Creating a Fully Responsive Streaming Platform for Seamless Web Access

Overview

I led the design and documentation of a fully responsive website for our streaming platform, addressing the lack of accessibility for mobile and tablet users. Previously, users were forced to download the mobile app to access content, creating a frustrating barrier. The goal was to build a device-agnostic experience that allowed users to seamlessly browse and watch content directly from their web browsers.

The Problem

Our website was not optimized for mobile use. When users visited on a phone or tablet, they were redirected to download the mobile app rather than being able to engage with the content. This created:

  • It is a frustrating user experience for those who prefer web browsing.
  • Missed engagement opportunities from mobile traffic.
  • An inconsistent experience between web and app users.

The objective was clear: build a fully responsive website that worked across all devices. During the initial planning phase, I identified that the existing navigation system wasn’t suitable for mobile screens, making redesigned mobile navigation a key focus.

Understanding User Needs

Internal Research & Data Analysis

I used web analytics to analyze traffic patterns and validate the need for a responsive website. The data showed that:

  • A significant percentage of visitors accessed the site from mobile devices.
  • These users could not interact with the platform due to the app download barrier.

Additionally, I reviewed our mobile app’s design system, identifying UI components that could be adapted for the web to maintain design consistency across platforms.

Design & Prototyping Approach

Building a Fully Responsive Experience

I leveraged our existing design system (detailed in a separate case study) to ensure consistency and scalability. By using a mobile-first approach, I designed components that:

  • Adapted seamlessly across small and large screens.
  • Maintained functionality and readability, regardless of device.
  • Scaled efficiently using Figma’s auto-layout and responsive constraints.

Mobile Navigation

The biggest challenge was designing a new mobile-friendly navigation. Unlike the mobile app, the web experience lacked native gestures like swiping, requiring a different approach.

I designed a simplified browser-friendly navigation, ensuring:

  • Easy access to key sections without overwhelming the interface.
  • A sticky bottom navigation bar to improve usability on smaller screens.
  • Clear menu interactions optimized for touch-based browsing.

Component Prioritization for Cross-Device Usability

One of the most critical elements was the homepage content carousel, which showcases featured shows and movies. This component had to be:

  • Visually compelling on the desktop while remaining functional on mobile.
  • Optimized for touch interactions, ensuring smooth usability.
  • Scalable without compromising readability and engagement.

Collaboration & Feedback Loop

Cross-Team Collaboration

I worked closely with web developers to ensure the design was technically feasible. Key areas of collaboration included:

  • Adapting mobile app components for web implementation.
  • Ensuring navigation interactions worked smoothly across devices.
  • Optimizing the performance of large UI elements, like the carousel.

Iterative Feedback Process

After refining the design, I:

  • Presented the prototypes to the internal design team for feedback.
  • Worked with stakeholders to ensure business goals were met.
  • Made final adjustments based on usability concerns and technical constraints.

Challenges & Adaptations

Biggest Challenge: Creating a Unified Experience Across Web & Mobile

Since our mobile app already had a robust design, we faced the challenge of ensuring the responsive web experience felt cohesive—without simply duplicating the app.

The Solution: Selective Adaptation

Rather than copying the app UI directly, I:

  • Refined navigation patterns to work in a web environment.
  • Prioritized scalability, ensuring future updates could be easily integrated.
  • Identified opportunities to improve the app using what was learned from the web project.

Final Outcome

Impact & Implementation

Although the responsive website update was still in development at the time of my involvement, I successfully delivered:

  • Fully documented templates for desktop, tablet, and mobile.
  • Prototypes and design specs to guide development.
  • A scalable, responsive foundation that ensures accessibility across all devices.

The anticipated impact includes:

  • Increased user engagement from mobile web visitors.
  • A seamless experience between web and app users.
  • Improved content discovery with a redesigned navigation system.

Key Takeaways

Lessons Learned

  • Mobile-first design leads to better scalability. Starting with mobile constraints helped create a flexible, adaptable design.
  • Collaboration with developers is crucial. Regular check-ins helped prevent technical roadblocks.
  • Web and app don’t have to be identical—but they must be cohesive. Selectively adapting components ensured a smooth cross-platform experience.

This project reinforced the importance of responsive, accessible design and set the foundation for future platform enhancements.