YouTube: Subscribe and like that flow
I chose YouTube as this is my main source of entertainment. My wife even laughs at me once I’ve finished all my tasks (and barely my UX coursework) as I yell “YouTube time” right before bed for the small window where I actually get some time to catch up on a variety of my interests (as apparently shown above via the YouTube algorithm).
YouTube has an enjoyable user interface and experience in that I’m able to view my favorite subscriptions (the first place I visit for new content), suggested videos on their homepage, or typing in the search navigation for keywords that auto-suggest to help me find what I’m looking for. In both the desktop and mobile UIs, the experience is seamless and points me in the right direction of videos (down the rabbit hole of seemingly interconnected videos) where I can find myself occupied for hours. YouTube’s intuitive design contributes immensely to its occupying the majority of my screen time. We’ll take a look at how I go from Blackpink’s behind the scenes music video to how someone spent their life savings on a ghost town all thanks to YouTube’s design patterns that allow for efficient and effective task flow.
The first task flow that I frequent on the daily is my subscriptions; having this as part of an intuitive navigation where it’s 3rd in order on the desktop and to 2nd from the right on the bottom navigation on the mobile UI, allow for quick access to content that I already know I’m going to enjoy.
The second flow I frequent most if searching for a specific video. The ingenious navigation behind the suggested keywords upon typing in the search bar allow for quick access to the content I am looking for (I’m sure my erratic searches for action figure reviews coupled with mukbang videos keeps the algorithm on its toes). YouTube’s ability to provide curated results keeps me coming back for more
The last user flow that I’ll click on occasionally are the suggested videos on the homepage, after I’ve exhausted searching or browsing for my specific content. The use of auto-play within the cards both on desktop and mobile UIs aid my decision-making process in a providing a preview of content. The automatic closed captioning allow me to both understand more of what’s happening prior to committing fully to watching the video (or seeing the content when I’m supposed to be paying attention to something else).
YouTube’s ability to get users from point A to B in the most enjoyable and desirable manner ensures its reign as first on my mobile device screen and on my desktop.
Key design patterns:
- Navigation
YouTube’s navigation stays on the left side of the menu and stays sticky as we scroll down the desktop. The most 4 main categories of home, trending, subscriptions, and library stay on the homepage and can be expanded upon with the hamburger menu that expands to more specific categories from most relevant to least relevant for the user. These categories are also shown at the bottom on the mobile UI (as you can tell, subscriptions is ALWAYS my go-to).
2. Search
YouTube’s search provides both suggested keywords, most recent searches, and a way to filter the searches. All these in combination provide an entertaining experience that keeps me watching sneaker unboxings to Power Ranger videos (as shown below).
3. Auto-play
YouTube’s autoplay feature on its cards allow for usability on a wide spectrum of scenarios. The ability to preview a video AND have closed captioning reduces the usability for users that may be hearing impaired and those who may not be able to utilize sound in certain scenarios (such as when I forget my airpods at home and don’t have them in-between classes or when my wife is still fast asleep and I don’t want to wake her). This feature ensures continuous playback and drives user traffic onto YouTube no matter the persona or scenario.
YouTube employs a myriad of design patterns in a beautiful symphony. Their intuitive UI allows for an entertaining and useful UX. Their consistent and effective utility of the various design patterns noted in the DesignLab chapters will ensure my loyalty and mission to keep going further deep into the YouTube rabbit hole.
