RENATO RULLI
CASE STUDY: soundtrip
CASE STUDY: soundtrip
Complete Design Thinking Process - 2022
Complete Design Thinking Process - 2022
Scope of the Project
Complete UX/UI Process
High-Fidelity Mobile Prototype
Front or Back-end or any programming not included
Complete UX/UI Process
High-Fidelity Mobile Prototype
Front or Back-end or any programming not included
Agenda
Introduction - About Burnout and About the Project
Research - Qualitative; Personas;
Definition - How Might We;
Ideation - About the Solution; Hypothesis Statement; Market Analysis; Branding; Design Goals;
Prototypes and Tests
Closing - Conclusion and Next Steps
Introduction - About Burnout and About the Project
Research - Qualitative; Personas;
Definition - How Might We;
Ideation - About the Solution; Hypothesis Statement; Market Analysis; Branding; Design Goals;
Prototypes and Tests
Closing - Conclusion and Next Steps
introduction
introduction
About Burnout
About Burnout
As everyone knows, in recent years, Burnout has been in the spotlight, with the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizing it as a disease.
As everyone knows, in recent years, Burnout has been in the spotlight, with the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizing it as a disease.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
Relevant Data
44% of the Brazilian population reported that the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic increased their feelings of professional burnout.
In 2019, a survey revealed that around 30% of the economically active population already reported experiencing similar symptoms.
Causes
Excess Work
Extreme and Chronic Stress
High pressured and demanded environments
It it also related to the significant increase in remote work during the pandemic and the resulting isolation.
Symptoms
Exhaustion
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes
Insomnia
Psychological symptoms such as constant negativity, insecurity, and feelings of failure and hopelessness
Treatment
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, typically a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Avoid high-pressure and stressful environments.
Engage in activities that break away from routine.
Organizational change: consider changing the worker's role, schedule, or environment.
THIS PROJECT AIMS TO ADDRESS OR AT LEAST HELP PEOPLE COPE WITH THIS CONDITION THAT HAS AFFECTED SO MANY AROUND THE WORLD.
THIS PROJECT AIMS TO ADDRESS OR AT LEAST HELP PEOPLE COPE WITH THIS CONDITION THAT HAS AFFECTED SO MANY AROUND THE WORLD.
research
research
Qualitative
Qualitative
I proceeded to speak with people who mainly work from home and spend most of their day on the computer. I aimed to understand how they manage their work and study environment, how they coped with the pandemic and isolation, and gathered quotes such as:
I proceeded to speak with people who mainly work from home and spend most of their day on the computer. I aimed to understand how they manage their work and study environment, how they coped with the pandemic and isolation, and gathered quotes such as:
I was always exhausted, and we were stuck inside the apartment because of the pandemic, with nowhere to go or even get some fresh air. I needed to see nature, the sunlight.
I was always exhausted, and we were stuck inside the apartment because of the pandemic, with nowhere to go or even get some fresh air. I needed to see nature, the sunlight.
I work on the computer all day, but I can't stay still in the office. Every day, I'm in a different spot in the house.
I work on the computer all day, but I can't stay still in the office. Every day, I'm in a different spot in the house.
I like to walk around, change rooms, take breaks, or it’s just pure frustration. I need something to distract me, something that gives me a different feeling compared to the moment.
I like to walk around, change rooms, take breaks, or it’s just pure frustration. I need something to distract me, something that gives me a different feeling compared to the moment.
I like to study at night when no one bothers me and I don’t hear any noise or sounds.
I like to study at night when no one bothers me and I don’t hear any noise or sounds.
Personas
Personas
Arthur
29 years, married, work from home as a Text Editor and lives in São Paulo
29 years, married, work from home as a Text Editor and lives in São Paulo
He is passionate about music, books, and creative work in general. He often attends concerts and enjoys spending time with his wife. Additionally, he listens to music throughout his workday.
He would love to move to a quieter city, be less stressed, and enjoy his daily life more easily.
