CNN App for Google Daydream
CNN was launch partners with Google for the upcoming (at the time) launch of Google Daydream. We completed 8 full POCs using a rapid sprint process. We would design Monday-Tuesday, hand off assets on Wednesday, get a build Thursday evening then review, test and plan on Friday. It was CRAZY, but effective. Below is a breakdown of that process and the journey to the launch.
POC 1: Stare & Glare
To start we tested out how an interactive newsroom would work and if was compelling. The feedback was that it made since but wasn't very innovative.
POC 2: Abstraction
Learning from the feedback, we tried a more abstract environment. We also wanted to see how text performed in VR. Most users found it difficult and felt the environment was cool but a little random.
POC 3: Interaction
This week was fun! We dug into a few different interaction styles for content. The feedback was generally positive with the note that any interaction was better than no interaction. Newer users preferred the 'itunes' scroll because it was familiar.
POC 4: Content + Gesturing
The focus this week was on content consumption. We tested varying amounts of content. This was also the first week we tested with an alpha controller. The results of the testing were that users felt too much content was overwhelming. Our controller testing was inconclusive due to product bugs.
POC 5: Content + Gesturing P2
After fixing some bugs, we were able to fully test out the remote. There was a learning curve for most users, but once they got it they enjoyed the swipe functionality.
POC 6: Social + Sharing
This week, we focused on social + sharing. The goal was to test out these features as well as a new layout option. Unfortunately, I was out on PTO and could not facilitate the testing. We were also told that these items were not on the MVP list. That's product design...you win some and you lose some.
POC 7: Playlist
Despite a few setbacks, we wanted to keep innovating. We tested out a playlist idea that we were very excited about. The build wasn't exactly what we had in mind but the idea behind the playlist excited many users.
POC 8: Ticker
This week was about last minute items. We wanted to see if the ticker could be utilized. People loved this! The problem was their intention was to pick up each 'story' and read more about it. At the end of the week, we decided to pull the feature. ;(
Where are we now?
, we had to pulled our app off of they store. Although it was performing well, we did not have the team or company interest to maintain it. This project will always have a special place in my heart. I feel like a lot of the thinking and strategy behind the launch of this project have helped influence the groundwork and growth of other emerging products at CNN. Hopefully more great things to come!
