Spotify: UI Redesign

The Challenge

This project required students to create a new UI experience within a pre-existing application, in order to solve a particular usability issue.

The initial problem I proposed to my group was poor accessibility.

Spotify’s dark mode-only platform is an accessibility issue for those who are colour-blind or have astigmatism. Instead of users being forced to use completely different platforms, Spotify should acknowledge and address this issue for a larger user base.

Project Summary

Dark mode creates a "halation" effect for those with astigmatism.

Although Spotify has a driving mode for users who connect their devices to a car radio, the mode is still limited in accessibility. As well as this, driving mode is only available when operating a vehicle, and it is not an option offered for users who are on the move, looking to scan and navigate the Spotify app more quickly. Spotify’s dark-mode only platform is still considered an accessibility issue, especially for those who are in motion while using the app.

As a part of our initial brainstorming, our group developed a UI flow for a user interacting with the standard version of Spotify, and then our team’s newly proposed version of Spotify.

From here, we began to develop a persona for our intended user.

To help define our user even more, our team took to our environments in order to discover conditions and problems we would need to solve.

General observations and overall impression

Name	Notes
Kessia	In vehicle
Carissa	On a farm, outside of a stable
Robbie	Outside or at a gym

Summary of places and spaces

Name	Summary
Kessia	Vehicle; reduced range of motion (confined to a seat), steering wheel in front of you, leg movements restricted to floor mat size, window/door on left, open vehicle with console and passenger seat on the right and roof not far away from head (can’t stand up).
Carissa	Outside of a stable, on a clear day with farm equipment outside.
Robbie	Outside, wide open area along a bike path lined with grass and trees.

Experience concept definitions

User Definition	Description
Skills	Often on the move, staying in motion and on-the-go Limited accessibility with light text on dark backgrounds, small fonts
Abilities	Different learning styles makes UI like Spotify’s driving mode difficult to operate quickly Limited ability or opportunity for multitasking
Goals	To easily navigate Spotify with as little screen interaction as possible (music and podcasts) Maintain a good mood while on the move Relieve stress after a long day of work or school

The bits of information a user needs to consume or see

Experience	Data Need
Spotify App	Text or image displaying what playlist, song, or podcast is currently playing List of settings for user to adjust their preferences

What users should be able to do

Experience	Functional Need
Spotify App	Ability to add, remove, and adjust songs to playlists Ability to “like” songs Ability to share songs and podcasts with others Ability to adjust app preferences in settings Ability to follow other users Option to share Spotify activity or remain private Ability to change app modes and screens based on the context of the user

Attributes related to brand, persona skills, environments, etc.

Experience	Product/Service Quality
Spotify App	Easier, more effective ways for the user to navigate the app when in motion “Professional” mode preferences still maintain the quality of Spotify’s brand Screen visible for individuals with accessibility issues such as astigmatism or color-blindness, as well as in different environmental contexts