Elevating the FAST Experience with a Modern Entertainment Guide
Vizio WatchFree+ EPG Redesign
WatchFree+ is Vizio’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platform, offering linear TV channels without the need for a subscription. But despite the value, its outdated interface left users frustrated and disengaged.
The goal was clear: redesign WatchFree+ to feel modern, fast, and familiar, with a revamped Electronic Program Guide (EPG) at the center of the experience. This new EPG needed to mimic the best of traditional cable layouts while embracing the polish and usability of modern streaming.
Objective
As Vizio’s TV UI underwent a broad refresh, the WatchFree+ redesign emerged as a key pillar in that transformation. The legacy EPG interface had a host of issues:
- Clunky, outdated navigation
- Poor accessibility support
- Laggy performance across devices
- Low discoverability and engagement
Meanwhile, user expectations were grounded in the intuitive, snappy cable-TV guides they’d used for decades. Our challenge was to bridge the gap between familiarity and innovation, all while navigating technical constraints and stakeholder ambitions.
Role & Responsibilities
- AI Architect & Design Lead
- Managed a team of 2 designers
- Individual Contributor on core design solutions and executive reviews
Media
The Challenge
We kicked off the redesign by assembling a small, nimble team of two designers and facilitating collaborative design workshops with stakeholders across product, engineering, and leadership. From those sessions, we quickly moved into wireframing, click-through prototyping, and moderated user testing.
Our design goals included:
- Faster, intuitive navigation with minimal friction
- Improved accessibility for all users and screen types
- A refreshed brand aesthetic with bold typography and high contrast
Smarter personalization hooks, while still respecting the lean-back viewing mindset
We modeled the EPG layout on familiar cable grid systems, then layered in modern touches: subtle animations, thoughtful hierarchy, and clear labeling for both live and upcoming content.
Obstacles & Constraints
Designing for TV at scale always brings challenges—but this project had some unique ones:
- Legacy Tech Stack:
Performance lag and incomplete data from the backend APIs required extensive edge-case handling. We documented all UI permutations and worked closely with engineers to make smart compromises without compromising the experience. - High Stakeholder Involvement:
Design decisions were influenced at all levels, including frequent input from Vizio’s CEO. Balancing user needs with vision alignment was a constant dance—but ultimately led to a stronger, more cohesive product. - Testing at Scale:
Unlike mobile or web, testing on TVs required in-lab and in-home sessions across various screen sizes, input methods, and user demographics.
Reflection
This was a textbook example of vision-meets-execution.
What began as a legacy product with minimal engagement turned into a modern, elegant experience that’s now central to Vizio’s FAST strategy. The collaboration across design, engineering, and leadership was one of the strongest I’ve seen, and it allowed us to iterate quickly and smartly.
I’m especially proud of how we respected the familiar patterns users expected—while still pushing forward in branding, motion, and accessibility. WatchFree+ now feels like it belongs in the top tier of streaming platforms—and I’m honored to have helped shape that transformation.
Outcomes
🚀 Successfully shipped the new WatchFree+ EPG across all supported Vizio SmartCast devices
📺 Increased discoverability of linear content, helping boost engagement on ad-supported channels
🎨 Elevated the WatchFree+ brand, aligning more closely with Vizio’s broader UX and visual language
📈 Contributed to increased monetization opportunities through better content exposure and UX-driven retention