BROWSER-BASED LIVE STREAMING Platform

Identifying the Problem

BoxCast was looking for opportunities to lower the barrier of entry for new users to live-stream with their products. It was easy for users to be deterred by the need for special video encoding hardware or the lack of production tools available in the iOS app.

To address these barriers the product team set out to build their own prototype that would allow users to live-stream right from their computer’s browser, no download required. In tandem with this proof of concept Brandon began talking with current and potential users to gain a better understanding of whether a browser-based streaming platform would fit into their workflows.

He found that potential users had access to high-quality tools BoxCast would not be able to compete with at launch. However, he also identified that some existing users had reason to stream more often and in different scenarios.

Designing the Solution

As the initial competitive analysis and user interviews Brandon conducted wrapped up the product team began pushing beyond a proof of concept. The team collaborated on creating an expected scope for launch and Brandon began working through wireframes, then prototypes for how the new browser-based streaming product (dubbed Producer) would function. These prototypes were developed iteratively and in conjunction with developers as the team pushed an initial product forward together.

Once the team had the key functionality of starting a stream, connecting it to social platforms, and sharing a screen together Brandon worked to coordinate an alpha testing group for the product. Brandon engaged with a small set of users who had specific scenarios in which they could use Producer and gave them early access to the product in exchange for their feedback. This allowed the team to more effectively troubleshoot, identify confusing elements of the experience and further refine the product for launch.

With updates and issues addressed from our alpha testing sessions, Producer launched to all users. Producer was able to enter BoxCast’s suite of products as a supplemental offering, allowing existing users to add an additional weekly stream from their desk or have backup options should their other equipment encounter issues. 

View on BoxCast Website