Mobile App Design Project
This project consisted of researching, designing wireframes, completing usability testing, and high fidelity visual design.
Soundshare is my idea for an app that would merge social media and music streaming into one. The goal was to eliminate usability problems when streaming music and scrolling social media at the same time. I utilized the Adobe Suite to complete this project (Photoshop, Illustrator, & XD).
Soundshare: The Idea
User Journey Map
In order to design the app, I needed to understand how different users interact with music streaming and social media apps. This was achieved through research, user personas, and a user journey map for one of my personas, Jerry.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Designing and prototyping low-fidelity wireframes improved functionality before the visual design stage. I tested with 19 and 20 year olds, as well as 45 and 50 year olds. Understanding their input allowed for interface improvements and implementing additional user feedback. One problem they encountered was clicking between the post’s audio and the music audio, so I implemented a button to switch between each audio.
Wireframing & Usability Testing
A style guide was important to keep consistency throughout the entire app’s design. It also helped to build and retain hierarchy when displaying different information.
Style Guide
The final design featured over 70 screens designed and prototyped in Adobe XD. Dark mode design was chosen because it is easy on the eyes, and also consistent with the modern look.
High-Fidelity Designs
The final design was tested again with different members of my target audience for final improvements from their input. One of their findings was to increase the stroke of some lines to ensure they were visible. Another was to adjust the path users take through different screens in order to increase clarity. Overall, this project successfully combined social media and music streaming into one cohesive design. Not only can users find the songs and artists playing in posts, but they can easily add those songs to their library. This app takes many users’ two most commonly used apps and mashed them into one very easy to use application, making a space where these two kinds of apps are able to function flawlessly together.
