CASE STUDY

Channel 4

Working with Channel 4 to support its research needs across all platforms

Since 2012 we have worked with Channel 4 on over 60 research projects across all platforms. We have conducted research on their website, mobile, tablet, smart TVs and voice interfaces, to ensure Channel 4 viewers get the best viewing experience possible.

The challenge

Channel 4 usually approaches us with a specific challenge or feature they want to test. We then work with them to come up with the best way to answer these specific research questions. We are able to adapt our approach and lab set-up to suit the needs of each individual project, including testing on desktop, mobile, tablet, TVs, Xbox and smart speakers.

A recent brief was to test two different designs for the All4 big screen app, which needed separate screens set up for each prototype. Because of our flexible studio facilities we were able to set this up and run the day of user testing to suit their exact needs.

Observing a 1-to-1 user research session for Channel 4

What we did

Depending on the project, we have used a number of different research methods, including 1-to-1 testing, homework exercises and online surveys.

Individual user testing sessions are the most common approach for Channel 4’s needs. We use our experience in naturalistic testing to ensure we gain valid insights from users to inform Channel 4’s design and content decisions.

The outcome

For a typical day of user testing, members of the Channel 4 team observe the sessions either remotely or in our observation room. During the testing, user behaviour is recorded and often discussed in an informal workshop setting with whiteboard and post-its to organise insights effectively.

After the testing we produce a full research report with recommendations on how to improve the assets tested. Our work with Channel 4 has helped their team continuously test and improve the user experience of all their platforms to ensure that users get quick and easy access to interesting content.