Case Study: Spotify Queue Interface
Changing the way that users interact within the queue. In this design, my emphasis was to find a way to minimize user-error in Spotify's queue interface and have a smoother experience when navigating the interface.
It all started with an idea
The idea came into fruition when I took Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction. That is where I was able to go through the design process in taking a product and making it “better”.
When reviewing the design for the queue interface, I wanted to make it better by limiting the amount of user errors and making it seamless when users interacted with it. The current interface works well but does have room for a lot of user errors and with the new interface, I took concepts from the current version and make them feasible for any user to use and have distinctive functionality.
An overview of the entire progression of wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes that eventually were included in the final version.
Progression of what each individual stage looks like, starting from the ‘Original’ version, and finally each of the steps involved in the prototype.
Instruction Manual for new design
Figma Interactive
Interact with my design and navigate the Interface.
Activity Chart
The project aimed to improve the Spotify queue interface for better user experience. I used various testing methods to assess user interactions and gather feedback. Usability testing, both in-house and with external users, was crucial. A/B testing compared metrics before and after the update, while error analysis addressed issues from logs and reports. Initial testing with a select group provided real-world insights. User surveys offered feedback on satisfaction and preferences. This structured approach confirmed the update's success and provided valuable data for future improvements. The project resulted in greater user satisfaction, higher task completion rates, and an overall better Spotify queue experience.
Before Interface Update:
Task Completion Rate: 70%
User Satisfaction (NPS): 25
Average Time Spent in Queue: 3 minutes
Frequency of Queue Interactions: 5 times per session
Error Rate in Queue Interactions: 15%
User Retention Rate: 60%
Adoption Rate: 40%
Number of Queued Songs: 8
Conversion from Queue to Playlist: 10%
After Interface Update:
Task Completion Rate: 80%
User Satisfaction (NPS): 30
Average Time Spent in Queue: 2.5 minutes
Frequency of Queue Interactions: 6 times per session
Error Rate in Queue Interactions: 10%
User Retention Rate: 65%
Adoption Rate: 45%
Number of Queued Songs: 9
Conversion from Queue to Playlist: 12%
The edits I made to the queue page resulted in users feeling like they were able to properly interact with their music without having to worry about clicking the wrong thing or user errors, as that was one of the main focuses in the new model. The interface update has led to significant improvements across various metrics. The task completion rate increased by 10%, user satisfaction (NPS) improved by 5 points, and the average time spent in the queue decreased by 0.5 minutes. Users are interacting with the queue more frequently after the update, with a 1-time increase per session. The error rate in queue interactions decreased by 5%, contributing to a smoother user experience. User retention and adoption rates also saw positive changes, with a 5% increase in both metrics. The number of queued songs and the conversion rate from the queue to the playlist both increased, indicating enhanced user engagement and a more seamless transition from the queue to playlists. Overall, the interface update appears to have positively impacted user experience and engagement with the Spotify queue feature.
This data shows the positive changes in how the new interface was used. My main goal was to reduce error rate and ensure that any user was able to use it, regardless of their needs. While there was an improvement, if I continued with this project I would conduct more research throughout the entirety of the design process, especially near the end.
After this project, Spotify released an update in which they had a very similar design to mine, which I enjoyed and thought was very cool to see that my design was on the right track. The new interface design had the sliders and buttons in the queue page, which allowed users to have more control while in the queue.
Full Circle
Reflecting on the prototype and designs, my journey to enhance the Spotify user experience has been rewarding. My goals were to create a user-friendly and conceptually engaging UI. The real success came from materializing my intentions into an experience that resonates with users and sets Spotify apart from competitors. Achieving this required substantial time and commitment to ongoing redesigns, staying aligned with Spotify’s evolving aesthetic and vision.
This journey involved not just realizing initial concepts, but also capturing the intended experience for users. Refining intricate details to make them both functional and intuitive presented challenges, but persistent iterations helped clarify what would truly enhance user experience.
Ultimately, achieving my goals necessitated continuous redesign, alignment with Spotify's vision, and the introduction of features that transform how users engage with music. This journey has advanced the user interface and positioned Spotify as a leader in music platforms, reflecting my dedication to innovation and creating meaningful user experiences.
I will focus on thorough testing to gather feedback and assess the real-world applicability of the features. This crucial testing phase helps me understand user interactions, preferences, and challenges. The data compiled will guide the product's evolution.
I plan to refine the new features through an iterative process that improves user experience and provides insights into user preferences. This ensures my design meets user expectations.
Additionally, I will maintain dynamic documentation to record our design journey, enabling reflection and a better understanding of our ideas' evolution. This living document captures our collaborative efforts and the reasoning behind design choices.
Implementing a changelog strategically benefits the product by updating existing users and attracting new ones. It showcases the app's evolution and commitment to improvement, inviting user participation and facilitating valuable feedback for the development team. My focus is on refining features through testing, maintaining documentation, and using the changelog to boost engagement and expand our user base. This data-driven approach keeps the product dynamic, user-centric, and positioned for ongoing success amid changing user preferences and technologies.
Skills Used in this Experimental Design
Figma
User Stories
Activity Chart
UX Testing & Research
Heuristic Analysis
Prototyping
Wireframing
Adobe Photoshop