Project Overview

Challenges

While using Spotify, I noticed that there was no feature that allows you to mix multiple playlists. Users have to switch between playlists manually. They cannot simply shuffle multiple playlists to suit their listening preferences at a given time.

Key Principles

User-Centered Design, User Control, Design Identity, Consistency, Interactivity.

Objective

1. Create a feature that allows users to mix/ shuffle playlists
2. Promote individualized music and give users more control

Skills

Wire-framing, Prototyping, Design systems, Typography, Survey Design, Usability Testing and Mobile App Design.

Background Research

Survey method aligns with research goals

My research revolved around answering 2 main questions:
1. How do users engage with Spotify's current playlist features?
2. How do users diversify and adapt playlists to their preferences?
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I used surveys as the method of research because I wanted to reach the most amount of users. The target user audience age range (17-26) overlapped with Instagram's users, making Instagram the ideal platform to deliver my survey. Because Instagram posts and stories hold people's attention for a brief amount of time, I chose a quick survey method on Instagram to engage with target users.

Survery Results

Users will benefit from playlist customization options

My research confirmed the user need for a feature that combines playlists. The data shows that users frequently change their playlists, which can become distracting. 90% of the participants shuffle their playlists, so designing a sophisticated shuffle feature would benefit this large group of users.

Product Vision

Interactivity

Helps users visualize how they want to build their unique Playlist Mixer.

User Control

Users can control the exact content of their playlist mixer.

Personalization

Each Spotify listening experience is unique. This feature allows for "in the moment" personalization.

Screens

Visual affordances equip users to compose their playlist

When the user is ready to select the playlists they want to add to their Playlist Mixer, they would press "select" on the top right hand corner. Then, they are prompted with slider bars. The slider bars are visual and interactive to allow users to visualize and manipulate their desired playlist balance. This feature allows users to control and mold their music to their "in the moment" preferences.

Usability Testing

Findability and interaction issue

After conducting usability testing with 8 Spotify users, I found two usability issues that I fixed. One issue was that the 'select' button was hard for users to locate. Therefore, I made the button larger and changed the color to increase contrast.

The second problem was that when users selected a playlist, they tried to click on the title, album, or blank space. Therefore, I made it was all clickable to create a user-friendly experience.