Nextjam Music App
Designing a consumer-facing app to connect individuals through shared music experiences and live sessions.
Role
Solo UX/UI Designer
Year
June 2022 - Nov 2023,
Deliverable
Mobile App
Overview
Founded in early 2022, the app has undergone continuous refinement in both its design and technical aspects. As it nears its pre-launch phase, it is a testament to ongoing development and improvement.
Challenge
When I joined the team, I inherited existing designs created by the previous designer. My role was to thoroughly analyze these designs and enhance both the user interface and user experience to attract potential users and improve overall engagement.
The previous design
The Goal
The ultimate goal is to make the user experience on nextjam.app both engaging and intuitive. Working closely with the team, we defined the new features scope and long-term objectives, then broke them down into smaller, actionable tasks. In this case study, I demonstrate how we tackled key challenges in refining and creating the mobile design.
Creating a seamless user experience on “Join the live music session”
The Problem
We had an initial design version on the live music session which we got the feedbacks that, the users were unable to quickly access what they were looking for, such as the playlist and participants’ information on the live session, leading to frustration and inefficient use of the platform. How might we reduce the time it takes for users to find and understand the live session function?
Interview potential users to discover pain points in the existing design.
We were able to test to our potential users such as music school students, and musicians. The common feedback from users was “CONFUSED.” Users struggled with how to join the live session and recognize the playlists.
“
It took me a while to find out where and how to join the live session. (Which I thought I already did...)
Music school student A
“
I see two control button is controlling the playing song but which one is the main one? Also can add my songs and how?
Music school student B
Defining the main issue and plan the solution
The main problem is users are unable to quickly access what they're looking for, such as the playlist and participants’ information on the live session, leading to frustration and inefficient use of the platform.
Clarify the navigation
Simplify the user flow
Improve visual engaging
Solution
👉 Intuitive actionable join and play buttons allow users to quickly join in the live session and play music;
👉 Prioritize the playlist when users join the live session;
👉 Flexible slide-in window whenever users need to chat while listening.
The Wireframe
The final pitch
The high fidelity design
The design result
We sent over the new design to the same group of users to test it. The result was all users were able to intuitively find out how to join the live session and the playlists, easily discover other users; also understand the slide window feature for the chatting page.
“
This time it’s very clear that I knew I joined the live season.
Music school student A
“
The button for playing songs is clear and easy to see. I feel much comfortable use it!
Music school student B
Enabling users to create live sessions drives business growth.
The problem
The current design does not provide an intuitive or engaging user experience for creating live sessions, leading to confusion and reducing user engagement. How might we simplify the user flow so users can easily creating a live session?
Users feedbacks
The test result for this session is users are feeling creating a lice session is “complicated and difficult”.
“
The creating live session is complicated and honestly, I dropped to use.
Musician
“
This seems too much works and I just want to invite my friend over to this platform and listen the music together!
Music fan
The previous design
Define and align the primary goal
Simply the flow on creating the live session
Inclusive design for all type of users needs
Solution
The wireframe
The final pitch
The high fidelity design
The design result
We tested the new design, the task success rate increased and users are feel the flow is easy and intuitive to use.
