How to Offer Great UX When Using Video

Web video: a 2016 design trend that's here to stay. Once considered impossible, video is now a staple for travel sites, innovative startups, and luxury e-commerce. Its power lies in evoking emotion, something still photography often struggles to achieve. Think of Airbnb's captivating video headers – they perfectly convey the feeling of "home away from home."

However, video's large file size and screen dominance demand careful consideration. Let's explore ways to make video-rich websites accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Optimizing Video Size and Placement

Video is a high-impact, but potentially risky, web element. The key decision is its size, which depends entirely on its purpose.

Ambience Videos: These replace traditional hero header images, subtly setting the mood. They often fill the screen but are lower resolution for faster loading. Blurred or abstract visuals are acceptable, as long as they create the desired emotional response.

A luxury travel site, for example, might use an ambience video showcasing idyllic island scenes to evoke a sense of adventure and relaxation.

Explainer Videos: These shorter videos, typically not full-screen, have a long history of high conversion rates. Modern trends like card-based design allow for smaller, less intrusive video integration.

Facebook's autoplay (without sound unless interacted with) is a great example of non-invasive video functionality. Combined with text alternatives, this approach caters to a broader audience.

Autoplay benefits users with motor impairments, while smaller video size allows for text summaries, acting as visual alt text. Video needn't be overwhelming; it can enhance user experience without alienating those with simpler needs.

Addressing Sound and Performance

Deaf users, like myself, are often deterred by unexpected video sound. Auto-mute is crucial, but subtitles and text alternatives are equally important. However, ensure subtitles are clearly visible to avoid users missing them.

Video's high bandwidth cost is a significant factor. Only with faster internet speeds has video become a viable web medium. Consider your target audience: if it's not a large, high-bandwidth market, video might not be the best choice. A large portion of the world still lacks reliable internet access.

Sourcing High-Quality Video Footage

Fortunately, stock video is increasingly available. While not as prevalent as stock images, this will change. Pexels is a popular free resource, but Adobe Stock offers superior quality. Other options include Videezy, X Stock Video, and Coverr (my personal favorite!).

The Future of Web Video

As web design trends evolve, so will video's role. New trends bring new components, leading to innovative video implementations. The future of web video is bright, and I'm excited to see what's next! Share your ideas in the comments below!

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