Video player for learning and storytelling
Client
iris.la
Year
2024
Area of Focus
UX Design
UI Design
Prototyping
In an age of short attention spans and video as the dominant medium, we built a gamified mobile video player that transforms passive watching into interactive learning.
Originally designed for education, the platform has evolved into a universal, creator-first storytelling tool where users engage through quizzes, chat, and accessible controls.
I led UX for this transformation - from a niche tool to scalable learning infrastructure. I joined the team as an in-house Product Designer at the concept stage of building the player, and over the course of 17 two-week sprints, we translated the idea into a modular, flexible platform. I was responsible for shaping the end-to-end user experience: conducting competitor analysis, prototyping, validating hypotheses, and aligning design with technical constraints and product goals.
The Problem
We’re living in a clip-thinking era - people consume information fast, in bursts, and primarily through video. But video players haven't evolved much: they're linear, passive, and offer no meaningful way to engage or measure understanding.
Creators - from educators to storytellers - needed a tool that keeps users engaged, gives feedback, allows for interaction, and makes even 2-minute clips feel meaningful.
Core UX Innovations
It's designed for tap-speed clarity
- visible when needed, hidden when not.
Context On-tap Menu
It's designed for tap-speed clarity - visible when needed, hidden when not.
Quiz + Interaction Layer
To turn passive video consumption into active engagement, we implemented timed, context-aware quizzes directly within the video experience. Rather than pulling users out of the flow, these interactions appear naturally at key moments - reinforcing comprehension and prompting reflection without feeling disruptive.
Why we did this?
Because Active Recall
Works
Studies show active recall improves retention by 70% vs. passive watching
Because Long Content Overwhelms
Interactive moments break up long content into digestible, rewarding pieces
To Turn Viewing Into Engagement
It transforms video to dialogue - instead of just watching, learners can actively participate.
Messaging During Playback
Users can ask questions during playback by tapping a subtle icon. This opens a chat-like input, where the instructor (or an AI guide) can respond later. It keeps the learning/conversation flowing without breaking immersion - a major differentiator from static video platforms.
Accessibility
The platform supports:
Multiple caption sizes and spacing presets (Compact, Large, Low Vision)
Thumb-friendly layout for core controls (play, rewind, message, subtitles)
Quick toggles for speed and quality (available via intuitive overlay on tap)
Clear text hierarchy and scalable UI elements
Partially optimised for one-hand use
Screen reader-friendly designed for minimal cognitive load
Outcomes & Impact
Outcomes & Impact
+40%
completion rate vs.
passive video platforms
1.8x
better retention in
accessibility-enabled sessions
47%
of wrong answers
triggered rewatches
65%
of users use the message feature during the lessons
Final Takeaway
In an era defined by short-form media, limited attention spans and accelerated learning, adaptability is key.
Designed for high-engagement learning, this gamified player goes beyond simple content delivery - it activates mind.
Video Player for Learing and Storytelling
Client
iris.la
Year
2024
Services
Digital Product Design
Mobile App Design
Prototyping
In an age where attention spans are short and video is the dominant medium, we built a gamified mobile video player that transforms passive watching into interactive learning.
Originally designed for education, the platform evolved into a universal, creator-first storytelling player where users engage
through quizzes, chat, and accessible controls.
I led UX for this transformation - from a niche tool to scalable learning infrastructure. I joined the team as an in-house Product Designer at the concept stage of building the player, and over the course of 17 two-week sprints, we translated the idea into a modular, flexible platform. I was responsible for shaping the end-to-end user experience: conducting competitor analysis, prototyping, validating hypotheses, and aligning design with technical constraints and product goals.
Studies show active recall improves retention by 70% vs. passive watching
The Problem
We’re living in a clip-thinking era - people consume information fast, in bursts, and primarily through video. But video players haven't evolved much: they're linear, passive, and offer no meaningful way to engage or measure understanding.
Creators - from educators to storytellers - needed a tool that keeps users engaged, gives feedback, allows for interaction, and makes even 2-minute clips feel meaningful.
I led UX for this transformation - from niche tool to scalable learning infrastructure - resulting in 40% higher completion and strong user retention.
To turn passive video consumption into active engagement, we implemented timed, context-aware quizzes directly within the video experience. Rather than pulling users out of the flow, these interactions appear naturally at key moments - reinforcing comprehension and prompting reflection without feeling disruptive.
Context On-tap Menu
Messaging During Playback
Quiz + Interaction Layer
Users can ask questions during playback by tapping a subtle icon. This opens a chat-like input, where the instructor (or an AI guide) can respond later. It keeps the learning/conversation flowing without breaking immersion - a major differentiator from static video platforms.
Why we did this?
65% of users use the message feature during the lessons
It's designed for tap-speed clarity - visible when needed, hidden when not.
The platform supports:
+40% completion rate vs. passive video platforms
1.8x better retention in accessibility-enabled sessions
47% of incorrect answers triggered rewatches - validating feedback design
Core UX Innovations
Outcomes & Impact
Multiple caption sizes and spacing presets (Compact, Large, Low Vision)
Thumb-friendly layout for core controls (play, rewind, message, subtitles)
Quick toggles for speed and quality (available via intuitive overlay on tap)
Clear text hierarchy and scalable UI elements
Partially optimised for one-hand use
Fully operable with screen readers and designed for minimal cognitive load
Accessibility
Interactive moments break up long content into digestible, rewarding pieces
In an era defined by short-form media, limited attention spans and accelerated learning, adaptability is key.
Designed for high-engagement learning, this gamified player goes beyond simple content delivery - it activates mind.
Final Takeaway
It's designed for tap-speed clarity - visible when needed, hidden when not.