: To keep the playlist fresh, the system can add trailers for new shows, behind-the-scenes clips, or related short content between episodes.
  * The Benefit: Keeps things interesting and helps promote new content without being intrusive.
  * How it Solves Service Needs: Acts as a natural "commercial break," encouraging discovery.

1. Controlled Sharing and Social Interaction:
   • Concept: Playlists are shareable with other subscribers, with the option to limit visibility to friends or family within your profile network.
   • The Benefit: Allows sharing within the platform, fostering community and social interaction without circumventing paid subscriptions.
   • How it Solves Piracy: It prevents uncontrolled sharing and keeps usage within the confines of a paid subscription.

The Product Design Philosophy:

This isn't just a wish list, it's a design proposal that takes into account both user and service needs. It's about:
* Empowering Users: Giving them control of their viewing experience, enabling my channel concept.
* Maintaining Discoverability: Guiding users towards content they'll likely enjoy.
* Balancing Personalization and Business: Aligning user wants with the platform's goals.

Let’s Make This Happen

"Flows" offer a viable solution for creating truly personalized streaming experiences. It’s a way to have the personal TV channel I crave, especially with the incremental duplication feature, in a way that benefits both users and streaming platforms.

Let's rally and encourage these platforms to make "Flows" a reality!

Happy Streaming,

Tar,
Product Designer and Optimistic Streamer