Shazam - 2023
SUS score indicating high user satisfaction
Decrease in user error rate after tutorial revision
This case study delves into the conceptual updates undertaken for the Shazam app, aiming to enhance user engagement and extend average session durations. Initially initiated as a training program assignment with a collaborative team of three, I continued this project as a solo endeavor.
Informed by extensive research, the refined design introduces user-friendly features, including seamless playlist integration with Apple Music and an innovative Explore feature, offering users a dynamic card-swiping experience for music discovery. The final designs prioritize an immersive experience, encouraging users to explore beyond mere song identification.
To gain insights into user engagement strategies employed by other applications, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of direct competitors such as MusixMatch and SoundHound, as well as indirect competitors like Instagram and YouTube. Additionally, we conducted user interviews to better understand the specific pain points and factors contributing to a lack of engagement within the app.
The accompanying user journey map below outlines the current experience, pinpointing areas for heightened engagement and user satisfaction. These valuable insights helped inform my redesign strategy, which centered around the inclusion of enhancing quick information content, fostering an entertaining and intuitive exploration experience, and streamlining user access to efficiently manage the addition of Shazams to existing playlists.
I refined the home page menu, expanding the existing "Shazams" and "Artists" options to include two new items: "Explore" and "Playlists." Each caters to distinct user needs.
The Explore feature boosts engagement, fostering dynamic song exploration based on chosen categories like "Late Night Drives" in Moods.
For Playlists, seamless integration with the iCloud Music Library enhances user retention by offering easy access to add recent Shazams, minimizing app bounces.
In alignment with Marie Lejeail's case study, Shazam's 2020 rearchitecture aimed for a 'minimalist layout, making the Shazam button the center of attention and the experience as intuitive and clear as possible.' Consequently, my feature implementation endeavors to retain the essence of the initial flow steps.
The 'Explore' feature was conceived to inject dynamism into the user experience, providing a captivating avenue for micro-interaction-driven song exploration. In response to users' evolving engagement expectations, 'Explore' allows individuals to embark on a personalized journey through diverse music categories. Users can choose from a variety of options, such as 'Late Night Drives' in Moods or other genre-specific selections, before engaging in the dynamic song exploration.
This design not only prolongs user engagement by encouraging continuous interaction but also amplifies the joy of musical discovery, making the Shazam experience not just a tool for identification but a vibrant platform for exploration.
To explore a song in-depth, tap the blue "Deep Dive" button while engaging with a card on the Micro-interactions Hub (refer to the screenshots above for guidance). This feature presents tailored content for each song, along with a user-friendly feedback form. Users can rate their experience with content engagement and offer written feedback for a more personalized touch.
After user testing, it was evident that users initially struggled to identify all micro-interactions during their first attempt but quickly adopted them once brought to their attention by a tester. To address this, I implemented a brief tutorial for first-time users, ensuring a smoother introduction to the feature.
The "Playlists" feature seamlessly integrates with Apple Music, courtesy of Apple's ownership of Shazam. Users can effortlessly access their Apple Music playlists and add recent Shazams by tapping "+ Add Shazams," which opens a modal with the latest Shazams for easy addition.
This case study showcases a strategic, user-centric, and innovative approach to reshape Shazam's user experience. It evolves beyond a conventional song identifier, now functioning as a dynamic and engaging music exploration platform.
The seamless integration with Apple Music reflects a feasibility-oriented strategy, leveraging a robust database in a competitive market.
Implementing the Deep Dive feature involves essential considerations for publishers. A dedicated Content Management System (CMS) is pivotal, offering a streamlined platform for artists and their teams to manage and curate engaging content. This CMS should enable easy uploading, updating, and removal of materials, fostering collaboration and ensuring the Deep Dive feature remains current and captivating for users.