Although Hype Machine offers a reasonably effective music blog service, the website is harmed by a negative user experience mainly provided by weaknesses in the existing user interface. The presented piece serves as a full visual redesign of the existing website and includes a refreshed brand identity and a restructure of the website's existing content. The redesign seeks to reestablish the brand's identity and community platform, while appealing to its target audience (music blogs, listeners, and musicians.)

Process

Initial Research

Initial research incluided the establisment of the intended audience (listeners of music, music blogs, and artists/bands) through persona generation, competitor analysis, as well as an extensive visual identity audit of the existing website.

User Testing

Anonymous user testing on the existing website was conducted in order to identify specific pain points and areas of concern that may be addressed in the subsequent redesign. Testing was focused on visual identity and user interface elements.

Low-Fidelity Mockups

Wifreframing and low-fidelity mockups were generated as a result of previous research and testing. The resulting high-fidelity mockups retained some of the existing website's functionality, as well as a refresh of the existing visual identity through colour and image.

A/B Testing

Further testing was conducted upon completion of high-fidelity mockups through a/b testing, in which users were asked to establish their preference of play button implementation (hover vs. button). Results were applied to further mockup refinements.