Local beat
Where entertainment and convenience collide.
It all starts with an idea
Silicon Mountain Technologies took on a commercial project with key stakeholder Andy Potter. The goal of this project was to create a local live music directory for the area of Jefferson County.
My role
Lead UX/UI Designer
Client
Andy Potter
Duration
6 months
Tools
Figma, Adobe Illustrator
The Problem
In today's fast-paced world, music enthusiasts often struggle to discover and experience local live music events tailored to their tastes and preferences. Despite the abundance of talented artists and vibrant music scenes in various communities, there is a centralized platform that effectively aggregates and presents comprehensive information about nearby live music performances, venues, genres, and schedules. Consequently, individuals are frequently left uninformed about exciting musical opportunities happening in their vicinity, leading to missed experiences for both audience members and aspiring musicians seeking exposure.
This gap in accessibility and awareness not only impedes the growth of local music scenes but also deprives communities of the cultural enrichment and social connectivity that live music fosters. Thus, there is a pressing need for a user-friendly online platform that seamlessly connects music enthusiasts with the rich tapestry of live music events in their local area, enhancing accessibility, engagement, and enjoyment within the community.
The Goal
The goal is to create a user-friendly website that empowers music enthusiasts to easily discover, access, and engage with local live music events in their communities. By providing a comprehensive and dynamic platform, the goal is to foster a vibrant and connected music scene, facilitating greater exposure for artists, enhancing cultural enrichment, and enriching the lives of users through memorable live music experiences. The website aims to bridge the gap between audiences and musicians, serving as a go-to destination for discovering diverse genres, venues, and performances while promoting social connectivity and community engagement around the shared love of live music.
Research and Analysis
Competitor and market research
competitor feature analysis
user research
user interviews
Competitive Analysis
Our Goals
Small venues are being overlooked
No tool specifically for connecting local fans to small venues
Competition is offering free services and monetizing via ticket sales
Voice and identity are essential to compete in this market
Most services are built for the average music fan
Feature Analysis
Insights & Opportunity
Small venues are rarely represented in event listings
The primary funnel is built for ticket sales to large events
Information about the events, venues, and artists is commonly underwhelming to read or hard to find
No competitor is offering a map, main delivery of data is via an info table or calendar
None of the competitors ask for location, rather they list the results for the large city based off google search keywords
Before jumping into design, I started with thorough research to ensure our decisions were backed by data and user insights. Our client lacked a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and potential users, so I initiated a multi-layered research approach to bridge this gap.
First, I conducted market research to analyze industry trends, identify key players, and uncover opportunities for differentiation. Next, I performed a competitor feature analysis, evaluating existing solutions to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the market.
To gain a deeper understanding of user needs, I led user research efforts, including user interviews with potential customers. These conversations provided valuable insights into pain points, expectations, and behaviors, shaping our design strategy moving forward.
Market Competitors
Global
JamBase.com
Bandsintown.com
Livenation.com
Local
PeakRadar.com
ColoradoSound.org
Eventticketscenter.com
Logo
calendar
landing page
filters
User personas
2. Ideation
functionality
sitemap
wireframes
Functionality to meet user needs
Target audience
wireframes
landing page
event listings
With a solid research foundation in place, the next step was to translate our insights into a clear product strategy. This phase focused on defining core functionalities, structuring content effectively, and establishing a user-friendly experience.
I began by creating a sitemap, mapping out the information architecture to ensure seamless navigation and intuitive user flows. This helped us align the product’s structure with user needs while prioritizing essential features.
Next, I developed wireframes, exploring different layout possibilities to visualize key interactions and user journeys. These low-fidelity designs allowed for quick iterations and early feedback, ensuring that the final solution was both functional and user-centered.
Function definition
Goal of this user: Find and share events
Features (MVP):
Event List
Event Details
Location
Time
Artist Details
Map/Location Feature
Near me
Filters (Cost, Artist, Distance..)
Add to Calendar
Buy Tickets
event details
Log in
About
3. Design
Brand identity
lofi mockups
hifi prototype
Brand Identity
lofi mockups
we then did lofi mockups and gathered feedback from surveys.
Test & Iterate
With the structure and functionality defined, the next step was to refine the visual and interactive experience. This phase focused on establishing a strong brand identity, crafting intuitive interfaces, and building a high-fidelity prototype.
I started with brand identity development, ensuring that the visual language aligned with the product’s purpose and resonated with the target audience. This included defining typography, color schemes, and UI elements to create a cohesive and professional look.
Next, I translated our wireframes into low-fidelity mockups, focusing on layout and interaction patterns without the distraction of final visuals. Once the core experience was validated, I refined these into high-fidelity prototypes, incorporating polished UI elements and interactive components. This allowed for realistic user testing and ensured a seamless handoff to development.
