UX Sprint
Spotify Case Study
COMPANY
UCLA UX Program
ROLE
UX | UI Designer
EXPERTISE
UX/UI Design
YEAR
2026
Project Description
This project aims to evaluate and enhance Spotify's current user interface based on comprehensive user research. By observing Spotify's existing design and functionality, we identified areas for improvement through user feedback and data analysis. Our research focused on understanding user pain points, preferences, and behaviors to determine if changes or new features are needed to improve the overall user experience. This UX Sprint documents our process, findings, and recommendations to optimize Spotify's interface and better meet user needs.
Background
In today’s digitally connected world, music has evolved beyond personal listening into a shared social experience. Recent studies highlight that 72% of millennials and Gen Z users view music as a core component of their social identity, seeking platforms that blend sound with creative self-expression. Yet, while apps like Snapchat and Instagram dominate with 68% of users prioritizing visual, real-time sharing, music streaming struggles to merge audio with these immersive interactions.
Goals
The primary goal of this project is to thoroughly evaluate Spotify's current user interface and gather comprehensive user feedback. By conducting in-depth research and analysis, we aim to identify potential areas for improvement and better understand user needs and preferences. Our objective is to use these insights to guide future design decisions and enhance the overall user experience on Spotify.
Timeline
From explorations to final designs in 5 weeks while working with multiple projects at the same time.
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Process
This category details the step-by-step approach taken during the project, including research, planning, design, development, testing, and optimization phases.
Research & Planning
Analyzed Spotify's current information architecture and conducted market research, including a competitive analysis, to identify user challenges and preferences. Then, defined target audience segments and outlined key features using user personas, journey maps, and problem statements, aligning with user needs and market trends.
Ideation & Design
Created an idea prioritization map to rank concepts based on impact and feasibility. After narrowing down the options, I dove into a Crazy 8's ideation session, a fast-paced exercise where I sketched eight different wireframe concepts. This helped me visualize user interactions and explore creative interface designs for the top-ranked ideas. Finally, I drafted up a future state journey map, laying out the key stages and touchpoints in the user experience for the new Spotify feature.
Prototyping & Development
Employed agile development methodologies to design and build the new Spotify feature, beginning with the creation of mid and high fidelity wireframes to visualize the user interface and user experience. Developed an intuitive onboarding process to guide users through the new feature’s functionality. Prioritized feature development by incorporating user feedback and assessing technical feasibility to ensure the most impactful elements were implemented first.
Solution
The resulting Spotshot feature delivers a seamless user experience, enabling Spotify users to capture and share moments with music effortlessly.
Music-Enhanced Photo Capture
Spotshot’s feature links photos with playing music, creating a seamless, emotive snapshot experience.
Seamless Social Integration
Spotshot’s intuitive sharing flow, enhanced by smart suggestions and smooth animations, makes every share feel rewarding.
Engaging Social Feed
A visually appealing feed displays friends’ Spotshots, encouraging exploration and interaction effortlessly.
Results
Here, the outcomes and achievements of the project are highlighted, including usability test results and a fully functioning high fidelity prototype.
Seamless Sharing
Users enjoy a smooth experience capturing and sharing musical moments effortlessly.
Positive User Feedback
High user satisfaction ratings and positive reviews highlight the app's intuitive interface and quick song suggestion capabilities.
Encouraging Test Insights
Usability tests revealed a success rate of 84% showing a strong potential for engaging user experiences.