Making Screentime Purpouseful

AI technology is more present in our daily lives than ever before, shaping how we interact with digital tools and platforms. Often unnoticed, it plays a big role in driving user engagement, particularly by tracking our behavior and personalizing content to match our preferences, with the goal of keeping us engaged longer.

This is often seen in streaming services. As part of a UX Design project at the IT University of Copenhagen, my team and I explored how Disney+ uses AI in its recommendation system, particularly focusing on targeting children. We investigated how AI could be designed with well-being in mind, shifting the focus from pure consumption to more meaningful streaming. Our solution was a value-based recommendation system that categorized and displayed content based on educational and developmental values, empowering children to have a more purpouseful streaming experience. The design not only prioritized user well-being but also aligned with Disney+'s business goals by offering an innovative approach that improved their positioning in the market without restricting customer engagement.