Abstract

The rapid evolution of technology and the digital landscape has transformed the way we consume and engage with content. Among the most prevalent forms of digital consumption is the widespread and increasing popularity of short-format videos. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat has gained the attention of million of users daily, especially within Generation Z, i.e. people born between 1995 and 2010. With the launch of social media platforms, specifically tailored to mobile devices, a new era of content creation and consumption emerged. Born and raised in this digital landscape, Gen Z has seamlessly integrated short-format videos into their daily routines. As a result, understanding the user experience related to the short-format video consumption becomes essential in driving the smartphone camera innovation further. User insights are captured through interviews and video quality A/B-tests, and finally synthesized in developed UX Evaluation Frameworks. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the user experience related to short-format consumption among Generation Z, focusing on video expectations, quality aspects of importance and experienced pain points. The results reveals that video content, above all, is the most important aspect when it comes to short-format videos. However, stability and pleasant camera movements are among the most important video quality aspects, and poor sound in video was found to often ruin the whole user experience. The study’s findings are formulated into recommendations, in order to pave the way for future development of smartphone camera enhancement software.