KEXP Mobile App Refresh
KEXP is a Seattle-based non-profit arts organization and independent radio station loved for its eclectic programming and focus on emerging artists. The station endeavors to connect with listeners worldwide to help them “...identify, showcase, and champion music that entertains and inspires them.”
KEXP offers a mobile app that allows users to stream the station worldwide.
This project investigates ways to add value to the KEXP app - specifically, what design changes or features would improve a user’s experience with the app.
Redesigned KEXP app/Existing KEXP app
My Roles
UX Design
I conducted user research and developed the user flow for a new feature to enhance the functionality of the KEXP app.
UI Design
I refreshed the styling of the app with type, color, and layout changes, updated the navigation, and designed the new feature.
At its core, this solution targets current users of the KEXP app
I emailed a survey to a group of friends and family that investigated their general music listening habits as well as their use of and satisfaction with KEXP via radio, web, and app.
My ultimate goal was to determine who listened to KEXP, who used the app, and why.
Survey Findings
4 out of 21
respondents used the KEXP app
14 out of 21
respondents listened to KEXP
Two major things stood out to me from the survey data:
I was surprised to see such a large difference between KEXP listeners and KEXP app users.
I was curious about why that gap exists, and how KEXP might attract more users to its app.
In my survey, one of the reasons that listeners love KEXP so much is the new artists they encounter while listening to the station.
With this in mind, how might I create a feature that would deepen the listener’s connection with the music they discover on KEXP?
One response was particularly insightful:
“If I really liked the artist (more than by a few songs), I would then search for them on Google and see if they were playing live anywhere nearby soon!”
— Clementine Fleur
“Live Near You” Feature
I wanted to further the experience of discovering compelling music on KEXP by connecting listeners with artists’ live shows.
“Live Near You” alerts the user when one of their favorite artists is performing live nearby. The feature cross-references upcoming live shows with the user’s favorite artists, taking into account the user’s location and the distance they’re willing to travel.
I mapped a user flow to define the screens the feature needed to function:
“Live Near You” hero flow
And drafted wireframes to layout the feature:
“Live Near You” wireframes
“Live Near You” will appear in two places:
As a single-instance alert on the Listen Live Screen
As persistent information in the Song Detail Card
UI Improvements
I also reconsidered the navigation and visual design of the KEXP app:
Navigation
Navigation is physically challenging and unintuitive.
Visual Design
Screens lack hierarchy and type scale is underdeveloped.
Visually, I wanted the app to feel bold, energetic, and artist-focused
I compiled a style guide to document the design elements and components of the app:
More Than Music Streaming
A Refreshed KEXP App Experience
“Live Near You” information is also displayed in the Song Detail Card
“Live Near You” elevates the KEXP app by tracking the user’s favorite artists and sending alerts when those artists are playing nearby.
I simplified the navigation in two ways:
I restructured the navigational sections of the app and placed the main navigation at the bottom of the screen.
I added secondary top navigation to locate the user in the app and allow the user to navigate within each section.
Feedback
“Ooh wow, it looks great…so rad!!! :)”
— Clementine
“I…could totally see myself signing up for this.”
— Andy
Lessons & Next Steps
I’d love to expand the functionality of the “Live Near You” feature to save shows for future ticket purchases and create an Events Calendar.
The app could be improved even more by exploring additional benefits for donors that can be administered via the Profile of section of the app.