During ideation, we mapped user journeys and identified key interaction points, focusing on minimizing the friction often associated with video chat on consoles. We collaborated closely with engineers to prototype voice and gesture controls, iterating on UI flows for joining calls, inviting friends, and navigating content without traditional controllers. Usability testing exposed surprising pain points—users often hesitated or misinterpreted voice prompts, so we refined our feedback loops with clearer on-screen cues and playful animations that responded to gestures in real-time.

Implementing spatial UI elements transformed the experience. Instead of static menus, we projected options into 3D space, discoverable through natural movements or voice commands. We also tailored avatar reactions and virtual backgrounds, making conversations more immersive and expressive. One major breakthrough came when we integrated live content sharing, allowing users to watch shows together, which required careful design to maintain focus on both the participants and synchronized content.