Users have complained about Netflix's new-look design as the streaming service teased that the UI overhaul is its "biggest update in a decade".
Netflix user interface just got enhanced for TV! Nice Job 👍🏼 Appreciated! @NetflixIndia pic.twitter.com/oGEIDdY2yi
— VINAYAKSONI007 (@VinayakSoni07) June 23, 2024
Netflix had been testing its interface overhaul for a select group of users but the reception was mixed as users on Reddit said "there was nothing wrong with the old interface" and the new changes "suck so bad".
"Just saw the new design and it's awful. I'm looking at a whole 3 thumbnails on the screen they're so big," complained one user.
"This UI is literally giving me anxiety with how claustrophobic it feels. Netflix had one of the best UI designs of all the streaming services. Why would you change that?"
Meanwhile, one user was in two minds, saying: "I don’t know if I love it or hate it…"
…okay, Netflix has a new user interface. I don’t know if I love it or hate it….
— Kendy. (@heyitsbenn) July 23, 2024
Another person posted about going on to Reddit "hoping there might be a thread complaining about it, and I’m happy to see I am correct", adding: "Hopefully Netflix will see all this feedback and consider switching the interface back."
Has Netflix changed its design?
In June 2024, Netflix's senior director of product, Patrick Flemming, discussed the switch to the new design, saying that the changes should help users cut down on the "gymnastics they do with their eyes".
Mr Flemming was referring to the experience Netflix offers with the current home screen as users have to scan up the screen to view a show/movie preview.
"We really wanted members to have an easier time figuring out if a title is right for them," Mr Fleming added.
The redesign will still feature a large recommended or new title initially but shows and movies will receive a preview card when hovered over by the user. When selected with a remote, the show/movie's title card will expand to show the user a quick teaser video.
Users will find the content's description, year of release, episode count and genre beneath the card once expanded.
Netflix app's sidebar on smart TVs will also be removed and replaced with a user's profile icon on the far left, while options like Home, Shows, Movies and My Netflix will be in the centre.
Fleming told the Verge that if the reception is positive, then Netflix will expand the UI redesign to more users in the "coming months and quarters".
However, a decision on what will happen next has not been confirmed.
