Creating the future of music with effortless music mixing
Creating the future of music with effortless music mixing
Creating the future of music with effortless music mixing
Overview
Mixtra is a music mixing app developed as part of my independent project during my UX Design Diploma, where I tackled a real-world problem that warranted digital intervention.
I set out to solve a key problem for music lovers: the lack of an easy-to-use platform for creating music mixes and mashups. Along the way, I created a marketing website for the app and presented my project to tech enthusiasts at BrainStation’s Demo Day, where it received high praise for its innovation and design.
Mixtra is a music mixing app developed as part of my independent project during my UX Design Diploma, where I tackled a real-world problem that warranted digital intervention.
I set out to solve a key problem for music lovers: the lack of an easy-to-use platform for creating music mixes and mashups. Along the way, I created a marketing website for the app and presented my project to tech enthusiasts at BrainStation’s Demo Day, where it received high praise for its innovation and design.
Key Learning
User testing revealed how small usability tweaks can significantly impact the overall experience. Iterating based on feedback allowed me to create a product that was intuitive and enjoyable to use.
User testing revealed how small usability tweaks can significantly impact the overall experience. Iterating based on feedback allowed me to create a product that was intuitive and enjoyable to use.
The Design Journey
The Design Journey
The Design Journey
Scope
Research Problem Space
User Interviews
Ideation to solve problem
Sketch, Wireframe, Prototype
Branding & Logo
User Interface
Iconography
Interaction Design
Role
UX Design
Branding
UI Design
Duration
10 weeks
Tools
Figma
Platform
iOS
My Approach
Double Diamond Design Process
I used the double diamond process to take Mixtra from research and ideation all the way to a high-fidelity prototype. I also created a responsive marketing website prototype to compliment the project.
In this case study, I delve into the key challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
I used the double diamond process to take Mixtra from research and ideation all the way to a high-fidelity prototype. I also created a responsive marketing website prototype to compliment the project.
In this case study, I delve into the key challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
1 DISCOVER
Conducted research, gathered assumptions, held interviews, gathered insights and created affinity map
2 DEFINE
Developed user persona, created experience map, authored user stories, and created task flows
3 DEVELOP
Created sketches, wireframes, conducted user testing, and developed the brand identity
4 DELIVER
Produced high-fidelity prototype, created UI Library and a responsive marketing website
1 DISCOVER
Conducted research, gathered assumptions, held interviews, gathered insights and created affinity map
2 DEFINE
Developed user persona, created experience map, authored user stories, and created task flows
3 DEVELOP
Created sketches, wireframes, conducted user testing, and developed the brand identity
4 DELIVER
Produced high-fidelity prototype, created UI Library and a responsive marketing website
1 DISCOVER
Conducted research, gathered assumptions, held interviews, gathered insights and created affinity map
2 DEFINE
Developed user persona, created experience map, authored user stories, and created task flows
3 DEVELOP
Created sketches, wireframes, conducted user testing, and developed the brand identity
4 DELIVER
Produced high-fidelity prototype, created UI Library and a responsive marketing website
The Problem
The Problem
The Problem
Complexity in Music Mixing
Complexity in Music Mixing
In today’s world, music mixing has surged in popularity and people love listening to music mixes. Despite this trend, few know how to create their own as the tools available for making mixes are often too complex and daunting for casual music lovers. Many are left frustrated and unable to experiment creatively or bring their mix ideas to life.
Through interviews, I found that every music enthusiast I spoke to expressed a desire to create their own mixes - if only there were an easier and less time-consuming way to do it.
In today’s world, music mixing has surged in popularity and people love listening to music mixes. Despite this trend, few know how to create their own as the tools available for making mixes are often too complex and daunting for casual music lovers. Many are left frustrated and unable to experiment creatively or bring their mix ideas to life.
Through interviews, I found that every music enthusiast I spoke to expressed a desire to create their own mixes - if only there were an easier and less time-consuming way to do it.