He feels frustrated by spending most of his day in front of screens and dealing with tight deadlines. Arthur is also frustrated with his work environment and the nature of his job, which can be somewhat monotonous due to the amount of text he has to read.
He is passionate about music, books, and creative work in general. He often attends concerts and enjoys spending time with his wife. Additionally, he listens to music throughout his workday.
He would love to move to a quieter city, be less stressed, and enjoy his daily life more easily.
He feels frustrated by spending most of his day in front of screens and dealing with tight deadlines. Arthur is also frustrated with his work environment and the nature of his job, which can be somewhat monotonous due to the amount of text he has to read.
Yuri
19 anos, estuda para ser aceito em universidades e vive em São Paulo.
19 anos, estuda para ser aceito em universidades e vive em São Paulo.
He wants to be admitted to a public university as soon as possible and needs something to motivate him during his long and tedious study hours.
He feels extremely stressed and pressured to be accepted by the universities and struggles to maintain focus in his exhausting routine.
He even changes his study locations to try and create some innovation in his routine. Yuri really misses seeing his friends and traveling.
He wants to be admitted to a public university as soon as possible and needs something to motivate him during his long and tedious study hours.
He feels extremely stressed and pressured to be accepted by the universities and struggles to maintain focus in his exhausting routine.
He even changes his study locations to try and create some innovation in his routine. Yuri really misses seeing his friends and traveling.
definition
definition
HOW MIGHT WE CREATE A MORE PLEASANT WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR ARTHUR/YURI TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND LESS AFFECTED BY STRESS?
HOW MIGHT WE CREATE A MORE PLEASANT WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR ARTHUR/YURI TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND LESS AFFECTED BY STRESS?
ideation
ideation
About the Solution
About the Solution
Why not use something that Arthur and Yuri already love and incorporate into their daily routines? Music! More specifically, Lo-Fi music or sometimes known as ambient music, which has become so popular in recent years.
Why not use something that Arthur and Yuri already love and incorporate into their daily routines? Music! More specifically, Lo-Fi music or sometimes known as ambient music, which has become so popular in recent years.
The Effects
The Effects
According to Prof. Victor Szabo from Hampden-Sydney College, an expert in ambient music speaking with Elemental, this type of music often features looping repetitions, continuous and ethereal sounds that help the brain “easily predict on a subconscious level how the sounds will continue.
According to Prof. Victor Szabo from Hampden-Sydney College, an expert in ambient music speaking with Elemental, this type of music often features looping repetitions, continuous and ethereal sounds that help the brain “easily predict on a subconscious level how the sounds will continue.
Szabo continues, "The listener shifts their attention away from the music and towards other tasks without being startled or even noticing," creating what is called the 'cocooning effect,' a form of isolation and protection from the outside environment. In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, this style of music also includes consistent sounds or noises, such as tape hiss, rain sounds, or even subtle vinyl crackles, creating a consistent auditory mix, almost like white noise (consistent and generally comforting noise).
Szabo continues, "The listener shifts their attention away from the music and towards other tasks without being startled or even noticing," creating what is called the 'cocooning effect,' a form of isolation and protection from the outside environment. In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, this style of music also includes consistent sounds or noises, such as tape hiss, rain sounds, or even subtle vinyl crackles, creating a consistent auditory mix, almost like white noise (consistent and generally comforting noise).
Other Sources
Other Sources
According to Samuel Mehr, a researcher in Harvard's psychology department: "It is aesthetically pleasing enough to listen to for long periods, but not so aesthetically pleasing that you would stop everything and just listen."
According to Samuel Mehr, a researcher in Harvard's psychology department: "It is aesthetically pleasing enough to listen to for long periods, but not so aesthetically pleasing that you would stop everything and just listen."
The Solution
The Solution
With this in mind, I’m excited to introduce “Soundtrip,” an app that automatically creates daily playlists of ambient music tailored to the user’s tastes, hobbies, and habits.
With this in mind, I’m excited to introduce “Soundtrip,” an app that automatically creates daily playlists of ambient music tailored to the user’s tastes, hobbies, and habits.
