Initial Research

Apple Music is one of the most popular streaming services for several generations of users. As streaming becomes an international service for millions of people, the company is always searching for new ways for its users to interact - Music is timeless, and some songs never go out of style...

How do users reach old favorites that were not added to a specific playlist? ‍

What if the user forgets the name of the specific song or artist? ‍

Where would the user navigate to find the song in the app now?

Most accounts reach 12+ years of age this year - For my generation (age: 21-29), users' library playlists can house more than 5,000+ songs. Older songs will always be placed lower - making these songs harder to reach.

Loved/Liked features allow users access to specific songs that were enjoyed on a playlist/radio/ or album at the moment. Giving the user more accessible access to songs they genuinely connect to. This is one example of how favorited song sections add value to a music library. - I plan to determine/test how implementing a saved/favorite feature would benefit new/old users that may not use/understand the playlist technology.

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Streaming Service Benchmark Table

Direct competitors analyzed for strengths and weaknesses.

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User Interviews and Usability Testing

Three out of four participants did not locate the loved button feature within the song's options. In finding the button, I had to point them in the direction, and the same three users had never used the button. When interacting with it, they did not know what it accomplished in their library, and no explanation was given.

‍Two out of four participants did not locate the loved button feature within their respective playlist/album screen. In navigating the feature, I directed them to where the options were located and asked if they could use them. However, when interacting with the button, they did not know what it did to their library, and no explanation was given after pressing it...

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Understanding the User(s)

Based on my re-design and project MVP, I focused on two primary users of the apple music listening experience - Tolulope (Tolu) and Martins (Martin). I defined these two personas based on prioritized needs and pain points discovered from my interviews and research - Open Persona's/Empathy Maps

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Information Architecture

To develop a better framework for Apple Music's user experience, I built the site's information structure to dictate my design decisions based on user feedback.

Sitemap: Based on competitive analysis, the benchmark table, and 1-on-1 interviews.

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Interaction Design

Task Flow, User Flow, Screen flow, Responsive Wireframes, and UI product requirements - continuing my process to develop designed deliverables - Task 1: Assigned to Persona One.

Core Digital Flows: Showing a user navigating through the "to-be" app design

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UI Wireframes

Mobile Wireframes developed from revised layout sketches and research. Although each page is specifically designed to mirror apple music's UI design, rounded squares and trademark design styles are used to adapt and design within brand guidelines.

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UI Design

For high fidelity prototyping, I applied apple music's visual identity for my specific user flow. The minimal aesthetic was adapted for the project UI and layout. Clean, Neutral, & Minimal stylization was applied to develop a replicated look for the add-on feature - click on the image to view adopted apple components.

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High Fidelity Design

Mobile UI design developed through sketches, wireframes and benchmark table analysis. Love a song task flow shown below; the main user flow used to design the site.

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Usability Testing

Affinity Map

Below I have the recorded outcomes of the observations I made during testing. Through the affinity map, I learned about my site's usability and the pain points through different users.

Usability Insight

Music Player

The participants had zero issues clicking through the streaming service re-design - The option module worked well with where it was placed. All three participants stated that the notification displayed after liking and disliking a song helped indicate them in the correct direction.

Music Library

Apple music's team has already designed the methodology for adding a new playlist to the user's main library. Participants found this interaction enjoyable, giving them the option of a customizable dashboard.

Loved Song Category

I observed no issues on this page (users were familiar with the layout). Removing the heart icon on this page was not part of my assigned tasks, but one participant navigated through the removal process.

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Final Prototype

Walk-through adding the "Loved Song" category to your library and more on the mobile app here.

User tasks include: "Love a Song" / "Search within your loved song playlists"

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Conclusion

In conclusion, designing a streaming service feature was challenging but listening to user feedback pushed the process along. In finalizing this project, I found successful ways to assist users in housing their favorite songs in one place that is clear and engaging for the user. If I had more time with this project, I would love to delve deeper into the feature. Add-ons like:

• Sorting feature within the loved song category for more straightforward navigation.
• Develop the loved feature for Albums, Playlists, and Radio stations.
• Observe/Test more users to develop revisions for more efficiency.