Our Projects
FOXNOW
ShowRunner App Prototype
Overview
In early 2018, FOX envisioned an innovative mobile platform to deepen audience engagement with its programming. genioLAB was engaged to conceptualize, design, and prototype the ShowRunner App—a dynamic second-screen experience aimed at enhancing viewer interaction and aligning with sponsor branding. The prototype served as a compelling proof of concept, particularly tailored for a pitch to Samsung, the primary sponsor.
Project Duration
January – February 2018
Product Statement
The ShowRunner App was designed to transform passive viewing into an interactive experience. By integrating real-time content, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and interactive features, the app aimed to enrich the FOX viewing experience and offer sponsors like Samsung a unique platform for brand integration.
Goal
The primary objective was to develop a high-fidelity prototype that demonstrated how the ShowRunner App could enhance viewer engagement and provide value to sponsors. The prototype needed to showcase intuitive user flows, compelling design, and seamless integration of interactive features within a tight timeframe.
Our Role
genioLAB led the end-to-end design process, encompassing:
-
Concept Development: Collaborated with stakeholders to define core features aligning with FOX’s programming and Samsung’s branding objectives.
-
UX Design: Crafted intuitive user flows to facilitate seamless navigation and interaction.
-
UI Design: Developed a modern, visually engaging interface consistent with FOX’s brand identity.
-
Prototype Creation: Built a high-fidelity prototype to effectively communicate the app’s vision and functionality during the sponsor pitch.
Design Process
Challenges
The project presented several challenges:
-
Sponsor Alignment: Ensuring the app’s features and design met both FOX’s and Samsung’s branding and business goals.
-
Tight Timeline: Developing a comprehensive, high-fidelity prototype within a constrained timeframe.
-
User Engagement: Designing interactive elements that would genuinely enhance the viewer’s experience without causing distraction.
Ideation
Wireframes and Flows
Developed wireframes to establish clear user flows, focusing on ease of navigation and interactive engagement. The flows were designed to be intuitive, guiding users through features like live polls, behind-the-scenes content, and synchronized second-screen experiences.
Sketches
Initial ideas were rapidly translated into sketches to explore visual directions and facilitate internal discussions. These sketches were instrumental in aligning the team and setting the foundation for the app’s design.
Solution - Flow
The visual design phase introduced bold imagery and dynamic elements to create an engaging interface. The design maintained consistency with FOX’s branding while incorporating interactive features that encouraged user participation.
Ideation
Wireframes and Flows
The wireframes established intuitive user flows to simplify navigation and ensure essential NBC content was easily accessible and engaging. These flows streamlined the user experience, aligning with clear design principles.
In the visual design phase, bold imagery and dynamic elements were introduced to create an eye-catching, engaging interface that captured the essence of NBC’s brand identity.
Design Process
Challenges
The project required striking a delicate balance between the sponsor's priorities and the end-user experience. Additionally, we worked under a tight timeline to ensure the prototype would be ready for the pitch. The challenge was not only to deliver a functional design but also to craft a product vision that could persuade and excite stakeholders.
Sketches
During internal discussions about the potential product, I quickly translated my ideas onto a sketch pad to kickstart the visual exploration process. Given the tight timeline of just a couple of days to prepare for internal review, these initial sketches became crucial in shaping the product's visual direction and aligning the team around key concepts.
Solution - Flow
I developed an experience flow and prototype based on the initial ideas and requirements, adhering to the established design language while introducing thoughtful elements to illustrate the interaction between users and the product. This approach ensured the flow was intuitive, visually aligned with the brand, and effectively showcased the app's core functionality.
Prototypes
The final step: a high-fidelity prototype to illustrate the app’s functionality and vision, which became the centerpiece of the pitch to Samsung.
The Final Product
Impact
The high-fidelity prototype successfully demonstrated the potential of the ShowRunner App to enhance viewer engagement and provide value to sponsors. It effectively communicated the app’s vision, facilitating productive discussions with stakeholders and the primary sponsor, Samsung.
What We Learned
Challenges: Balancing the diverse objectives of network branding, sponsor requirements, and user engagement within a limited timeframe required strategic planning and agile execution.
Key Takeaways: The project underscored the importance of rapid prototyping and clear communication in aligning stakeholder visions. It also highlighted the value of integrating interactive features that complement and enhance the core viewing experience.