This tool aims to transport users to their desired locations, helping them escape the stress of everyday life through a unique auditory experience. It’s a way to seize the day, offering a form of escapism from the urban and chaotic environment of modern life!
This tool aims to transport users to their desired locations, helping them escape the stress of everyday life through a unique auditory experience. It’s a way to seize the day, offering a form of escapism from the urban and chaotic environment of modern life!
WE BELIEVE THAT BY TRANSPORTING ARTHUR AND YURI TO IMMERSIVE, PERSONALIZED MUSICAL ENVIRONMENTS, WE HOPE TO REDUCE THEIR STRESS LEVELS. WE WILL KNOW IF WE'RE SUCCESSFUL WHEN WE RECEIVE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE FEEDBACK ON SIMULTANEOUS PEAKS DURING WORK HOURS, AS WELL AS LONGER PLAYBACK TIMES.
WE BELIEVE THAT BY TRANSPORTING ARTHUR AND YURI TO IMMERSIVE, PERSONALIZED MUSICAL ENVIRONMENTS, WE HOPE TO REDUCE THEIR STRESS LEVELS. WE WILL KNOW IF WE'RE SUCCESSFUL WHEN WE RECEIVE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE FEEDBACK ON SIMULTANEOUS PEAKS DURING WORK HOURS, AS WELL AS LONGER PLAYBACK TIMES.
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
The app would occupy a unique space in the market with significant potential, focusing on personalized playlists with an emphasis on ambient music—something that many other apps do not offer.
The app would occupy a unique space in the market with significant potential, focusing on personalized playlists with an emphasis on ambient music—something that many other apps do not offer.
Most Lo-Fi music apps, such as Loffe, are essentially radio apps where the user only has control over the station they are listening to.
Most Lo-Fi music apps, such as Loffe, are essentially radio apps where the user only has control over the station they are listening to.
With Soundtrip, we aim to change that by providing something entirely new, requiring minimal effort from the user.
With Soundtrip, we aim to change that by providing something entirely new, requiring minimal effort from the user.
Branding and Styling
Branding and Styling
The idea here was to create an aesthetic that is as harmonious, peaceful, gentle, and delightful as possible, making the app a refuge from the chaos of daily routines for users. We also aimed to incorporate familiar Lo-Fi elements that users are already accustomed to and expect, such as the well-known “Lofi Girl” from the popular YouTube channel known for streaming hours of Lo-Fi music.
The idea here was to create an aesthetic that is as harmonious, peaceful, gentle, and delightful as possible, making the app a refuge from the chaos of daily routines for users. We also aimed to incorporate familiar Lo-Fi elements that users are already accustomed to and expect, such as the well-known “Lofi Girl” from the popular YouTube channel known for streaming hours of Lo-Fi music.
Design Goals
Design Goals
Clear Organization and Information Hierarchy: Ensure the app follows modern expectations for layout and organization to avoid any stress related to navigation or usability.
Create an aesthetic that aligns with the Lo-Fi style, providing a visually pleasing experience
Simple and Stress-Free Design
Use dark mode exclusively to avoid brightness and potential stress triggers
Simple and Effective Onboarding Proces
Clear Organization and Information Hierarchy: Ensure the app follows modern expectations for layout and organization to avoid any stress related to navigation or usability.
Create an aesthetic that aligns with the Lo-Fi style, providing a visually pleasing experience
Simple and Stress-Free Design
Use dark mode exclusively to avoid brightness and potential stress triggers
Simple and Effective Onboarding Proces
prototypes and tests
prototypes and tests
Welcome Screens
Welcome Screens
On the Welcome Page, users are introduced to the app's purpose by swiping through cards. They have the option to either register for the app or log in.
On the Welcome Page, users are introduced to the app's purpose by swiping through cards. They have the option to either register for the app or log in.
On this page, users are also introduced to the proposed aesthetics and the cozy environment of the app!
On this page, users are also introduced to the proposed aesthetics and the cozy environment of the app!
