SUI LIN TAM
BEMIX
A social media app that empowers music enthusiasts to share, create, and mix their personalized music. Users can capture audio from their daily lives, revolutionizing the music-sharing experience. This app aims to redefine how we perceive music, capturing genuine stories and emotions in every sound.
Problem
Exploring the challenges faced by musicians and music fans when trying to share, discover, learn, and teach new music online.
Goal
Create a community that brings users’ love of music to the forefront by encouraging inclusive collaboration and creativity.
My Role
I took on the dual role of UX Researcher and UI designer.
Collaboration
Special thanks to Wright Rickman for being a wonderful friend and teammate to work with on such a fun project!
Research
Survey
User Interviews
Affinity Mapping
User Testing
initial assumptions
Our primary assumptions prior to researching:
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1. Discovering new bands and music proves challenging for music fans, prompting the need for an improved platform dedicated to exploration.
2. Musicians encounter difficulties in reaching potential fans and seek an enhanced platform for purposes such as selling, teaching, and collaborating.
user interviews
We distributed surveys to gain a deeper understanding of our potential audience. Subsequently, we conducted five user interviews and created an affinity map to organize our findings and extract key insights. Contrary to our initial assumptions, we concluded that the challenge wasn't primarily about people finding new music or fans; instead, it revolved around individuals struggling to feel connected to a larger music community.
quote
“I don’t like the exclusivity. A lot of music fans are very gate-keepy.”
- Music Industry Professional
80%
Of interviewees expressed a sense of detachment from the music community and a lack of interest in being part of it due to its exclusivity.
60%
of interviewees highlighted the toxic atmosphere and exclusivity within the music community.
affinity map
pain points
Inspiration
Before delving into the design process, our app found inspiration in BeReal, a social media platform that allows you to share in-real-life moments with friends daily, and DropMix, a card game that let's you collect and combine your favorite tracks.
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As you navigate through our app, you'll notice features, such as the audio editing layout, community categories, and trending audio, influenced by platforms like Instagram, Spotify, Logic Pro X, and Voice Memos.
1. Interviewees encountered difficulty determining the optimal timing for their posts and overcoming content saturation.
2. Interviewees experienced challenges assimilating into the music community and establishing a sense of belonging.
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bereal
My focus on research was on BeReal. We found substantial inspiration in BeReal's concept of capturing genuine moments without filters. Additionally, we were influenced by the app's daily notification reminder, aiming to bring everyone together simultaneously. The dual camera feature option and the overall simplicity and straightforwardness in design also played a role in shaping our own app.
DESIGN
Sketches
Wireframes
Prototyping
User Flows
ITERATIONS
1. For you page Screen - community feed
2. Album Folder Screen - saved sound bites
3. Remixing Audio Screen - creating mixes
Sketches
Wireframes
Low - Mid Fidelity
user testing
Following the development of a mid-fidelity prototype, we conducted user tests and implemented final adjustments to our high-fidelity prototype.
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1. Notifications
To address the challenge of determining the optimal posting time (pain point 1), inspired by BeReal's strategy of daily notifications, we developed our own reminder system for everyone to post. Initially, we set a 2-minute timer for posting, but based on feedback from testers who preferred a longer time limit for recording, we made adjustments.Additionally, we introduced daily prompts to foster creativity and enhance connectivity among users.
2. Daily Remix
Testers found the Daily Remix feature confusing, expressing uncertainty about its purpose and functionality.
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To tackle this issue, we implemented improved labeling and intermediary pages to provide clearer explanations of the feature and set user expectations.
3. Audio Editing
Users expressed a preference for the audio editing screens to resemble familiar software like GarageBand, Logic, or Pro Tools. We also drew inspiration from popular apps such as Instagram's photo editing tools and Apple Voice Memos. Additionally, we incorporated features that allow users to search and filter tracks based on the user or track type, such as vocals or drums.
FEATURES
1. Recording Audio
BeMix provides users with the capability to seamlessly capture genuine moments—be it cooking to Beethoven, dancing with friends to BlackPink, or hiking in the mountains. This is made possible through a simple click of a button triggered by a notification prompting users to post. The platform allows the utilizes both internal and external microphones on mobile devices for an enhanced audio recording experience. Beyond audio recording, BeMix offers a camera option for capturing pictures or videos, serving as a means to create compelling album art for your audio content. This is one of the portions I focused on in the prototype.
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2. The Daily Remix
Taking inspiration from Serato DJ and Drop Mix, the Daily Remix adds a surprise at the end of the day by blending together all the favored audio samples from friends and the community into a vibrant mix. Infused with a touch of gamification, this feature keeps users engaged with the app, offering a unique and enjoyable daily experience.
Camera Option: I incorporated a seamless toggle button, allowing users to effortlessly switch between audio-only and camera modes for recording or posts. Influenced by the creative vibes of Snapchat and Instagram, users can add their personal touch by adjusting color schemes, inserting lyrics, and trimming audio sections. Just before sharing, users can tag friends and categorize the audio track type (vocals, drums, strings, etc.), fostering the discovery of similar sounds within their personalized algorithm.
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Audio Edit: Users have the flexibility to add as many tracks as they wish when incorporating a new sample. While the option exists to post samples as they are, more seasoned music creators can utilize editing options that mirror the format of a digital audio workstation, providing an advanced level of customization.
3. Profile, FYP, Feed
My primary design focus was on creating these screens. We introduced a profile page showcasing users' personal posts, remixes, and well-organized albums. A community For You Page was added to highlight global audio trends, inspired by Instagram and TikTok.
Similarly, from Spotify's community albums and addressing users feeling unwelcome in the music community (pain point 2), we aimed to provide a variety of album options catering to diverse music preferences. To tackle the challenge of audio saturation (pain point 1), we implemented two algorithms. One highlighting popular global trends, while the other tailors recommendations based on users' personal music preferences, ensuring the discovery of new and diverse music, avoiding repetitive trending audio.
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Finally, we introduced a feed page dedicated to close friends, family, and followers. This is where users can add highlights, show appreciation through likes, share content, leave comments. There is even an option to remix other users' posts and audio, which encourages community and collaboration.
bemix prototype
NEXT STEPS
1. Further User Testing and Iterations
2. Expanding the features: Adding more in-depth audio editing options and social features, like commenting and messaging.
Thoughts
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Designing BeMix was a delightful experience, and I found the entire process thoroughly enjoyable. Developing an app that resonates with my percussion background and my passion for electronic music creation and DJ-ing was exceptionally fulfilling. Music permeates every aspect of our lives, and it was a shared priority for Wright and me to craft a new social media platform, that fosters authentic connections among everyone. The design process was a learning experience, and navigating through various design options posed occasional challenges. However, stepping back and ensuring that each screen fulfilled our initial expectations proved to be a valuable strategy in overcoming overthinking. Overall I think this app was successful and a huge thanks to Wright for being such a wonderful teammate. Our exchange of ideas and seamless collaboration was a big highlight in this project.