Designing a music app for two distinct user groups

Client: Music streaming startup

Role: Product Designer, UX Researcher

Status: Currently on hold at the client's request

Delivered end-to-end design, including research, wireframes, UI, interactive prototype, and design system.

Freemium model validated and integrated without affecting user experience.

Prepared a reusable component library to accelerate development when the project resumes.

Delivered an integrated experience for two distinct user types: listeners and independent artists.

Most music apps focus on solo listening. The client envisioned a platform where music discovery is community-driven, and independent artists are supported alongside their listeners.

The design challenge was to accommodate two very different users in a single product without either user feeling like an afterthought. Listeners want discovery and social connection. Artists want visibility, analytics, and tools to manage their work. Getting the balance right meant every design decision had to serve both.

I started with competitor benchmarking, analysing features and user reviews of existing music and social platforms to identify gaps. The product did not effectively support community-driven discovery, particularly for independent artists.

Based on this research, I recommend a freemium model that lets users experience the core product before committing to a subscription. The app architecture was built around four pillars: Home, Browse, Library, and Community.

I mapped key flows for both user types before starting visual design. For listeners, I designed a tab-based home screen for new releases, charts, and the community feed; a streamlined playlist builder; and clear upgrade pages for Mediator Pro outlining subscriber benefits.

For artists, I created a dedicated dashboard with cross-platform listening statistics, team management tools, and a space to share their own tracks alongside their favourite music. Both user experiences share a consistent design language while meeting distinct needs.

I built high-fidelity UI for key screens and assembled them into an interactive prototype that covers the main user flows for both listeners and artists. Alongside this, I established a core design system with reusable components and designed a landing page concept to support a future launch.

Designing for two distinct user types within a single product requires constant prioritisation. Every screen has to earn its place for both.

Testing the freemium business model early through research saved time and gave the client confidence in the direction.

Delivering a complete, handoff-ready asset library ensures the project can resume without losing momentum when the client is ready.