VOYAGER Next Companion App – A custom smartphone app that is mirrored and controlled by the Head Unit using SmartDeviceLink technology, allowing users to seamlessly customize an in-car listening and lighting experience including mirroring their choice of listening locations from the studio to the stadium – all at the touch of a fingertip.
The main idea and the biggest challenge of the project was to create an entirely new and personalized music consumption user experience in the vehicle, using the latest Harman's audio technologies.
I've started with UX research on the equalizer (EQ) and other sound controls within the music apps.
The research showed that most of the apps have similar sound controls:
• EQ bands (60Hz, 230Hz, etc.);
• Bass;
• Virtualizer (Surround Sound).
Another UX research showed that EQ bands controls do not make much sense for an average music app user.
Users who are not directly related to the music industry, in general, are not familiar with EQ bands, and the meaning of sound frequencies.
Users who are not directly related to the music industry, in general, are not familiar with EQ bands, and the meaning of sound frequencies.
Research on the EQ and Sound Customization Apps
Based on the performed UX research, I've started sketching out some ideas on how to control the EQ bands and other parameters of the sound without showing the actual EQ bands and other controls, and how to make this process fun and simple using the mobile app and in-vehicle infotainment system (IVI).
Initial Sketching
During the project, I've had numerous meetings with audio engineers and the development team to get an in-depth understanding of Harman's proprietary audio technologies and to learn the ways of how to control and configure the sound.
In the end, I came up with an idea of two circles and sound power bar.
UI Animation
By simply changing the sizes of "Venue Size" and "Distance from Stage" circles and the sound power bar value, the user can easily control the EQ and other sound parameters and hear in realtime how the sound is changing.
User can experience a feeling that he or she is hearing the music in an audio recording studio, with a clean and crisp sound, or that the user is on a concert, hearing a powerful and live sound.
There are 3 predefined EQ presets representing Harman's audio products and the sound they deliver, and 1 custom EQ preset that saves all the parameters changed by the user.
This new UX design was patented in the US (US Patent D875106), and I was added in the list of the inventors, later the UX design was patented in the EU as well.
Mobile App UX Wireframes and Visual Design
Vehicle IVI UX Wireframes and Visual Design
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