kizuna 絆
kizuna is a live-streaming service that implements Livepeer Studio’s API for live streaming and video-on-demand. This hackathon project focused on creating a new live-streaming experience that promotes closer relationships within the streaming community.
Problem
As video game live streaming continues to grow its extensive community, our team was concerned about the next steps for leading video streaming platforms like Twitch to enhance the experience for streamers and viewers – helping them unlock a new business model.
Goal
Conceptualize a new live-streaming experience that helps expand the streaming community while assembling a stronger community.
User Research
We surveyed users on their experiences with Twitch or Youtube when streaming or watching videos on demand. We were mainly curious to see the features that Twitch could improve on or implement
Our results revealed that :
1) smaller or newer streamers had trouble gaining traction and also found it difficult to find other small channels
2) It was difficult to establish relationships between streamers, between viewers or between streamers and viewers.
Solution
1) A friend/following activity bar on the left that expands to allow users to see what their friends are streaming or watching and see if the creators they follow are live.
2) A “Friends” page opens up opportunities for users to watch their friends’ streams and also view their friends’ watching activities. The watching activity feature not only fulfills a user’s curiosity about their friend’s watching activity but it can also introduce them to new streamers!
3) The “Discover Small Communities” section is highlighted on the home page to recommend and expose users to smaller or newer streamers that are trying to grow their community.
4) Users are now able to go live straight from the kizuna website rather than using OBS or other streaming software – creating an all-encompassing application
Improvements
Improved Friend Activity Side Bar
I would love to see a fixed and expanded version of the friend activity bar (similar to Spotify) rather than the hover interaction in the current prototype. I would also aim to add more friends and creators to the bar as well!