ABC iview Smart TV Next App

Research and analytics highlighted several issues with the previous Smart TV experience:Browsing and discovering shows was difficult, with limited opportunity to preview content, making decisions feel uninformed and out of step with contemporary video platforms.The app showed a high bounce rate on entry, pointing to friction in login and onboarding.While sub‑profiles existed, the experience did not sufficiently promote their creation and use.Internally, the live model needed to evolve beyond a broadcast paradigm, while accessibility support, including screen readers, was falling behind expectations for a public service.

We rebuilt the iview Smart TV experience using the ABC design language system and shared component libraries, with a focus on:Making content easier to choose by introducing trailers that provide real‑time visual previews as users browse, including live playback within rails, so people can quickly understand a programme before selecting.Streamlining login so ABC Account linking is seamless, predictable and encourages sub‑profile creation for more relevant discovery.Designing for accessibility first, with screen reader support and improved focus handling for TV assistive technologies.

The New Smart TV app makes Australian stories easier to find, supports age‑appropriate discovery, and improves access for all. Compared to the previous Smart TV app, the redesign is delivering business and audience impact:Clearer entry experience: Lower bounce rates indicate an intuitive and inclusive first time experience.Age‑appropriate discovery: A 25% uplift in children’s sub‑profile use shows discovery and exposure to Australian children’s content.Deeper engagement: Increased multi‑episode sessions show viewers are spending more time with ABC stories.Stronger live engagement: 6x higher live‑rail interaction supports national moments, news and cultural events.Improved accessibility: Screen reader support.

The new iview Smart TV experience introduces a focused set of features that improve discovery, accessibility and consistency with other ABC products, grounded in the ABC design language system.A key change is the show‑led live experience, which shifts emphasis from traditional channels to what is on now. This better reflects how people choose what to watch and makes live content easier to act on. Navigational trailers provide instant visual context as people move through rows of shows, helping them understand the feel of a title without opening additional screens. Live rewind and watch from start controls give viewers more flexibility when engaging with live events and streams.The reworked login and pairing flow reduces friction for ABC Account users and makes it easier to set up and use sub‑profiles, particularly for children.Accessibility improvements sit underneath the experience. The introduction of Audio Described content allows viewers with vision impairments to have visuals described on the big screen. Screen reader support, clearer focus behaviour and design system led interaction patterns help people use the app confidently. Together, these features create a calm, modern and understandable big screen experience that feels unmistakably ABC and supports long‑term engagement, trust and enjoyment.