Beyond Algorithms: A Human-Centric Approach to Spotify’s Discovery
A Solution to "Music Suggestions?"
Click here for Medium Article
Problem
Spotify currently is a very popular music platform, however it struggles with providing users an optimal way of discovering new music. I decided to provide a concept and a UX Case Study for a feature which utilizes human social aspects and location in music discovery rather solely relying on existing algorithmic recommendation systems.
SoundMap: Your Global Music Compass
I named this feature Spotify SoundMap, which emphasizes the key element: The map. Following is the UX Case Study for the concept. SoundMap merges music and location.
Brainstorming the Idea
Firstly, I identified the key user categories: the Explorers (those looking for new music), the Suggesters
(people who are keen to share every new music they discover), and the Artists. Then after some initial sketches,
I mapped out how a smooth
flow could like from the Spotify’s home screen and the UI.
Then I laid out a hierachy over the existing Spotify Infrastructure and divided information and
other sets of key subgroups.
Key Features
Exclusively New Tunes
Using the map, users can pinpoint Music Circles* to tap and explore. To enhance their exploration,
users can opt to exclude songs they've already encountered (liked or played before).
One Tap Music Sharing
With just a single click, users can broadcast their current song to the SoundMap community.
A Personal Touch
While machines and AI offer decent song recommendations, they lack the
personal feel. My solution lets users sprinkle their favorite tunes on the map for others to discover,
while also allowing upvotes or downvotes for community curation.
Cultural Melodies
For those looking to feel the pulse of a place, the location-specific discovery pages offer a glimpse into the
local indie scene.
This utilizes existing recommendation engines to spotlight artists and users in the area, based on their
SoundMap activity.
Key Features
Exclusively New Tunes
Using the map, users can pinpoint Music Circles* to tap and explore. To enhance their exploration, users can opt to exclude songs they've already encountered (liked or played before).
One Tap Music Sharing
With just a single click, users can broadcast their current song to the SoundMap community.
A Personal Touch
While machines and AI offer decent song recommendations, they lack the
personal feel. My solution lets users sprinkle their favorite tunes on the map for others to discover,
while also allowing upvotes or downvotes for community curation.
Cultural Melodies
For those looking to feel the pulse of a place, the location-specific discovery pages offer a glimpse into the
local indie scene.
This utilizes existing recommendation engines to spotlight artists and users in the area, based on their
SoundMap activity.