With over 38% of music on TikTok being modified, music mixes and mashups have become mainstream
With over 38% of music on TikTok being modified, music mixes and mashups have become mainstream
Surge in popularity driven by technological advancements, social media influence, and the expansion of music genres
Surge in popularity driven by technological advancements, social media influence, and the expansion of music genres
Live streaming, virtual events during Covid-19, and the ongoing pursuit of creative expression increased interest in music mixing
Live streaming, virtual events during Covid-19, and the ongoing pursuit of creative expression increased interest in music mixing
The Rise of Music Mixing
The Rise of Music Mixing
With over 38% of music on TikTok being modifiedm music mixes and mashups have become mainstream
Surge in popularity driven by technological advancements, social media influence, and the expansion of music genres
Live streaming, virtual events during Covid-19, and the ongoing pursuit of creative expression increased interest in music mixing
What Music Enthusiasts Told Me
What Music Enthusiasts Told Me
“I would LOVE to create my own mixes if I had any clue how to start. DJ software is just too complicated for me”
“I get so many ideas for mixes when I listen to mixes. so I’d love to make them for my own enjoyment if I could”
“In an ideal world there would a really simple way for me to make a mix quickly on a platform that’s very beginner friendly”
“I make content for TikTok so I’d love to have a way to make mixes easily as audio for that content”
“Mashups are amazing because I can listen to songs from two very different genres or cultures get blended to something I love”
“I use so many platforms to listen to mixes and my normal songs, I would prefer if one place had them all”
Unveiling User insights
Unveiling User insights
Using affinity mapping, I synthesised the interview findings and identified key themes within the interview findings. I developed insights for each theme to help me discover opportunities for design innovation.
Using affinity mapping, I synthesised the interview findings and identified key themes within the interview findings. I developed insights for each theme to help me discover opportunities for design innovation.
Key Themes That Emerged From Interviews
Key Themes That Emerged From Interviews
A strong desire to learn and create in music mixes
A strong desire to learn and create in music mixes
Current platforms are intimidating, deterring potential hobbyists
Current platforms are intimidating, deterring potential hobbyists
There's a high appreciation for creative and diverse music mixes
There's a high appreciation for creative and diverse music mixes
Enthusiasts seek a central hub for mixes and regular songs
Enthusiasts seek a central hub for mixes and regular songs
Key Discovery
Key Discovery
The desire to create mixes was there, but the complexity of available tools was a significant roadblock.
The desire to create mixes was there, but the complexity of available tools was a significant roadblock.
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Complexity vs. Simplicity: Existing tools were powerful but too technical for the average user, creating a key challenge - how to simplify the process while maintaining flexibility.
Complexity vs. Simplicity: Existing tools were powerful but too technical for the average user, creating a key challenge - how to simplify the process while maintaining flexibility.
Understanding User Needs: My assumption was that users would want advanced features, but early interviews showed they preferred simplicity and an intuitive flow, while having the option to get creative with advanced features.
Understanding User Needs: My assumption was that users would want advanced features, but early interviews showed they preferred simplicity and an intuitive flow, while having the option to get creative with advanced features.
Solving User Problems: I also discovered that users wanted a platform where they can listen to normal songs and mixed music together, and preferably mix the music they have saved in their current streaming platform.
Solving User Problems: I also discovered that users wanted a platform where they can listen to normal songs and mixed music together, and preferably mix the music they have saved in their current streaming platform.
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
After understanding the core problem, I moved on to defining the solution by identifying key opportunities for design intervention.
After understanding the core problem, I moved on to defining the solution by identifying key opportunities for design intervention.
Designing For My Core User
Designing For My Core User
Primary User: A music enthusiast who loves listening to mixes but lacks the technical skills to create them.
Core Opportunities: Simplicity in creating and listening to mixes, easy-to-use UI, and removing unnecessary technical barriers.
Primary User: A music enthusiast who loves listening to mixes but lacks the technical skills to create them.
Core Opportunities: Simplicity in creating and listening to mixes, easy-to-use UI, and removing unnecessary technical barriers.
I mapped the current user journey of wanting to create your own music mix but finding the current tools and software too intimidating and difficult to use. This helped me identify specific areas for design intervention.
