Interacting with TV : A Usability Evaluation of the User Experience of a TV UI

Abstract: During the last decade the TV industry has evolved with a larger array of distributed content such as streaming services. To supply these services, today's Smart TVs are delivered with pre-installed user interfaces. In order for these to work well and attract users to further viewing, the user experience is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the user experience of a TV client to find and analyze potential usability issues. By conducting usability evaluation tests with the utilization of eye-tracking, retrospective verbal protocol and interviews, multiple usability issues as well as positive aspects were found. Trough categorization, grading using severity rating and utilization of gaze paths with eye-tracking, possible sources of usability issues were unveiled. These included some inconsistency in the product, obscurities in navigation, terminology and functionality, and some lack of functionality. Based on the results of the study, a list of possible improvements were compiled together with visual sketches of its implementation.