Applying User Experience to Your Videos

The internet has changed the way we view videos. So what do we do about it?

A core concept taught at Boulder Digital Works is user centered design. The methodology around technology being captivating, functional and beneficial to the user. As a filmmaker it is interesting to apply these concepts to motion picture production.

The following is a list of strategies I have found useful by applying user experience or UX concepts to video production for web delivery.

1. Define the Problem You are Solving — After my experience with UX design I have realized the importance of defining the problem a proposed video is aimed at solving. With this in mind, your videos can be produced in a purposeful fashion. If you are wrestling with the need to cut things out, ask yourself; “Does this help solve the overarching problem this video is solving?” If not, cut it. By challenging yourself and your clients to specifically define the problem you can more purposefully produce valuable content.
2. You are NOT Your End User — One of the key concepts taught in UX is the importance of an empathetic understanding of your user. This gets interesting when applied to video. You can’t understand your viewers wants, needs, and pain points until you get out and talk to them.
3. Bore Factor — The bore factor is the time given before a viewer stops watching your video. Typically, if your viewers aren’t engaged in your video within the first 15 seconds they are more likely to click off.
4. Most important part first — With the bore factor in mind, it is important to start your video with a clear description of the value it is going to bring to your viewer. If your video is informational, get to the key takeaway right away. If it is a highlight reel, trailer, teaser, or anything that is meant for inspiration start with your most captivating shots.
5. Get Rid of Title Screens and Intros — Another contributing element to the bore factor are title screens and intros. Viewers don’t care about your business, website or personal marketing efforts until you show them the value you bring. Save it for the end credits, or better yet put your URL in the video description.

I am currently a student in BDW’s 50 week program.

Follow RE: Write for more articles from BDW Students

This post supports my mission to empower people to get out and immerse themselves within the things that drive their purpose and passions.