I mapped the current user journey of wanting to create your own music mix but finding the current tools and software too intimidating and difficult to use. This helped me identify specific areas for design intervention.
The Design Question
How might we empower music enthusiasts to easily create their own song mixes and edits, without the need to learn and master complex DJ software?
How might we empower music enthusiasts to easily create their own song mixes and edits, without the need to learn and master complex DJ software?
How might we empower music enthusiasts to easily create their own song mixes and edits, without the need to learn and master complex DJ software?
User-centred tasks
User-centred tasks
I defined the functionality of a potential digital solution by authoring a set of user stories, sorting them into epics and building two task flow diagrams. This process allowed me to prioritise tasks and align with user-centric goals during the product development process and also allowed me to explore the breadth of features and functionalities my app could offer.
For the first task, I focused on enabling users to create, save, and publish mixes, and for the second task, to search and listen to mixes seamlessly.
I defined the functionality of a potential digital solution by authoring a set of user stories, sorting them into epics and building two task flow diagrams. This process allowed me to prioritise tasks and align with user-centric goals during the product development process and also allowed me to explore the breadth of features and functionalities my app could offer.
For the first task, I focused on enabling users to create, save, and publish mixes, and for the second task, to search and listen to mixes seamlessly.
Sketching the Vision
Sketching the Vision
I used ideation techniques like Crazy 8s, sketching a wide range of potential flows that directly interpret my user stories, aiming for innovative design solutions based on inspiration from existing apps. My key inspiration for UI came from Spotify, TikTok and CapCut. After receiving feedback, I narrowed it down to one intuitive, straightforward solution.
I used ideation techniques like Crazy 8s, sketching a wide range of potential flows that directly interpret my user stories, aiming for innovative design solutions based on inspiration from existing apps. My key inspiration for UI came from Spotify, TikTok and CapCut. After receiving feedback, I narrowed it down to one intuitive, straightforward solution.
Key Flow: Users can easily upload and mix songs using a range of intuitive tools, listen to their creations, and share them with others - all without requiring technical skills.
Key Flow: Users can easily upload and mix songs using a range of intuitive tools, listen to their creations, and share them with others - all without requiring technical skills.
User Testing & Iteration
User Testing & Iteration
After developing the initial greyscale wireframes, I conducted two rounds of user testing to validate the design and functionality. This phase was crucial in identifying minor but impactful usability issues:
Challenge: During testing, users highlighted issues that I hadn’t considered, such as confusion around certain navigation elements and unnecessary steps in the flow.
Key Learnings: These insights allowed me to streamline the flow and adjust navigation for better clarity and ease. Usability improved significantly, making the app feel more intuitive for users.
After developing the initial greyscale wireframes, I conducted two rounds of user testing to validate the design and functionality. This phase was crucial in identifying minor but impactful usability issues:
Challenge: During testing, users highlighted issues that I hadn’t considered, such as confusion around certain navigation elements and unnecessary steps in the flow.
Key Learnings: These insights allowed me to streamline the flow and adjust navigation for better clarity and ease. Usability improved significantly, making the app feel more intuitive for users.
Brand Development
Brand Development
Once usability was refined, I turned my attention to the visual design. I wanted Mixtra to feel sleek, modern, and fun, aligning with the needs of creative users.
Moodboard & Branding: I developed a cohesive brand identity with a focus on minimalism, selecting a colour palette that was visually engaging but didn’t overwhelm the user. I also brainstormed a variety of different names and iterated the logo and icon until I landed on an impactful branding identity that captured the essence of the app and felt memorable.
Once usability was refined, I turned my attention to the visual design. I wanted Mixtra to feel sleek, modern, and fun, aligning with the needs of creative users.
Moodboard & Branding: I developed a cohesive brand identity with a focus on minimalism, selecting a colour palette that was visually engaging but didn’t overwhelm the user. I also brainstormed a variety of different names and iterated the logo and icon until I landed on an impactful branding identity that captured the essence of the app and felt memorable.
High-Fidelity Prototype
High-Fidelity Prototype
I iterated the home page until I found the perfect combination of colours as it was a page that was heavy in visual branding. Once I found the perfect look and feel, I could apply it consistently throughout all the screens.
