When Streaming Isn’t Accessible
Streaming is how most of us watch TV and movies, but accessibility still lags behind. Users who rely on screen readers, text-to-speech, captions, or adaptive remotes struggle with simple tasks. Pausing a show or skipping ahead often feels frustrating. Too many companies treat accessibility as a checklist instead of a design principle. Pluto TV set out to change that. The goal was a video player that not only met requirements but delivered a seamless experience for everyone.
Researching Existing Gaps in the Market
I led this project from the ground up. From the start, I built accessibility into every decision. To understand the landscape, I spent more than 100 hours testing apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Roku, and Apple TV. I uncovered hundreds of issues and documented gaps across devices. Then I consolidated over 3,000 data points into insights that guided our design and engineering teams.
Turning Accessibility Into a Differentiator
I worked directly with product and UX partners to shift thinking. Instead of asking “how do we meet the minimum,” we asked “how do we set the standard?” That shift opened the door to new ideas: adjustable skip rates, pause-on-background playback, persistent settings across sessions, and navigation informed by assistive technology best practices.
I also ensured the work lived beyond this project. I documented findings and solutions in resources that became Pluto’s guide for accessible video design.
Building a Player That Anticipates Needs
We delivered a redesigned player with accessibility at every level. It introduced features users had wanted for years. It also included features they hadn’t thought to request. Every choice reduced friction and let people enjoy entertainment without barriers.
Changing the Team’s Perspective
This marked the first time Pluto TV included an accessibility expert from day one. That presence changed how the company approached inclusive design. The new player became Pluto’s most accessible to date and set a higher bar for the industry. The project also proved a larger point: accessibility doesn’t slow teams down or limit creativity. It makes products stronger for everyone.
Major Wins
I’m most proud of how this project shifted Pluto’s design culture. By embedding empathy into the process and anticipating user needs, we proved that accessibility drives innovation. The new player showed what’s possible when you move past compliance and design for real people.
