- ClientKEXP
- Linkkexp.org
- Interaction DesignConceptingContent StrategyWireframingMotion
KEXP 90.3 is a nonprofit arts organization serving music lovers through in-person, broadcast and online programming. At BLAMO Corps, I was lucky enough to engage in pro-bono work to redesign their iOS app. They’ve always done things a little differently at KEXP, so how could we design an app that lived up to their brand?
Overview
Problem:
The current iOS application functionality is intermittent, even for simple streaming capabilities. With the new app updating these back-end technologies, how might we match the spirit of the radio station with a delightful front end interface?
Team:
Laura Blanchard - Design Direction
Ron Morris - Design Direction
Megan Greco - Design Support
Tuan Anh Vu - Development
Kori Kolodziejczak - Development
Jake Lunde - UX Design
Practices:
Consulting & design strategy, concepting, journey mapping, wireframing, visual design, motion design
Discovery
Journey Mapping
In an effort to better understand a day in the life of KEXP listeners, we interviewed and recorded several key moments to inform our design work.
In tandem, we interviewed several KEXP DJs, engineers, archivists and support staff to better understand their goals and how the app might best address those.
Information Architecture
Based around user preferences and business goals, I generated several options for the structure of the app and a few rose to the top.
Wireframing
After detailing the mental model for each direction, I moved forward in higher fidelity to better illustrate each one.
Gestural Model
No standard menu interface, swipe between spaces to access different areas of the app.
Tab Model
Standard architecture, highlight donate as a top level navigation item.
Hybrid Model
Combined approach with accessible menu as well as gestures to move around the app.
After drawing out each option, our client landed on a hybrid model, which we felt best fit the brand ethos.
Visual Refinement
With a clear direction, we worked to create an array of visual options to skin the app and landed on a clean, album-artwork-centric approach to that changes along with the current track.
Motion Studies
To aid with engineering and client buyoff, I created a comprehensive Flinto prototype that both parties could download and use to test, refine and build.
Outcomes
This project was considered a huge success by our client and listeners!
“The new KEXP iOS application is a testament to KEXP volunteers and supporters of the station and the passion they bring.
In tight coordination between volunteers and KEXP technical staff, the new application was designed to be intuitive, intelligent, and allow for future growth and features.”
