During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was contracted by Inframe to play a role in developing and implementing an innovative Remote Audience system for broadcast television. This cutting-edge project aimed to bridge the gap between live studio audiences and remote participants, maintaining the energy and interactivity of live broadcasts despite physical distancing requirements.

Key Challenges:

1. Create a system with near-zero latency for seamless interaction between hosts and remote participants.
2. Develop a user-friendly interface allowing participants to join with a single click.
3. Integrate incoming network video with the venue's display screens and switchboard.

My Multifaceted Role:

As an experiential designer, I wore multiple hats throughout this project, contributing to various crucial aspects:

1. System Architecture: I created a unique URL system for users, ensuring secure and individualized access for each participant. This system allowed for quick generation of new links if needed, enhancing both security and flexibility.

2. Technical Implementation: I was responsible for programming each individual PC client, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance across various user devices.

3. User Experience Design: Leveraging my design background, I focused on creating intuitive interfaces with legible fonts and clear visual hierarchies, minimizing potential user errors.

4. Remote Guest Management: I worked directly with remote guests, guiding them through setup, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring they were camera-ready. This included conducting test runs, optimizing video settings, and providing technical support.

5. Live Production Support: During broadcasts, I managed the system, coordinating with producers, audio technicians, and lighting directors to ensure smooth integration of remote participants into the live show.

Technical Achievements:

The system we developed was a technological breakthrough in several ways:

• Ultra-Low Latency: We achieved video call connections with less latency than a standard phone call, allowing for natural, real-time conversations between hosts and remote participants.
• High-Quality Video: The system supported up to 12 consecutive high-resolution video feeds without compromising performance.
• Seamless Integration: Remote participants could be displayed on in-venue screens and smoothly integrated into the broadcast, creating a cohesive experience for both in-studio and at-home audiences.

Implementations:

This innovative system was successfully deployed for several high-profile CBC productions:

• Battle of the Blades
• Juno Awards
• CBC's New Year's Eve Special

The success of these implementations demonstrated the system's reliability and effectiveness in maintaining audience engagement during a challenging time for live productions.

Key Learnings:

This project reinforced the importance of thorough testing, flexible problem-solving, and clear communication in live production environments. It also highlighted the critical balance between technical functionality and user-friendly design in creating successful broadcast experiences.