Bonfire OS 7.0

New navigation mode: Cross interaction

Simplify main scene transitions and ensure seamless vertical transitions.

Compared to version 6.0, which required switching back and forth between five spaces, in the new version, we aim to reduce users' cognitive load and operational cost. Based on user behavior, we divided high-frequency functions into three main scenes: Home, Viewing, and Music. The Home scene includes the "Experience" section at the top and "Applications" at the bottom. To the left of the Home is "Music," and to the right is "Viewing." This way, users can access the most frequently used services on the same interaction layer.

This seemingly simple four-direction interaction posed challenges in the design process.

Challenge 1: Inconsistent Up and Down vs. Left and Right interactions

Problem:

For the home page's up, down, left, and right interactions, we defined the top and bottom as part of the home page, allowing direct access to applications with the up or down buttons on the remote. However, the left and right sides were designated for Music and Movie, more purpose-driven scenes. To avoid accidental entries and high transition costs, pressing left or right required a secondary confirmation. However, in user testing, users did not understand the inconsistency in interactions.

Solution:

After identifying the issue, we made the up, down, left, and right interactions consistent and conducted longer user tests. Although users found the consistent interactions easier to understand, the likelihood of accidental entries increased. Therefore, based on our product positioning and error prevention principles, we decided to retain the original design.

Challenge 2: Muscle memory is not applicable in every scenario

Problem:

We defined that when users exit Music or Movie, pressing the back button highlights the home button, requiring OK or left/right keys to return home. However, in user testing, over half the users preferred pressing the back button twice to return home, believing it required less finger movement and better supported muscle memory.

Solution:

After the first user test, we changed the interaction to return to the home page with two presses of the back button. While more intuitive, we questioned if ease of use was most important when exiting an app. We identified two scenarios: "accidental activation" and "clear user intent." For "accidental activation," we provide more return paths. For "clear user intent," we avoid too many paths. Thus, we reverted to the original design.

Global Navigation Bar: Different Levels, Same Convenience

Definition

The global navigation bar helps users quickly switch between different applications and instantly access important and frequently used functions.

Value

Guidance: Provide timely direction when users feel lost or unsure of where to go.

Path Shortening: Help users reduce unnecessary actions and lengthy page transitions.

Access Records: Allow users to easily find recently used services and applications.

Primary Issues Addressed

Reducing Unnecessary User Actions: Minimize the number of steps and cognitive load involved in navigating and switching between applications.

Example

In OS 6.0, if a user is in a space or application other than the "Living Room," it requires six or more actions to find the desired application. Additionally, OS 6.0 lacks a "Recently Used" applications feature.

Bonchat: Lightweight AI interaction with proactive greetings and suggestions

Definition

Lightweight interactive experience with proactive greetings and cues, tailored to user preferences and context

Design Highlight

Right Moment

Smart recommendations driven by time, context, and behavioral insights — helping users take the right action at the right time.

Guidance Over Promtion

Using gentle, context-aware nudges instead of intrusive ads — encouraging user actions through subtle, seamless suggestions.

Emotional Activation

Even without a clear purpose, Bonchat’s gentle greeting offers users a sense of connection — a comforting reason to turn the device on.

From Tool to Companion

By enabling conversational interaction, users feel like they’re communicating with Bonfire OS — not just operating a device.

Key Scenarios

Launch / Re-entry

When users enter or return to the Home screen, a unique animation provides a sense of continuity.

Wake-up

Triggered when the device powers on or wakes from sleep, creating a welcoming moment.

Emotional Activation

Even without a clear purpose, Bonchat’s gentle greeting offers users a sense of connection — a comforting reason to turn the device on.

From Tool to Companion

By enabling conversational interaction, users feel like they’re communicating with Bonfire OS — not just operating a device.

Interactive Vista: The Light and shadow brought by the digital bonfire

Design concept for interactive Visia based on time framework

1. Time: Based on early user feedback about rhythm space and navigation, we revisited the essence of "all-time" companionship and decided to use "time" as the underlying framework of the system.

2. Light: The digital bonfire is a keyword closely tied to the projector's use scenario and is ownable. Thus, in our visual design, we used the "light" brought by the digital bonfire as another design element.

3. Design Principles: The extended design concept allows for visual changes and atmosphere creation that vary throughout the day.

Interaction design guidelines and definitions

In the past, multiple decision layers, team changes, and insufficient time to communicate content structure and interaction principles, along with agile development split into multiple workflows, led to a lack of the right people, experience, and mechanisms to integrate the system.

We believe clear interaction and visual guidelines help users understand the product, reduce anxiety, and increase enjoyment. For the team, these guidelines create a common language for product managers, designers, and engineers, reducing communication costs and development difficulties.