Dude Perfect:
A Mobile￨TV APp
Project Overview
In an era dominated by streaming platforms, the partnership between Kidoodle.TV and YouTube sensation Dude Perfect aimed to reshape digital entertainment. Our goal was to create a safe, engaging white-label app for Dude Perfect fans, transcending YouTube.
As Lead Designer, I ensured our design met stringent kid-safety standards (COPPA regulations) while remaining engaging and intuitive. This venture aimed to streamline Dude Perfect's digital presence and position Kidoodle.TV as a leader in safe influencer collaborations.
Project Goals
Boost Brand Unity
Integrate Dude Perfect's energetic style with Kidoodle.TV's reliability, forming a balanced digital environment.
Broaden Audience Appeal
Create a platform that captures Dude Perfect fans of all ages, ensuring an engaging experience.
Future-Proof Scalability
Develop a white-label design for seamless collaboration with diverse influencers, allowing for scalable partnerships.
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Research & Understanding
Our research identified primary user segments: boys aged 8-14, their families, and older dedicated fans. Ongoing research and testing were crucial, with direct engagement validating our hypotheses. We found that children enjoyed the interactive "GamePlay" feature but wanted a purpose behind collecting points. Parents preferred the Dude Perfect app over YouTube for a safer environment for their children.
Secondary research into streaming shorts guided our design decisions, supported by YouTube’s own research ensuring user control over their viewing experience.
Ideation & Conceptualization:
Our ideation process involved collaborative sessions, sketching potential designs, and refining them. An early design feature, a multi-functional banner, was shelved as priorities shifted.
Our MVP (Minimum Viable Product) was clear: an app that played content reliably and was intuitive for children. Design decisions aimed to differentiate in the crowded streaming space.
GamePlay: The Interactive Challenge
GamePlay, an interactive content experience, was an early hallmark of the app. Initially intended for all users, the customization of the 3rd party product proved challenging. Despite efforts, this feature was temporarily shelved due to constraints.
Design Execution & Challenges
Designing the Dude Perfect app required balancing familiarity with platforms like YouTube and the premium feel of services like Netflix while maintaining Kidoodle.TV's Safe for Kids brand. Each design decision was scrutinized for user experience, based on our primary user segment's behaviors and preferences.
Pivoting was essential, with design decisions adapting to evolving requirements and stakeholder input. A significant pivot involved incorporating the Dudes' vision into the design late in the project due to their busy tour season. I strongly advocated for the Hero Video feature atop the mobile app interface, aligning with Kidoodle's native autoplay feature for TV platforms. This feature faced initial resistance but ultimately became a key element, highlighting the importance of adaptability and persistent advocacy.
Mobile & TV:
Synchronizing Experiences
Designing for mobile and TV - We leveraged the functional elements from the existing Kidoodle.TV, adapting them to align with the unique requirements of Dude Perfect. Extensive design modifications were required to ensure both platforms felt cohesive. The goal was to create a fresh mobile/tablet experience and a resonant TV version.
Provider Portal: Designing for Data & Safety
As lead designer for the Dude Perfect app content portal, I ensured functionality and user-friendliness while reflecting Dude Perfect's brand ethos. The portal allowed content upload, metadata management, and metrics monitoring.
Leading & Collaborating
As the project progressed, I spearheaded the design efforts, streamlining decision-making processes and workflows. My relationship with the development team facilitated faster executions, despite the rapid design-develop cycle.
Key Takeaways & Reflections
Navigating the complexities of the Dude Perfect app was an exercise in perseverance, adaptability, and innovation. By prioritizing user-centric design principles, we crafted an experience that seamlessly blends familiarity with innovation. Reflecting on this journey, the significance of thorough research, direct user engagement, and adaptability becomes evident. While challenges were plentiful, they served as catalysts for refinement, highlighting the pivotal role of design in addressing user needs and elevating entertainment experiences.
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