Transforming a Built-In TV App into a Daily Destination
Vizio’s WatchFree+ (FAST Channels)
VIZIO’s WatchFree+ is a free, ad-supported streaming service built into millions of VIZIO Smart TVs, offering users access to over 260 live channels and 6,000 on-demand titles. Despite its vast content library, the existing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) felt outdated and difficult to navigate, creating friction in content discovery and diminishing overall user satisfaction.
To overcome these challenges, VIZIO launched a full redesign of the WatchFree+ EPG with the goals of modernizing the interface, improving usability, encouraging repeat visits, and delivering a familiar layout that users could intuitively navigate.
As Lead Product Designer, I guided this transformation, working closely with two junior designers who supported production and helped craft key aspects of the user experience. Together, we collaborated with cross-functional teams to create a polished, accessible, and user-friendly EPG designed to keep millions of viewers coming back all within 3 months of starting.
Design Approach
Intuitive Grid Layout: Implemented a familiar grid format segmented in 30-minute intervals, allowing users to easily scan upcoming content.
In-Line Content Descriptions: Enabled users to view movie and show details directly within the guide, reducing the need for additional navigation.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Viewing: Introduced PiP functionality, allowing users to continue watching content while browsing the guide.
Genre-Based Navigation: Added a feature to jump to specific content categories through a long press on the “OK” button, streamlining the browsing experience.
Direct Access to On-Demand Titles: Integrated on-demand content access within the EPG, facilitating seamless transitions between live and on-demand viewing.
The Problem
The existing EPG lacked intuitive navigation, making it difficult for users to browse and discover content efficiently.
The interface did not effectively showcase the breadth of available content, leading to underutilization of the service’s offerings.
Inconsistent user interactions and a dated visual design detracted from the overall user experience.
My Role
As Lead Product Designer, I took ownership of the EPG redesign from initial concept through to launch, setting the vision for user experience and refining interaction patterns to ensure clarity and ease of use. I mentored two junior designers throughout the process, fostering collaboration and growth while driving alignment across product, engineering, and design teams. Together, we delivered a modern, intuitive guide that not only enhanced live TV navigation for millions of VIZIO users but also laid a strong foundation for ongoing innovation and iteration.
Reflection
The WatchFree+ EPG redesign was a pivotal project that transformed the user experience from a cumbersome interface into an intuitive and engaging platform. By centering the design on user needs and seamlessly integrating new features, we significantly improved content discoverability and overall satisfaction. This strengthened WatchFree+’s position as a leading free streaming service and delivered measurable business impact.
We successfully launched the redesigned EPG across all supported VIZIO SmartCast devices, resulting in increased engagement with ad-supported linear channels and greater retention. The updated experience also elevated the WatchFree+ brand, aligning it more closely with VIZIO’s broader UX and visual identity. Additionally, it opened new monetization opportunities through enhanced content exposure.
Transforming live TV into daily viewership
The redesigned guide drove a measurable lift in engagement and viewership, helping WatchFree+ become the second-most-watched free streaming app on VIZIO TVs. By modernizing the experience, we positioned VIZIO as a serious contender in the competitive streaming landscape.