UX Evaluation of Video Streaming Application with Teenage Users

Abstract

Studies show that YouTube (a video streaming application) is the third most frequently visited website globally. It was created for users to search for, watch and share video online. Statistics show that YouTube runs in more than 88 countries and support 76 different languages and this covers about 95% of Internet population worldwide. Hence, a usability study for a specific class of users such as teenagers for such a top-rated web application with very high user loyalty is necessary. In this study, the authors focused on YouTube website usability for Malaysian teenagers that are currently schooling in a boarding school with limited Internet access. The usability study was carried out in a controlled laboratory environment with devices and software like MacBook, LCD Monitor, and WhatPulse heat map tracker. The usability evaluation was done using the following usability metrics: ease of use, usefulness, learnability, and users’ satisfaction. Data was collected using a combination of video recordings, mouse, keyboard heat map and questionnaires. The outcome shows that most of the respondents only use YouTube for watching the video and do not give attention to other features in the application while doing that. In addition, the study reveals that first-time users encounter some difficulties using the application, but however do catch up within a short while. The study further shows that YouTube application is efficient, satisfying, useful, and learnable. Some observed issues with the application were highlighted and useful remedying suggestions for improvement were proffered.