HCI
MUSIC SHARING APP
BeatsConnect
The design of a music sharing app – BeatsConnect is meant to unite music enthusiasts, forge friendships based on shared musical interests, and help solo concert-goers connect with others attending the same event. Inspired by the social isolation caused by the pandemic, this app aims to combat loneliness and promote social interactions through music.
OBJECTIVE
To create an inclusive and user-friendly music-sharing app that helps users discover like-minded individuals, attend concerts with newfound friends, and rekindle the joy of music in a socially distanced world.
User Interviews and Research
Preliminary Research with User Interviews:
- To kickstart the project, I conducted user interviews with a few music enthusiasts to understand their needs, pain points, and aspirations in the context of music sharing and concert attendance and further information on how they would like an app which allows them to reach out and make friends with similar music interests.
- These interviews provided valuable insights into the challenges people faced during the pandemic, such as isolation and the desire for social connections through music.
Personas
PERSONA DEVELOPMENT
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User Testing
RAVEN STUDIO
- With a basic concept in mind, we conducted initial usability testing with wireframes and paper prototypes. Users were asked to complete tasks related to finding like-minded music enthusiasts and planning concert meet-ups.
- Feedback from these early tests helped us refine the concept and identify fundamental usability issues.
- Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation (RITE) was employed using medium fidelity prototypes to quickly make improvements based on user feedback, ensuring the app became more user-friendly with each iteration.
High Fidelity Prototype
High Fidelity Prototyping
- Building on the medium fidelity prototype, we created a high fidelity prototype with polished visual designs, refined interactions, and near-realistic functionality.
- High fidelity testing focused on fine-tuning the visual aesthetics and ensuring that the app met users’ expectations in terms of design and functionality.
Summary
In summary the design of BeatsConnect followed a user-centered approach, starting with research and user interviews, creating personas, and conducting extensive usability testing at various stages. Iterative prototyping and evaluation methods like Nielsen’s heuristic evaluation, RITE testing, and SUS assessment were used to refine the app’s design and usability. This process not only ensured that the app met the needs of its users but also allowed for continuous improvement post-launch.