Research group for Media, Innovation and Communication Technologies

WeePeeTV - Over the top streaming TV app

About

This research project investigates the opportunities, expectances and domestication of over-the-top television services. OTT television makes it possible to watch television content on tablets, smartphones, (smart) TV’s as well as computers. In cooperation with WeePeeTV, research is being conducted on the ability of such services to meet the current needs and frustrations. This project puts the end-user in a central position. By means of a multi-method panel-based living lab approach, the end-user is actively involved in the development process of these services. The project is funded by an 'KMO Dienstenportefeuille' from the Agentschap Ondernemen.

Motive

Traditional television broadcasters offer a standard selection of television channels. This selection, however, does not meet the needs of certain niche markets such as digital natives, for example, who stream their (often foreign) favorite television shows on the internet because they aren’t broadcasted by the traditional broadcasters. Another example are the many satellites on the roofs in some of the foreign neighborhoods, which also reflects the need for a wider choice of television content. On top of that, television content is no longer consumed exclusively on the television screen, but more and more on tablets, laptops, smartphones, desktops, etc.

Innovation goal

WeePeeTV is an “over-the-top” TV application which enables the end user to watch television on every compatible device, with one single subscription. WeePeeTV especially focusses on the niche market which is not satisfied by the traditional broadcasters. Among these are foreign speakers, immigrants, people who moved to another province but want to stay in touch with the local news, digital natives, etc. Each WeePeeTV member is able to compose his own choice of television channels and edit this very easily online (possibly on a daily basis).

Methodology

Within LeyLab, a living lab in the city of Kortijk, we first look at the existing opinions on “over-the-top” television and the existing needs. In this stage, we also have special attention for the willingness to pay. In a second stage, a group of Lead Users is selected and invited for a co-creation session in which the concept will further be shaped. Next, the technology will be implemented in the homes of the interested LeyLab end users. By means of logging, observations and self-reporting, an insight is provided in the way the technology is being used in a real world context. Finally, the conclusions of this research are being validated in a final survey which results in an final report with recommendations.

In this research, MICT will be facilitating the interaction with the end-users. Using an iterative panel-based Living Lab approach, a segmented panel will contribute to the development of the innovation. All relevant stakeholders will have an equal voice and are challenged to think about the opportunities and challenges of this concept by means of a multi-method approach. This allows us to develop a concept that will match the stakes, values and use-context of every actor within the value network of the innovation.

Duration of the project

The project runs from 01/11/2012 - 30/09/2013.

Staff involved

  • Dimitri Schuurman
  • Bas Baccarn

Financed by

  • Enterprise Flanders-SME portfolio
  • WeePeeTV