Loofi
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Timeline
Aug 17-Sept 20
Role
UX UI Designer
User Researcher
Market Researcher
Industry
Social Media
Music
Team
1 UX UI Designer
About The Project
Loofi was a project inspired by Lo-fi music. The goal of the project was to create a new social media for users and after conducting research I found that Lo-fi was an uncommon but popular niche.
“Lo-fi" is short for "low-fidelity" music, which means it doesn’t have the polished, studio-quality sound of high-fidelity (hi-fi) recordings. Lo-fi is more raw and embraces imperfections, such as ambient noise, static, or the hum of background conversations..
The hallmark of lo-fi music is its ability to create a serene ambiance, making it a worthy companion for those seeking a gentle acoustic backdrop to their daily routine. Lo-fi music has proven to have positive impacts on users and after conducting further research, I found that the lo-fi music community did not have their own social media. The lo-fi community often shared music and listened to them on youtube and Spotify. With this in mind I decided to target this uncommon niche.
A dedicated social platform for Lofi music lovers to immerse themselves in soothing tunes, enhance productivity through focused listening, and connect with a community of like-minded fans. Users can share personal playlists, customize their listening backgrounds, and contribute to a growing library of user-generated content. With a strong emphasis on community and personalization, the platform aspires to become the ultimate hub for Lofi enthusiasts.
Create a centralized platform for Lofi music lovers.
Enhance users' productivity and focus through curated Lofi music.
Foster a sense of community among Lofi enthusiasts.
Provide tools for users to create, share, and discover Lofi music and related content.
Users will have a dedicated space for listening to and sharing Lofi music, improving their productivity, relaxation, and sense of community.
The platform will build a vibrant community where users can connect, collaborate, and support each other.
Aspiring artists and creators will have a stage to showcase their work and gain recognition.
There is a significant and growing audience for Lofi music.
Lofi music positively impacts focus and productivity.
Users are seeking community and connection around their music interests.
Content creators are looking for platforms to share and promote their work.
Conduct surveys or focus groups with potential users.
Analyze trends and statistics in the Lofi music genre.
Launch a beta version of the platform and collect user feedback.
Track engagement and user activity on similar platforms and social media groups.
For this project, I conducted interviews with 10 users. Four of them had no prior knowledge of Lo-fi music but were intrigued and eager to learn more after being introduced to it. The other six were regular listeners of Lo-fi, providing valuable insights into their needs and wants for a Lo-fi community. They also shared what initially drew them to Lo-fi music and why it continues to resonate with them.
This proved to be valuable information that I carried throughout my design.
Understanding the Lo-fi Community: Insights and Challenges
The Lo-fi community has specific preferences that shape their listening habits. Through my research, I discovered that YouTube was the preferred platform for Lo-fi enthusiasts, far surpassing Spotify and other alternatives. To dive deeper, I conducted user surveys and interviews to better understand this trend. The community favored YouTube because of the vast collections of content uploaded by Lo-fi creators. But more importantly, they appreciated the visual companions—illustrated characters, often from favorite shows, and themed animations—that complemented the music.
This insight presented a unique challenge: How could I create a social media platform that catered to the community’s love for these immersive, aesthetic experiences while also delivering the personal connection and engagement they craved?
Enhancing the Lo-fi Experience: The First Space – Landing Page
Several concepts emerged, but one that stood out was creating personalized rooms for users. My goal was to elevate the Lo-fi music experience by designing three distinct spaces tailored to user needs. The first space, Lo-fi (Landing Page), was crafted for users seeking a casual, familiar experience. It features curated soundtracks, a built-in Pomodoro timer, and a task list to boost productivity. Users can also customize the ambiance by adjusting the background and environment to their liking. Additionally, they have the option to connect their Spotify accounts, allowing for seamless playlist personalization.
The Second Space: Community
The second space, Community, was designed to foster interaction among users while they enjoy their personal playlists. This area encourages connection and engagement, allowing Lo-fi enthusiasts to share their experiences, discuss music, and connect with like-minded individuals—all without disrupting their personal listening preferences.
The Third Space: Rooms (MVP)
The third space, Rooms, is the core of the platform and serves as the MVP, designed to immerse users in the world of Lo-fi. In this space, users can select unique avatars, each with its own personality and animations that bring the room to life. These avatars move fluidly throughout the room, adding a playful and interactive element to the experience. Additionally, each room has its own customizable ambiance and background, allowing users to tailor the environment to match their vibe and preferences. This space was created to make users feel as though they were truly living within the Lo-fi experience.
Learn More
A Passion Project in Development
Loofi has garnered significant interest from users seeking a platform that resonates with their love for Lo-fi music.
During my research and user testing, both Lo-fi and non-Lo-fi enthusiasts expressed enthusiasm for the project, with many volunteering to be beta testers once it launches.
A limited pool of artists for both animation and music production proves to be Loofi's obstickle before it could possibly get developed.
While the project is slowly making its way into the world, it remains a personal passion project, diligently developed behind closed doors.