It's worth noting that black text on the pink button received a better accessibility rating than if the text were white.
It's worth noting that black text on the pink button received a better accessibility rating than if the text were white.
Sign up
Sign up
Here, users can register or continue directly with their Google or Facebook account, aiming for a quicker and simpler process to avoid any form of stress.
Here, users can register or continue directly with their Google or Facebook account, aiming for a quicker and simpler process to avoid any form of stress.
Onboarding
Onboarding
In the Onboarding process, the main goal is to gather information about the user's personality to improve the accuracy of the AI in creating personalized playlists.
In the Onboarding process, the main goal is to gather information about the user's personality to improve the accuracy of the AI in creating personalized playlists.
In this example, key preferences for ambiance are highlighted, including types of places, climate, weather, and routine activities or hobbies.
In this example, key preferences for ambiance are highlighted, including types of places, climate, weather, and routine activities or hobbies.
The number of preferences and factors can be scaled for better system performance if needed, but always with a focus on ensuring the app remains user-friendly.
The number of preferences and factors can be scaled for better system performance if needed, but always with a focus on ensuring the app remains user-friendly.
Homepage
Homepage
On the Homepage, the user can view Trips recommendations or destinations based on their preferences.
On the Homepage, the user can view Trips recommendations or destinations based on their preferences.
In addition to general recommendations and recent Trips, a "Daily Trip" is created— a playlist specifically designed for that day based on the user's data and preferences. This way, the user experiences a completely new journey every day!
In addition to general recommendations and recent Trips, a "Daily Trip" is created— a playlist specifically designed for that day based on the user's data and preferences. This way, the user experiences a completely new journey every day!
Daily Trips, Player and Separate Player
Daily Trips, Player and Separate Player
On the Daily Trip page, the user can see the ambiance and music selection curated for them for the day. Initially, they won't be able to modify the playlist (something that was mentioned in the tests as a potential need).
On the Daily Trip page, the user can see the ambiance and music selection curated for them for the day. Initially, they won't be able to modify the playlist (something that was mentioned in the tests as a potential need).
In the player, the user can indicate whether they liked or disliked the song, which helps to improve the experience by feeding data into the system. They can also select the clock icon to set a timer for their immersion, pausing the music when the selected time runs out.
In the player, the user can indicate whether they liked or disliked the song, which helps to improve the experience by feeding data into the system. They can also select the clock icon to set a timer for their immersion, pausing the music when the selected time runs out.
My Trips and My Profile
My Trips and My Profile
On the "My Trips" and "My Profile" page, users can manage their playlists (Trips), account details, and further customize their preferences that dictate the creation of Trips.
On the "My Trips" and "My Profile" page, users can manage their playlists (Trips), account details, and further customize their preferences that dictate the creation of Trips.
CLOSING
CLOSING
Conclusion
Conclusion
This project was an enormous learning experience, especially going through the Design Thinking process for the first time on my own. The idea of creating a product and understanding how to make it truly meaningful and usable for users is something I will carry with me for the rest of my career.
Soundtrip aims to help users with their everyday challenges and create a better, more peaceful world. Having personally experienced burnout in the past, all I wanted was to escape the reality I was living in. I believe this type of service can make a difference.
This project was an enormous learning experience, especially going through the Design Thinking process for the first time on my own. The idea of creating a product and understanding how to make it truly meaningful and usable for users is something I will carry with me for the rest of my career.
Soundtrip aims to help users with their everyday challenges and create a better, more peaceful world. Having personally experienced burnout in the past, all I wanted was to escape the reality I was living in. I believe this type of service can make a difference.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Continue testing and iterating based on usability feedback
Plan and create a specialized music curatorial team
Expand features focused on user immersion and develop a desktop version
Plan handoff and implementation
Continue testing and iterating based on usability feedback
Plan and create a specialized music curatorial team
Expand features focused on user immersion and develop a desktop version
Plan handoff and implementation
RENATO RULLI
RENATO RULLI
