Chrome extension behavior analysis

NeetoRecord

Recording Start Behavior:

• When starting a recording, a new tab opens with a countdown (3-2-1). After the countdown, it switches to the tab where the recording was initiated, and the recording begins automatically. This process may be disorienting for users, as it briefly removes them from the context they intended to capture.

Ending the Recording:

• Clicking the extension icon during recording redirects the user to the recorder tab, which still shows the countdown (despite the recording already being in progress). This creates confusion, as it’s unclear whether the recording has ended or is still ongoing.

Loom

Recording Start Behavior:

• Launching a recording opens a new tab with a recording interface. After the user clicks "Share Screen," the interface minimizes, and the browser returns to the original tab. A countdown overlay appears directly on the original tab, providing clear feedback that the recording will start in-context.

Ending the Recording:

• Clicking the Loom extension icon while recording ends the session and immediately navigates the user to a new tab showing the uploaded recording. This offers a smooth and direct transition to review and share the video.

Vidyard

Recording Start Behavior:

• No new tab is opened. Once the user clicks "Record," a countdown overlay appears in the current tab. This approach minimizes visual disruptions and clearly indicates that the recording will start within the same tab.

Ending the Recording:

• Clicking the Vidyard extension icon during an active recording stops the recording and automatically opens a new tab with the video playback and sharing options.

Wistia

Recording Start Behavior:

• A new tab opens showing a preview of the screen to be recorded. Recording begins from that tab, which can be confusing for users intending to record a different tab. The lack of a return to the original context makes it feel like the user is recording the wrong screen.

Ending the Recording:

• Clicking the Wistia extension during recording pauses the session and brings the user back to the recording interface in the same tab. Users must manually end or resume the recording from that interface, which adds an extra step but offers more control.

Mazic

Recording Start Behavior:

• Same as vidyard.

Ending the Recording:

• Same as vidyard.

Summary Table

✅ Action Items

1. Fix Extension Click Behavior

   • Current Issue: Clicking the extension during recording opens the recorder tab, which is confusing.

   • Action: Make clicking the Chrome extension icon during an active recording end the recording (consistent with desktop app, Loom, Vidyard, etc.).

2. Update Tooltip Capitalization

   • Change “n” to “N” in the tooltip text.

3. Improve Countdown UX

   • Current Behavior: Countdown happens in the recorder tab, not the tab being recorded.

   • Proposed Change: Display the countdown as an overlay on the actual tab being recorded (Loom-style), for better clarity and preparation time.

4. Add Chrome Extension Settings (from Desktop App)

   • Setting 1: Option to hide recording controls during recording.

   • Setting 2: Option to hide the countdown.

5. Remove Excess Text in Countdown View

   • Current Issue: Warning about using the desktop app and extra UI elements clutter the screen.

   • Action: Simplify or remove these messages in the Chrome extension for a cleaner start experience (Loom is the reference here).

❓ Questions / Decisions Needed

1. Speaker Notes in Chrome Extension

   • Vidyard supports speaker notes (even spins up a new window for them).

   • Decision: Should we implement speaker notes in the Chrome extension as well?

2. Countdown Overlay Style vs. No Tab Switch

   • Vidyard doesn’t switch to a new tab at all when starting recording.

   • Decision: Should we explore eliminating the recorder tab altogether, and start recording in-place like Vidyard?