Timeline: 5 weeks
Roles: User Researcher, UI designer
Tools: Figma, FigJam, Slack, Zoom, Notion, Maze
Sofar Sounds is a global community platform that hosts intimate live music events in unique venues, connecting artists with audiences in over 400 cities worldwide. The platform enables users to discover and attend these events, fostering a vibrant live music community. However, the search experience on the Sofar Sounds website needed improvement to enhance user satisfaction and facilitate event discovery. This case study outlines the process and outcomes of enhancing the search functionality.
Our strategic research, planning and iterative design approach not only revitalized Sofar Sounds’ search experience, but also laid a foundation for sustained innovation and user-centricity. We were able to:
Streamline user journeys - Ensured seamless and intuitive user journeys, empowering users to effortlessly discover music events by genre.
Have data-informed iteration: Insights gathered from a SWOT analysis, information architecture assessments and usability testing served as a compass, guiding iterations and optimizations to the search experience.
The UX
We first conducted a usability audit of the original site identifying crucial pain points and wow factors. Upon inspecting, we found unclear search functions, readability issues, redundancy, and issues in accessibility.
Next, we decided to perform a SWOT analysis of Sofar Sounds’ direct competitors revealing industry trends, opportunities, and competitor strategies which provide valuable insights for the design process.
Prioritization and Planning
We meticulously mapped out the existing information architecture of the Sofar Sounds website, dissecting navigation flows, content hierarchies, and user pathways. This comprehensive analysis provided a foundational understanding of the site’s structure and paved the way for targeted enhancements.
Based on the findings from the usability audit, SWOT analysis and information architecture, we created a priority matrix of improvements. We categorized enhancements such as, advanced filtering options, clarity on platform processes and streaming platform synchronization.
The UI
Wireframing
After mapping out these ideas, we proceeded to construct the framework for our designs. To prioritize integration with the existing site components, we utilized low-fidelity wireframes to outline the layout, bridging the gap between our upcoming developments and the pre-existing features we needed to incorporate.
Testing
After designing hi-fi prototypes, we set up a task in Maze to simulate real-world usage, gathering feedback from participants and analyzing heatmaps to identify areas for refinement.
Framer 2023
Memphis