Netflix Mood Selector

Summary

As both a movie lover and a UX designer, I noticed that Netflix users often spend too much time deciding what to watch.

Despite Netflix’s advanced algorithms, the process can feel overwhelming.

So, this mood-based recommendation feature helps users discover movies or shows aligned with how they feel, turning choice overload into an enjoyable, personalized experience.

Timeline

January - May 2024

Responsibilities

User Research, Interaction Design, Visual design, Prototyping

Deliverables

Interactive Figma High-Fidelity Prototypes

Project Type

Individual Project

Timeline

3 Weeks

Responsibilities

User Research, Interaction Design, Visual design, Prototyping

Tools Used

Figma, FigJam, Google Forms

Project Type

Individual Project

If you like what you see, dive deeper with this case study.

Project Focus

Research

Ideation

Designs

Testing

Reflection

Project Focus

Research

Ideation

Designs

Testing

Reflection

Research

Project Focus

A mood-based recommendation feature that personalizes Netflix suggestions based on how users feel.

Overview

As both a movie lover and UX designer, I wanted to simplify the “what should I watch?” moment for Netflix users. Despite Netflix’s powerful recommendation algorithms, users still face decision fatigue when choosing a title.

Design Goal:

Create a feature that helps users find something to watch in seconds, guided by emotion rather than endless browsing.

Overview

Design Goal:

Create a feature that helps users find something to watch in seconds, guided by emotion rather than endless browsing.

A mood-based recommendation feature that personalizes Netflix suggestions based on how users feel.

Research

I conducted a Google Form survey with 40 participants to understand their content discovery behavior.
And the key findings are as follows:

82%

Of users spend 10+ minutes deciding what to watch.

67%

Wished for recommendations based on their mood.

74%

Said their mood affects what they watch (Happy, Tired, Curious).

Wireframes

Ideation

✏️ Paper Wireframes

Why mood tags?

Based on the research, I explored various discovery patterns — from emotion sliders to visual tags. The simplest and most intuitive approach was mood tags that users can tap to describe their feelings.

Quick, low-effort interaction
Works across cultures and contexts
Easily integrates with Netflix’s current recommendation logic

Why mood tags?

Quick, low-effort interaction
Works across cultures and contexts
Easily integrates with Netflix’s current recommendation logic

Why mood tags?

Quick, low-effort interaction
Works across cultures and contexts
Easily integrates with Netflix’s current recommendation logic

Why mood tags?

Quick, low-effort interaction
Works across cultures and contexts
Easily integrates with Netflix’s current recommendation logic

User Journey Map

Design Decisions and Micro-Interactions

Hover Element

I paid attention to Netflix’s existing microinteractions — especially how elements respond on hover. I recreated their signature red-hover behavior so the new feature blends seamlessly with the rest of the UI. This helps the interaction feel familiar and maintains visual consistency across the experience.

Mood Tag Control

I designed the tags so users can easily add or remove moods with a single tap, giving them full control to adjust their preferences in real time.

Loading Animation

I used a subtle zoom-in/zoom-out animation on the Netflix ‘N’ logo with a red gradient glow to create a familiar, cinematic loading moment.

Hover Element

I paid attention to Netflix’s existing microinteractions — especially how elements respond on hover. I recreated their signature
red-hover behavior so the new feature blends seamlessly with the rest of the UI. This helps the interaction feel familiar and maintains visual consistency across the experience.

Mood Tag Control

I designed the tags so users can easily add or remove moods with a single tap, giving them full control to adjust their preferences in real time.

Loading Animation

I used a subtle zoom-in/zoom-out animation on the
Netflix ‘N’ logo with a red gradient glow to create a familiar, cinematic loading moment.

I used a subtle zoom-in/zoom-out animation on the Netflix ‘N’ logo with a red gradient glow to create a familiar, cinematic loading moment.

Hover Element

I paid attention to Netflix’s existing microinteractions — especially how elements respond on hover. I recreated their signature
red-hover behavior so the new feature blends seamlessly with the rest of the UI. This helps the interaction feel familiar and maintains visual consistency across the experience.

Mood Tag Control

I designed the tags so users can easily add or remove moods with a single tap, giving them full control to adjust their preferences in real time.

Loading Animation

I used a subtle zoom-in/zoom-out animation on the
Netflix ‘N’ logo with a red gradient glow to create a familiar, cinematic loading moment.

✏️ Paper Wireframes

🖼️ Moodboard

Final Designs

Home Page

To use the content recommendation feature, users can click "Mood Picks" in the top menu. Or click the "Need Ideas" button.

Mood Selection Page

The users can choose the tags they like or type in what they want to watch.
Users can also choose between Movies/TV Shows.

Mood Selection Page

Recommendation Page

Displays a curated title (e.g., Oldboy) with quick options: Play Now, More Info, or Try Another.

Testing

After testing the prototype with several participants, users described it as personal, fun, and much faster than typical browsing.

“It feels like Netflix understands my mood.”

-User

Impact:

Reduces decision fatigue

Increases satisfaction and engagement
Introduces emotional design to Netflix’s ecosystem

Said they would use this feature regularly if Netflix added it.

88%

Felt the experience was more personal and enjoyable than browsing categories.

92%

Luna Flow

Hackathon Project

Product Design + UX Research | Mobile App

Mentorify

Mentor Finding Platform

Product Design + UX Research | Mobile App

iClerk

Internship Experience

UX Design + Research

ReGreen

Student Recycle Center

Product Design + UX Research | Mobile App

Reflection

My Learnings

This project started simply because I was tired of spending forever trying to pick a movie — and it turns out most people feel the same way. It reminded me that good design often comes from noticing these everyday frustrations.
Talking to users and watching them try the prototype was honestly my favorite part. Their reactions made me realize how much a small, simple idea can actually make someone’s experience feel lighter and more personal.
Overall, this project taught me to follow my curiosity, trust my instincts, and not overcomplicate the solution. Sometimes the most meaningful designs come from solving a problem you’ve personally felt.