I iterated the home page until I found the perfect combination of colours as it was a page that was heavy in visual branding. Once I found the perfect look and feel, I could apply it consistently throughout all the screens.
Motion Design & Interactions: I also added subtle animations to elevate the overall experience without distracting from core functionality.
Motion Design & Interactions: I also added subtle animations to elevate the overall experience without distracting from core functionality.
Designing Tools For Easy Music Mixing
Designing Tools For Easy Music Mixing
One of the key challenges I faced was redesigning the music mixing experience to be more intuitive and accessible, particularly for users who were unfamiliar with complex DJ tools. Through extensive research and interviews with a professional DJ, I gained a deeper understanding of the tools and effects used to create a music mix.
Solution: I took inspiration from video-editing apps like TikTok and CapCut, which have made video editing accessible to everyday users. I designed a familiar interface that mirrored this simplicity, ensuring that users could navigate the music mixing process without needing prior experience.
To meet different user needs I designed:
Intuitive Tools: I categorised the mixing tools in a clear, intuitive way, avoiding overwhelming users with too many options.
Auto Mix & Templates: Based on user feedback, I introduced an auto-mix feature and pre-designed templates for a quicker, hassle-free mixing experience, allowing users to produce quality mixes effortlessly.
One of the key challenges I faced was redesigning the music mixing experience to be more intuitive and accessible, particularly for users who were unfamiliar with complex DJ tools. Through extensive research and interviews with a professional DJ, I gained a deeper understanding of the tools and effects used to create a music mix.
Solution: I took inspiration from video-editing apps like TikTok and CapCut, which have made video editing accessible to everyday users. I designed a familiar interface that mirrored this simplicity, ensuring that users could navigate the music mixing process without needing prior experience.
To meet different user needs I designed:
Intuitive Tools: I categorised the mixing tools in a clear, intuitive way, avoiding overwhelming users with too many options.
Auto Mix & Templates: Based on user feedback, I introduced an auto-mix feature and pre-designed templates for a quicker, hassle-free mixing experience, allowing users to produce quality mixes effortlessly.
UI Library
UI Library
Finally, I created a UI Library to ensure consistency across the app. This included typography, color schemes, and icons, making it easy to expand Mixtra into future iterations. If Mixtra were to be brought to the market, the design system would provide a clear reference for developers, reducing miscommunication and errors during implementation. Maintaining the design system was challenging and time-consuming but it saved time later on in the design process.
Finally, I created a UI Library to ensure consistency across the app. This included typography, color schemes, and icons, making it easy to expand Mixtra into future iterations. If Mixtra were to be brought to the market, the design system would provide a clear reference for developers, reducing miscommunication and errors during implementation. Maintaining the design system was challenging and time-consuming but it saved time later on in the design process.
Mixtra
Mixtra
Mixtra
A Music Mixing App For Enthusiasts
A Music Mixing App For Enthusiasts
Mixtra is a revolutionary app that transforms music mixing from a daunting task into an effortless experience. It allows music enthusiasts to import tracks from their favourite streaming services and create music mixes easily using an array of intuitive tools. It aims to empower every music lover to become a creator, regardless of their technical expertise, and realise their creative potential. Users can also share their creations and explore others’ mixes within the app.
Mixtra is a revolutionary app that transforms music mixing from a daunting task into an effortless experience. It allows music enthusiasts to import tracks from their favourite streaming services and create music mixes easily using an array of intuitive tools. It aims to empower every music lover to become a creator, regardless of their technical expertise, and realise their creative potential. Users can also share their creations and explore others’ mixes within the app.
The Key Features
The Key Features
Enjoy exploring Mixtra by viewing the prototype made entirely using Figma!
Enjoy exploring Mixtra by viewing the prototype made entirely using Figma!
Marketing Website
Marketing Website
Marketing Website
To support Mixtra’s launch, I designed a marketing website prototype to attract users and drive downloads. This allowed me to consider the project from a marketing perspective, ensuring the value proposition was clear and compelling.
