Smart TV Web Browser
Web Browser is a core application on Samsung Smart TV, enabling users to access the internet directly on a TV screen. Unlike mobile devices, TV offers a lean-back experience and is operated via a four-way remote control, which fundamentally changes user interaction. This project focused on understanding these constraints and designing a browsing experience optimized for comfort, simplicity, and ease of navigation in a living-room environment.
My role
UI Designer
Design Year
2011
Director Jiny Kwon
UX Designer Bonghyun Cho, Junsik Choi
UI Designer Jeongyoun Lee
My Role & Contributions
• Improved the design based on 1.0 version.
• Designed to consider the new remote control that works like a mouse.
• Contributed to improving the wireframe.
Design Rational
What was the problem?
1
Although Web Browser is one of the most frequently used applications on Samsung Smart TV, it was originally based on interaction patterns designed for desktop and mobile environments. Due to the lean-back nature of TV viewing and the limitations of a four-way remote control, users experienced friction when navigating web content, performing scrolling actions, and interacting with complex layouts.
What was the solution?
2
I approached this challenge by first analyzing TV user behavior and identifying key differences from mobile interaction patterns. Through heuristic evaluation and usability review, I mapped out major pain points caused by remote-based navigation. Based on these insights, I designed interaction models and UI patterns tailored to TV usage—such as simplified content structures, clear focus indicators, and predictable navigation flows—ensuring that each design decision aligned with the physical and cognitive constraints of TV interaction.
What was the result?
3
The redesigned Web Browser improved ease of navigation and overall usability for TV users, enabling more comfortable and intuitive web browsing from a distance. The solution aligned with the lean-back nature of TV usage and supported users in efficiently accessing web content without friction.
