Netflix’s redesigned TV user interface has a sidebar menu for faster navigation, more prominent video previews, and easier-to-access search and ‘My list’ features. It is rolling out to TV devices now.

Netflix 2018 TV user interface
The new TV user interface has been designed to make it easier to find content to watch on a TV screen, the company said. The most obvious change is the sidebar menu on the left side. It slides out to reveal tabs for ‘Search’, ‘Home’, ‘Series’, ‘Movies’, ‘My List’, and ‘New’. In the past, some of these sections were hard to locate in Netflix’s horizontal grid.

- “The new TV interface was designed to make the Netflix experience simpler and more intuitive in a few different ways,” said Stephen Garcia, Director of Product Innovation, Netflix. “First, it is now easier to search and view new content added to the service. It is also far simpler to start browsing with either a series or movie; our research has shown us that while a member generally isn’t sure what exact title they want to watch, they have a pretty good sense of whether they are in the mood for a quick series episode or a longer movie experience.“

Compared to Netflix’s existing TV user interface, video previews have also been made larger. It is still not possible to turn off video previews.



More to come
Netflix says that the TV user interface will roll out gradually to TV devices worldwide, including Smart TVs, media players, and game consoles. The company added that it is “one of many improvements we will be rolling out over the coming months” without further explanation.

- “Much like how introducing video previews to the TV experience a few years ago helped cut down on how much time members spent browsing, this new design is one of many improvements we will be rolling out over the coming months to make Netflix even better for our members around the world.“

Netflix’s last major overhaul of the TV user interface came in 2013. The TV is obviously one of Netflix’s most important screens and the company has put a lot of effort into development. Most recently, Netflix has introduced Dolby Atmos, parental controls, and a new ratings system. The company says that 70% of all Netflix viewing happens on a TV. The company also has a certification program for Smart TVs.