LoopMonster
Date: Oct 2011 - Sep 2012
Role: Project Lead, UI/UX Designer
Range: Ideation to Launch
Collaborators: Taewoo Lim (Animator), Dong-hoon Ha (Front-end Engineer)
Outcomes: Launched on App store (2013)
BACKGROUND
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The concept of Loop Monster originated from my passion for music production and an intriguing discovery of loop station videos. Loop stations, typically complex and expensive, are designed to repeat recorded sound segments, enabling the overlay of various sounds to create a harmonious mix. However, their high costs and technical intricacies often make them inaccessible to the general public, especially aspiring musicians and hobbyists. Recognizing this disparity, I conceptualized a user-friendly mobile application inspired by the loop station idea. Our objective was to democratize the music production process by making it simple and accessible to all. By harnessing the widespread availability of smartphones, equipped with essential components like microphones and speakers, our goal was to offer a portable and intuitive music-making experience. This initiative aimed to extend the joy and creative potential of music production to a wider audience.
DESIGN PROCESS - VISUALIZATION
In the visualization process, our primary objective was to reimagine the way users interact with and understand the music creation process. This phase was driven by a desire to transform the abstract concept of sound into a tangible and visually engaging experience. We started by conceptualizing how different sound elements could be represented visually. The traditional approach of using sound waves, while informative, often felt intimidating and overly technical for casual users. Our challenge was to make this visual representation more intuitive and less daunting. To achieve this, we turned to the idea of using dynamic 2D characters. These characters were designed to react to the sound's volume and pitch, essentially 'dancing' or 'moving' to the rhythm and intensity of the music being created. Each character's movements and interactions were carefully crafted to represent different musical elements. This method of visualization was not just about adding a playful element to the app; it was about creating a more approachable and emotionally engaging way for users to connect with their music.
DESIGN PROCESS - USER FEEDBACK AND ITERATION
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In the first three months of the project, we explored various UI designs to translate the hardware-based loop station into an easily accessible app. Our initial approach included character animations to represent loop recordings and a drum pad Interface for sound Instruments and effects, intending to simplify music creation for users. However, feedback from friends, family, and colleagues indicated that many found the service challenging to use. Even after providing instructions, users still struggled with the interface and quickly lost interest. This feedback was a wake-up call. We realized something was fundamentally amiss. Consulting both the general public and music-making experts, we learned that our app's design was neither suited for professionals nor the general public, with a mix of ambiguous features that served neither audience well. Upon reevaluation, we noticed the issues: the UI was cluttered with up to 11 buttons on a single screen, and our key feature of visualizing voice tracks through character motion was overly complex and failed to make a significant impact. Acknowledging that our prototype had strayed from our original project goal, we decided to start over, basing our revisions on the feedback from users and experts. This decision marked a pivotal turn in our project, steering us back towards a focus on simplicity and user engagement, and aligning more closely with our vision of making music creation accessible and enjoyable for all.
DESIGN PROCESS - SIMPLIFICATION
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We embraced a minimalist approach to design the mobile interface and functions, focusing each screen on a few essential functions to enhance ease of use. Our approach was to create an interface that was not cluttered with multi-functional elements, but rather streamlined and intuitive, making the app accessible and straightforward for the general public. Taking inspiration from the concept of iPod Shuffle, we introduced randomness, particularly in voice alteration features. For instance, to address the issue of users feeling embarrassed about their own recorded voices, we added effects that randomly change the user’s voice (like robotic or high-pitched tones), varying with the chosen character. This approach not only alleviated embarrassment but also enhanced enjoyment, encouraging users to engage more with the app and share their creations. We also focused on simplifying its editing functionality. We achieved this by implementing intuitive multi-touch interactions (like one-touch and long-touch) and introducing a color-coded navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. This allowed users to easily execute essential editing tasks. In the settings menu, we included only vital features for a smooth loop station experience: project saving and loading, metronome settings, recording standby, and mic passthrough. This selective approach enabled users to manage their projects effectively and use the loop station without complications, enhancing overall user experience while maintaining functionality.
REFLECTION
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Reflecting on this project, I realize it was an extraordinary journey filled with valuable insights and enjoyful experiences. This project was not just about developing an app — it was about reimagining the process of music creation and making it accessible to a wider audience. It taught me important lessons about visualization, user experience, and the balance between functionality and simplicity. One of the most significant learnings from Loop Monster was the importance of user-centric design. Throughout the project, we prioritized the needs and feedback of our users. Also, the project underscored the effectiveness of simplification in design. We aimed to demystify the complex process of music production, breaking it down into an easy-to-use format. This was challenging yet rewarding, as it pushed us to think creatively about how to maintain the essence of music creation while stripping away unnecessary complexities. It reinforced the idea that the most sophisticated solutions are often the simplest ones. While Loop Monster faced many challenges, the journey was immensely rewarding. It was a project that not only pushed the boundaries of traditional app design but also contributed to my professional and personal development. This experience has equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I will carry into my future endeavors in the tech and design industry.
Here are music pieces created with LoopMonster: