Xfinity WiFi Motion
Detect motion in your home using devices you already have
Role
UX lead
Project
New mobile feature
Duration
~2 years
Project TL;DR
Our project aimed to address the high cost of traditional home security by introducing WiFi Motion, an innovative, no-commitment security system that utilizes existing WiFi-connected devices, like Bluetooth speakers and smart thermostats, to detect motion.
Initial research kicked off in Q2 2022, where it revealed strong user interest in this free-to-use model. Through iterative design and employee trials, we refined the system, adding pet detection and adjustable sensitivity settings.
In the first six months of 2024, we focused on enhancing user education and onboarding, addressing feedback to simplify and clarify the experience.
As of July 2024, WiFi Motion was officially launched to the general audience, offering real-time insights into both human and pet movements with a unique, camera-free visualization.
The Problem
Many users find traditional home security programs and packages prohibitively expensive, often questioning the value they receive for the cost. Our goal was to address this issue by introducing an innovative, no-commitment security system. This feature utilizes existing WiFi-connected devices that users already own—such as Bluetooth speakers and smart thermostats—to detect motion within their homes.
Research findings
Our research initiative commenced with small-scale studies to gauge user interest in our proposed feature. We discovered that a significant majority of users expressed enthusiasm for a security offering like ours. The appeal was bolstered by the attractiveness of a free-to-use model, which added to the allure of this innovative security feature.
Employee trials
Following three rounds of initial research studies, we embarked on a focused two-week sprint to workshop our initial design concepts for the free security feature. Several months later, these designs were implemented and tested during employee trials. Over a span of six months, we gathered valuable feedback from Comcast employees who voluntarily participated in our beta program. This feedback loop enabled us to iteratively refine and enhance the feature, addressing various aspects of this novel security offering.
Original designs
Our existing flow launched utilizing employee trials was more condensed but gave less information to the user. This left them with a higher drop rate, around 78% of our users would leave the flow without successfully activating WiFi Motion. In addition to that, we had gone through a significant rebranding as a mobile app during Q4 2023, which meant we would need to update the visual educational elements.
Original designs were released for employee trials to collect and gather feedback about this new feature.
Refinement
In Q1 2024, I assumed the role of lead designer for the project with a focus on enhancing the sensitivity detection feature. Initially intended to detect only people within the home, WiFi Motion evolved significantly during employee trials and collaboration with engineering. We successfully integrated pet detection, a pivotal enhancement that enriched the user experience by distinguishing between human and animal movements within the household.
Pet & Motion Sensitivity
The goal was to enhance user education on our WiFi motion feature's newest capabilities. Users were introduced to sensitivity settings only on their third app session post-activation. This phased approach ensured users were fully acclimated to the core feature before introducing additional complexity. The educational flow was designed to be clear and intuitive, focusing on explaining pet and motion sensitivity settings and guiding users to adjust these settings as needed.
Enhanced onboarding
Transitioning into Q2 2024, we prioritized refining the onboarding experience for the sensitivity levels feature. Feedback from our employee trials prompted a thorough reevaluation and redesign of the onboarding flow, content, and visuals. Key insights included concerns such as confusion about product functionality, device compatibility, customization options, and privacy implications.
Over a meticulous three-month period, our team diligently addressed these concerns. We incorporated additional educational elements, streamlined the onboarding flow for simplicity and clarity, and ensured compliance with internal legal requirements. The result was a streamlined, educational onboarding experience that guides users through our pioneering technology with confidence.
INTRODUCING WIFI MOTION
INTRODUCING WIFI MOTION
In Q4 2024, we proudly introduced our latest free-to-use security feature to our users: WiFi Motion. This innovative technology marks a significant advancement in home security, leveraging existing WiFi-connected devices to detect both human and pet movements within the home environment.
WiFi Motion empowers users with real-time insights, offering peace of mind by distinguishing between various types of movements and activities. Our commitment to user-centric design, informed by extensive research and feedback, ensures a seamless integration and intuitive user experience.