Streaming Mode Switching
Streaming Mode Switching
Streaming Mode Switching
Redesigning the live streaming experience for creators and viewers.
Redesigning the live streaming experience for creators and viewers.
Redesigning the live streaming experience for creators and viewers.
#App #UIUX #ProductStrategy
#App #UIUX #ProductStrategy
#App #UIUX #ProductStrategy
2022
2022
2022
Background
The platform initially only supported free live streaming. Creators could manually switch to paid streaming during a session, but switching back to free mode was impossible without ending and restarting the stream—causing audience drop-off and poor experience for both creators and viewers.
Later, we introduced new streaming types, such as Ticket Shows, which automatically switched to paid mode after the show. However, creators still couldn’t revert to free mode due to backend constraints.
To support the growing variety of live modes, we needed to rethink the interaction flow and let creators freely switch between four streaming modes—all within a more intuitive and seamless experience.
The platform initially only supported free live streaming. Creators could manually switch to paid streaming during a session, but switching back to free mode was impossible without ending and restarting the stream—causing audience drop-off and poor experience for both creators and viewers.
Later, we introduced new streaming types, such as Ticket Shows, which automatically switched to paid mode after the show. However, creators still couldn’t revert to free mode due to backend constraints.
To support the growing variety of live modes, we needed to rethink the interaction flow and let creators freely switch between four streaming modes—all within a more intuitive and seamless experience.
The platform initially only supported free live streaming. Creators could manually switch to paid streaming during a session, but switching back to free mode was impossible without ending and restarting the stream—causing audience drop-off and poor experience for both creators and viewers.
Later, we introduced new streaming types, such as Ticket Shows, which automatically switched to paid mode after the show. However, creators still couldn’t revert to free mode due to backend constraints.
To support the growing variety of live modes, we needed to rethink the interaction flow and let creators freely switch between four streaming modes—all within a more intuitive and seamless experience.
Challenges
For Creators
The increasing complexity of live mode options made it hard for creators to adapt. They were already used to the old flow and didn’t understand the benefits of the new modes. From their perspective, the product simply felt inconvenient.
For Viewers
Viewers often didn’t know which mode they were watching, what they could do, or how to interact.
For Product & Development
The old tech stack made it impossible to support full mode switching, especially with DRM protections for paid streaming.
For Creators
The increasing complexity of live mode options made it hard for creators to adapt. They were already used to the old flow and didn’t understand the benefits of the new modes. From their perspective, the product simply felt inconvenient.
For Viewers
Viewers often didn’t know which mode they were watching, what they could do, or how to interact.
For Product & Development
The old tech stack made it impossible to support full mode switching, especially with DRM protections for paid streaming.
For Creators
The increasing complexity of live mode options made it hard for creators to adapt. They were already used to the old flow and didn’t understand the benefits of the new modes. From their perspective, the product simply felt inconvenient.
For Viewers
Viewers often didn’t know which mode they were watching, what they could do, or how to interact.
For Product & Development
The old tech stack made it impossible to support full mode switching, especially with DRM protections for paid streaming.
Design Approach & Insights
Creators
Reduce the number of steps needed to switch modes, ensuring creators can easily manage this even while live—without interrupting the session.
Viewers
Map out user entry points and streaming states to design clear indicators of the current mode and available interactions.
Development Collaboration
We planned a two-phase release to align with technical constraints. I also documented the logic and flow clearly for PMs, frontend, and backend engineers to ensure smooth communication.
Creators
Reduce the number of steps needed to switch modes, ensuring creators can easily manage this even while live—without interrupting the session.
Viewers
Map out user entry points and streaming states to design clear indicators of the current mode and available interactions.
Development Collaboration
We planned a two-phase release to align with technical constraints. I also documented the logic and flow clearly for PMs, frontend, and backend engineers to ensure smooth communication.
Creators
Reduce the number of steps needed to switch modes, ensuring creators can easily manage this even while live—without interrupting the session.
Viewers
Map out user entry points and streaming states to design clear indicators of the current mode and available interactions.
Development Collaboration
We planned a two-phase release to align with technical constraints. I also documented the logic and flow clearly for PMs, frontend, and backend engineers to ensure smooth communication.
Key Learnings
I designed the interface and flow optimization for both creators and viewers, aiming to improve understanding and reduce complaints.
Through this project, I learned that designers can easily fall into the trap of accommodating existing technical limits, but our real challenge is to rethink for intuitive, frictionless experiences despite constraints.
A good design should:
Be logical and easy to understand without extra explanations
Anticipate technical barriers but still push for the best possible user experience
Balance user needs with business and technical realities
I designed the interface and flow optimization for both creators and viewers, aiming to improve understanding and reduce complaints.
Through this project, I learned that designers can easily fall into the trap of accommodating existing technical limits, but our real challenge is to rethink for intuitive, frictionless experiences despite constraints.
A good design should:
Be logical and easy to understand without extra explanations
Anticipate technical barriers but still push for the best possible user experience
Balance user needs with business and technical realities
I designed the interface and flow optimization for both creators and viewers, aiming to improve understanding and reduce complaints.
Through this project, I learned that designers can easily fall into the trap of accommodating existing technical limits, but our real challenge is to rethink for intuitive, frictionless experiences despite constraints.
A good design should:
Be logical and easy to understand without extra explanations
Anticipate technical barriers but still push for the best possible user experience
Balance user needs with business and technical realities
more to explore
pinxichen.design@gmail.com
Website design and content © 2025 Pinxi Chen
pinxichen.design@gmail.com
Website design and content © 2025 Pinxi Chen
pinxichen.design@gmail.com
Website design and content © 2025 Pinxi Chen
more to explore
