Optimise Product Inclusivity
Implementation the Irish Sign Language (ISL) feature for Virgin Media Play
About the project:
To improve the product accessibility, we are implementing an Irish Sign Language (ISL) feature for users with hearing difficulties. This will allow a wider audience to enjoy the content and create a more inclusive experience.
Stakeholders:
Product Designers
Developers
Testers
Marketing Team
Timeline:
3 Months
What is Irish Sign Language?
Irish Sign Language (ISL) is a visual language used by the Deaf community in Ireland. It's a complete language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, just like spoken languages. It relies on hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning.
Challenges
The ISL button will need to be prominently displayed despite the limited screen space on mobile devices
Not all content across the app will include the ISL feature, therefore use visual cues to distinguish between content with and without ISL, ensuring users are aware of their options
Make sure the feature could be easily built by developers in a not long amount of time
We couldn’t have proper user testing this time therefore we would have to make sure the feature will work
Integrating the ISL feature into the app within a tight development timeline
Goals
Provide a seamless and intuitive user experience for those users who are deaf or have difficulties in hearing
Make sure the ISL button will be blending togheter with the other button on the UI
Maintain visual consistency between the ISL button and other components in the UI
Gather feedback from users with hearing impairments to continuously improve the ISL feature and address their specific needs
Stand out from other streaming apps by offering a unique and inclusive feature that caters to a specific user segment.
The Process
While ISL won't be available for all content, users can identify which content offers this feature before starting playback. ISL will be added to Single Content Details and Content Details Series pages. Ensure the ISL button is easily accessible and visible within the content detail page.
Single Content Details Page Study
Option 1
Single Content page
Option 1: Placing the ISL logo next to the trailers button
Testers’ feedback: It might be confusing, as it could leads users to believe it’s clickable
Option 2
Option 2: added a logo on top of the thumbnail to indicate that the content offers Irish Sign Language (ISL).
Developers’ feedback: positive, this can be easily built on top of the thumbnails
Testers’ feedback: This approach provides a clear visual cue for users with hearing impairments, enhancing accessibility
How to activate the ISL:
Original Design without ISL
Option 1
Option 2
Option 1: Allows a popup window which prompts users to select their preference for ISL before starting playback.
Developers’ feedback: but how does it work? Will the user have to deal with the pop up every time they click play?
Option 2: Further advanced the popup window with a checkbox which prompts users to enable ISL. If selected, their preference is saved, eliminating future popups. Users can also adjust their ISL settings at any time.
Developers’ feedback: Also this can be easily integrated on the Setting page without adding too many complications
The ISL option has then been integrated into Settings:
Alternative options of ISL Popup windows:
Players with ISL activated
Finals Thoughts
New implementation must respect the overall design language, it requires careful studies to ensure seamless integration.
A collaborative approach with testers and developers is vital to ensure any new features meet user needs and expectations
The new feature should be designed with inclusivity in mind, considering the needs of all users.
Please visit here for Responsive Design for Virgin Media Play