Improvements in TV streaming design enhance usability for senior viewers
The Digital Television Group (DTG), in collaboration with Goldsmiths' i2 media research and commissioned by Ofcom, has conducted a study on the usability of IPTV platforms for older viewers. The research found that usability challenges are not limited to current older viewers; similar barriers are likely to affect future audiences as they age.
The study involved participants aged 65 and over who completed real-world tasks on major IPTV platforms. It identified cluttered home screens, inconsistent menus, complex sign-in processes, and remote control design as main obstacles to accessing desired content.
To address these concerns, the four-point action plan recommends embedding inclusive design principles directly into mainstream product development, simplifying navigation, improving hardware accessibility, and establishing industry standards with annually updated best-practice guidelines.
One solution that showed promising results was the prototype "TV Simple Screen" overlay developed by the DTG. This overlay reduced usability barriers by almost half. Another finding was that voice search, when accompanied by minimal guidance, was found to be more effective than traditional electronic programme guides.
The four-stage action plan to improve the accessibility of IPTV platforms was also developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). MVPDs, including satellite, cable, and IPTV platforms, are advised to evolve into "super aggregators" to defend their positions, according to Caretta Research. They are also encouraged to collaborate with rival video services.
The media minister, Julia Lopez, stated that IPTV will play a significant role in how we get our television in the future. The Digital Television Group summit in London was addressed by the media minister, who also committed to the future of digital terrestrial television until 2034.
Professor Jonny Freeman, Director of i2 media research at Goldsmiths, stated that the study demonstrates that usability is central to how people engage with television. The study further supports that targeted design changes may address these concerns, suggesting benefits for a wide range of users.
New data from Digital TV Research predicts an 8% decline in pay-TV subscribers in Western Europe, with Western Europe forecast to lose nearly 9 million pay-TV subscribers between 2023 and 2029, dropping to 93 million. The United States is expected to see a fall in pay-TV penetration from 58%.
Tools supporting navigation, such as logical channel numbering (LCN), were found to be accessible to all participant groups, providing a potential solution for improving the usability of IPTV platforms. The study provides valuable insights for the industry to address usability challenges and ensure that IPTV remains accessible and engaging for all users.
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