After receiving feedback during critique sessions, I refined the website design to better communicate Mixtra’s benefits and unique selling points.
To support Mixtra’s launch, I designed a marketing website prototype to attract users and drive downloads. This allowed me to consider the project from a marketing perspective, ensuring the value proposition was clear and compelling.
After receiving feedback during critique sessions, I refined the website design to better communicate Mixtra’s benefits and unique selling points.
Results & Outcomes
Results & Outcomes
Results & Outcomes
At BrainStation’s Demo Day, Mixtra received glowing feedback. People were impressed by the app's intuitive design, seamless user flow, and overall innovation. Users expressed how much they would love to have Mixtra as a real-world product, validating the concept.
At BrainStation’s Demo Day, Mixtra received glowing feedback. People were impressed by the app's intuitive design, seamless user flow, and overall innovation. Users expressed how much they would love to have Mixtra as a real-world product, validating the concept.
Key Results
Key Results
Innovation: Simplified music mixing for non-DJs, turning hours of frustration into minutes of fun.
User Impact: An easy-to-use app that encourages creativity and experimentation in music.
Praise: The app was praised for its clean design, intuitive flow, and unique solution to a common problem in the music space.
Innovation: Simplified music mixing for non-DJs, turning hours of frustration into minutes of fun.
User Impact: An easy-to-use app that encourages creativity and experimentation in music.
Praise: The app was praised for its clean design, intuitive flow, and unique solution to a common problem in the music space.
Key Learnings
Key Learnings
Always think of the user - By keeping the user at the heart of every decision, I was able to solve real-world problems and create a product that users genuinely wanted.
Always think of the user - By keeping the user at the heart of every decision, I was able to solve real-world problems and create a product that users genuinely wanted.
Music mixing - I was no expert when it came to music mixing, but through research and dedication I learned a lot and was able to apply it effectively to great a successful product.
Music mixing - I was no expert when it came to music mixing, but through research and dedication I learned a lot and was able to apply it effectively to great a successful product.
Test and iterate - Mixtra taught me the importance of user-centred design and iterative testing as the user testing a iteration process was key to making my final prototype a great product.
Test and iterate - Mixtra taught me the importance of user-centred design and iterative testing as the user testing a iteration process was key to making my final prototype a great product.
The power of simplicity - This project reinforced my belief in the power of simplicity - sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest.
The power of simplicity - This project reinforced my belief in the power of simplicity - sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest.
Concept to prototype - taking a product from concept to prototype was quite a challenging journey overall, especially with a timeline of 10 weeks, but I am very proud of the product I have created for a genuine gap in the market.
Concept to prototype - taking a product from concept to prototype was quite a challenging journey overall, especially with a timeline of 10 weeks, but I am very proud of the product I have created for a genuine gap in the market.
Why This Project Stands Out
Why This Project Stands Out
What sets Mixtra apart is its focus on accessibility. I didn’t just create a music mixing app - I designed a tool that opens up creative possibilities for users who may have otherwise felt intimidated by technical barriers. Mixtra is about empowerment, creativity, and enabling users to do more with less.
What sets Mixtra apart is its focus on accessibility. I didn’t just create a music mixing app - I designed a tool that opens up creative possibilities for users who may have otherwise felt intimidated by technical barriers. Mixtra is about empowerment, creativity, and enabling users to do more with less.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mixtra
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mixtra
Mixtra is at its MVP stage, so next steps would involve more user testing with the high-fidelity design and the development of more screens to show what the app is truly capable of.
Do you think Mixtra could revolutionise music mixing after everything you’ve seen?
Mixtra is at its MVP stage, so next steps would involve more user testing with the high-fidelity design and the development of more screens to show what the app is truly capable of.
Do you think Mixtra could revolutionise music mixing after everything you’ve seen?
I’d love to hear from you!
I’d love to hear from you!
Interested in connecting?
Interested in connecting?
Shainthavi Suresh
Or email me at shainthavi@hotmail.com
© 2024 Shainthavi. All rights reserved
© 2024 Shainthavi. All rights reserved