SPOTIFY SEARCH
Overview
Enhancing the discoverability of podcasts and audiobooks on Spotify's desktop app to increase user retention.
Tools
Figma
Photoshop
After Effects
Project Background
Solo Personal Project
Case Study
20 days
My Roles
Data Analysis
UI Design
Prototyping
User Interview
Project Background
Solo Personal Project
Case Study
20 days
My Roles
Data Analysis
UI Design
Prototyping
User Interview
Tools
Figma
Photoshop
After Effects
Overview
Enhancing the discoverability of podcasts and audiobooks on Spotify's desktop app to increase user retention.
INTRODUCTION
As a designer who is driven by self-discovery and self-education, I often listen to Spotify podcasts that offer insights about myself and the business world, helping me grow personally and professionally.
However, as someone who uses the Spotify app mostly on a desktop, the absence of the podcast episode search function, and audiobook discoverability have been causes of a frustrating experience.
Disclaimer: This case study was conducted as a learning exercise on Spotify, a product I admire and frequently use, with no affiliation to the company.
As a designer who is driven by self-discovery and self-education, I often listen to Spotify podcasts that offer insights about myself and the business world, helping me grow personally and professionally.
However, as someone who uses the Spotify app mostly on a desktop, the absence of the podcast episode search function, and audiobook discoverability have been causes of a frustrating experience.
Disclaimer: This case study was conducted as a learning exercise on Spotify, a product I admire and frequently use, with no affiliation to the company.
PAIN POINTS
1. Podcast Episode Search
Without a search function within a podcast channel, it is difficult to find and replay specific episodes, causing a hindrance in the user experience.
Audiobook Search
I didn't realize that the new audiobook feature is released due to its placement, and the lack of a search function for audiobooks is frustrating with excessive scrolling.
1. Podcast Episode Search
Without a search function within a podcast channel, it is difficult to find and replay specific episodes, causing a hindrance in the user experience.
Audiobook Search
I didn't realize that the new audiobook feature is released due to its placement, and the lack of a search function for audiobooks is frustrating with excessive scrolling.
I had no idea that Spotify even had audiobooks! I'm shocked to have found out after a month it was released.
I had no idea that Spotify even had audiobooks! I'm shocked to have found out after a month it was released.
ANALYZING USER DATA
After gathering insights, I discovered that in May 2020, there were 102 million Spotify desktop users in the US - a substantial number.
After gathering insights, I discovered that in May 2020, there were 102 million Spotify desktop users in the US - a substantial number.
Further research showed me that the Spotify podcast market share in the US is decreasing bi-annually.
Further research showed me that the Spotify podcast market share in the US is decreasing bi-annually.
LEARNINGS
A significant portion of U.S. Spotify users (102M, May 2020) access the platform through desktop computers. So, optimizing the desktop experience is crucial for longer user engagement, especially if Spotify aims to become the top podcast platform in the US, surpassing YouTube.
A significant portion of U.S. Spotify users (102M, May 2020) access the platform through desktop computers. So, optimizing the desktop experience is crucial for longer user engagement, especially if Spotify aims to become the top podcast platform in the US, surpassing YouTube.
A significant portion of U.S. Spotify users (102M, May 2020) access the platform through desktop computers. So, optimizing the desktop experience is crucial for longer user engagement, especially if Spotify aims to become the top podcast platform in the US, surpassing YouTube.
SOLUTION 1: PODCAST EPISODE SEARCH
SOLUTION 1: PODCAST EPISODE SEARCH
Designed a search feature for podcast channels ensuring consistency with Spotify's existing UI.
Designed a search feature for podcast channels ensuring consistency with Spotify's existing UI.
Designed a search feature for podcast channels ensuring consistency with Spotify's existing UI.
The search bar is designed to pick up words from episode descriptions, allowing users to find episode based on their content when they can't remember the title.
The search bar is designed to pick up words from episode descriptions, allowing users to find episode based on their content when they can't remember the title.
The search bar is designed to pick up words from episode descriptions, allowing users to find episode based on their content when they can't remember the title.
SOLUTION 2: AUDIOBOOK SEARCH
SOLUTION 2: AUDIOBOOK SEARCH
The audiobooks announcement banner and personalized recommendations alternate weekly at the top of the home page, enhancing visibility and allowing other announcements, playlists, and podcasts to also get top placement.
The audiobooks announcement banner and personalized recommendations alternate weekly at the top of the home page, enhancing visibility and allowing other announcements, playlists, and podcasts to also get top placement.
Designed a search function for audiobooks, allowing users to find specific audiobooks by titles, authors or duration.
Designed a search function, allowing users to find recommended audiobooks and other audiobooks by title, author or duration.
Designed a search function, allowing users to find recommended audiobooks and other audiobooks by title, author or duration.
USER INTERVIEW
Discovered a useful insight and its corresponding platform feature after a user interview.
Added a "Category" option in the search function so that users can browse by themes such as Business & Careers, Self-Help and Relationships, simplifying the audiobook discoverability.
Added a "Category" option in the search function so that users can browse by themes such as Business & Careers, Self-Help and Relationships, simplifying the audiobook discoverability.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I realized using both qualitative and quantitative data can strengthen the case study as both are crucial in the implementation of a solution.
It's been a great learning experience to tackle Spotify's desktop challenges, improving engagement by addressing podcast navigation and audiobook discoverability.
These changes could solve frustrating problems for the users and improve user retention. I'm excited to see how they shape Spotify's desktop future if implemented.
I realized using both qualitative and quantitative data can strengthen the case study as both are crucial in the implementation of a solution.
It's been a great learning experience to tackle Spotify's desktop challenges, improving engagement by addressing podcast navigation and audiobook discoverability.
These changes could solve frustrating problems for the users and improve user retention. I'm excited to see how they shape Spotify's desktop future if implemented.
USER INTERVIEW
Discovered a useful insight and its corresponding platform feature after a user interview.
NEXT PROJECT
Product Design
Product Design
