The Challenge
Design a product that uses unique and robust audio technology for users to create soundtracks for their videos that is functional for consumers and effective enough for professionals/prosumers.
Summary
Took the initial idea that a startup—which was within a larger company—was pursuing and distilled it into a functional prosumer app. It needed to be simple enough for a consumer to use but practical and effective enough for professionals. Designed through multiple iterations with the founders to create a way for content creators to add more exciting soundtracks to their videos. From end to end (sketches to prototypes), worked hand-in-hand with the team to provide developer-friendly deliverables.
Industries
Music, Entertainment, Social Media, Audio/Visual, Consumer Audio, Professional Audio
Roles
Design Lead, Product Design, UX Design, UI Design, Visual Design
Services
Digital Product Design, Mobile Apps, App Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), UI Design, Visual Design, Functional Design, User Research, Product Design, Digital Product Design, User Flows, UX Flows, Wireframing, Sketch, Illustrator
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Understanding Audio Needs at Different Levels
Part of the unique and interesting challenge posed by this project was the need to provide robust but easy to use tools that were precise enough for professionals but easy enough for consumers to implement. Looking at what kinds of customers this product would cater to, heavily Youtube and social media content creators, we found that we needed to make something familiar and intuitive.
Sketches & Notes
Before starting to actually visually design wireframes or screens, we used pencil and paper to organize, dissect, understand, and theorize about the best solutions. This helped streamline communication with the dev team and other stakeholders and made sure we were moving in the right direction
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Wireframes
The initial wireframes on the top row were less polished but show the thought process behind the interactions and user interface we were working towards designing for the app. The progression takes iterations to accomplish a unique, dynamic, and intuitive experience.
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User Flows
Once we locked in the designs and overall features and functionality of the app, and how everything flowed, it was handed off to the devs. This is a snapshot of the organization and documentation provided to the developers, which included annotated screens with detailed descriptions of interactions and the experience flow (annotations removed).
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Editing Mockups
Designed these dynamic audio and soundtrack editing screens to allow for quick and fine-tuned control, with simple user interface and interactions.
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Additional Mockups
These additional screens show different touchpoint within the app flow.
API Design
Designed a simple API that could be integrated into other apps to streamline audio editing and usage of the technology. This is a Snapchat/Instagram style integration.
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Awesome Apps & Interactions
This project was never fully implemented as the company was providing other services to large corporations and shelved the development. We created unique and interesting interactions that would have made precision editing simple. It’s truly unfortunate because the product was incredibly accessible and would have provided powerful tools to content creators that are lacking in the market. Hope to see it developed some day!
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