JBL Pro Connect
04
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Timeline
Type
6 months
Audio System
App Design
Team
Client:
Harman Professional
Stakeholders:
Pradeep Prabhu
My Role
Widgets
UX Design
UI Design
Type
Tools
Sketch
Invision
Building an app for for device control and sound customization
JBL Pro Connect was ideated as a mobile and tablet app that provides seamless control over JBL's professional audio equipment. Designed for audio professionals, DJs, and enthusiasts, it offers powerful tools to optimize sound, create presets, and manage multiple devices. The app ensures effortless real-time control and customization for an enhanced audio experience.
01
CHALLENGES
01
How can the app balance simplicity and advanced functionality to cater to both novice and professional users?
DISCOVERING
02
How can seamless real-time control be ensured without latency or performance issues during audio adjustments?
How can device pairing and multi-device management be made intuitive and error-free in environments with multiple JBL systems?
03
UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE
To understand how existing players are leveraging technology to enhance audio management experiences, I spent considerable time exploring apps on my phone—downloading, testing, and analyzing their features.
I reviewed a variety of applications, including those focused on audio control and innovative user interfaces. This analysis helped me identify the strengths and weaknesses of these apps, providing valuable insights that guided the design of JBL Pro Connect for a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Sennheiser Smart Control
STRENGTHS
Device Management Efficiency
02
Multi-device connectivity is well-integrated, but switching between paired devices isn’t always smooth. A centralized dashboard for managing multiple Sennheiser products could enhance the experience.
Precision-Tuned Sound Control
01
The app offers a refined EQ with deep customization, ideal for audiophiles. However, a more intuitive visual representation of sound adjustments could enhance user engagement.
Clean but Technical UI
03
The app maintains a sleek, professional look, but certain advanced features feel hidden or overly technical. A guided walkthrough for first-time users could make navigation more intuitive.
Marshall Music App
STRENGTHS
Tactile Sound Customization
02
The EQ settings mimic the feel of analog controls, making adjustments intuitive for music enthusiasts. Yet, more precise digital fine-tuning options could cater to audiophiles.
Rock-Inspired Aesthetic
01
The app’s vintage, amp-like UI matches Marshall’s brand identity, creating an immersive experience. However, this stylized design sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over usability.
Minimalist Yet Niche Navigation
03
The app keeps controls simple, but some settings feel buried, requiring extra taps. A more dynamic, user-adaptive layout could improve accessibility.
Sonos App
STRENGTHS
Minimalist Yet Deep Interface
02
The clean design prioritizes simplicity, but some advanced features require deep navigation. A more adaptive UI could balance accessibility and expert controls better.
Effortless Multi-Room Control
01
Sonos excels in multi-room audio, allowing users to group and ungroup speakers with a simple drag-and-drop. However, transitioning between different setups could be more fluid.
Customization & Control
03
Voice assistant support is useful, but managing preferences within the app feels scattered. A centralized settings hub could enhance user control over smart interactions.
Bose Music App
STRENGTHS
Navigation & Usability
02
While the UI is sleek, key controls are hidden under multiple steps, making quick adjustments inconvenient. A more streamlined layout could enhance ease of use.
Onboarding Experience
01
The setup process is simple but could be more intuitive for first-time users to reduce friction. Enhancing guidance and feedback could improve the overall onboarding flow.
Customization & Control
03
The app offers EQ tuning and personalized sound modes but lacks deeper customization for advanced users. More granular controls could improve the professional audio experience.
Bose Music App
Sonos App
Marshall Bluetooth App
Sennheiser Smart Control
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
INSIGHTS
01
Effortless Device Pairing
One-tap pairing and clear feedback ensure devices are connected effortlessly, even in environments with multiple devices.
02
Real-Time Sound Control
The user adjusts key audio settings like EQ, volume, and reverb using responsive sliders and interactive dials.
03
Multi-Device Management
Intuitive controls and clear organization enable users to manage complex setups with ease and confidence.
02
DEFINING
How can we simplify the audio management for music professionals?
TARGET AUDIENCE
PRIMARY AUDIENCE
Secondary AuDIENCE
Professional Audio Engineers, DJs and Performers, Event Managers
Audio Enthusiasts, Small Business Owners, Tech-Savvy Consumers
USER PERSONAS
We analyzed user information to identify patterns and group users with similar needs and motivations. For each group, I crafted detailed profiles, including their background, goals, frustrations, and how they interact with the product.
These personas were validated with stakeholders to ensure they accurately reflected user needs and aligned with project goals.
UNDERSTANDING THE DATA
I conducted an extensive review of articles, research papers, and scientific studies on solar panels and their adoption in India. To focus my findings on the specific problem statement, I developed a research strategy that allowed me to streamline and filter the insights I gathered.
Additionally, I engaged with both current users and potential adopters through interviews and surveys, further enriching my understanding of their experiences and needs. This comprehensive approach has provided a solid foundation for my project, ensuring it is informed by both existing research and direct user feedback.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
I started by identifying user needs and core features, ensuring the structure supported both basic tasks and advanced controls like multi-device management. It was challenging to balance simplicity with functionality, but through iterations and feedback, I refined the flow to feel logical and intuitive.
WIREFRAMES
I focused on three core flows—device connection, sound control, and real-time monitoring—and shared drafts with my team to spark collaborative feedback. Each iteration brought new insights, and creating a UI Kit early became the glue that held everything together.
Watching the wireframes evolve from rough sketches to cohesive designs felt like bringing ideas to life, one screen at a time.
03
DESIGNING
Moodboard
This mood board draws inspiration from the dynamic world of professional audio, combining elements of precision, rhythm, and energy. It captures a bold yet refined aesthetic with clean lines, vibrant accents, and high-contrast visuals.
Primary Colors
#161E26
#FFB344
Secondary Colors
#00E9E8
#FFB344
#4E5961
Colors
The orange and black color palette in the music app symbolizes energy and rhythm, resonating with the dynamic nature of sound. Orange brings vibrancy and creativity, while black adds depth and focus, enhancing the app's immersive audio experience.
Font Type
Heading
Sub Heading
Caption Bold
Caption Regular
Paragraph Bold
Paragraph Regular
Font
Tititlium Bold
Titilium Semi-Bold
Tititlium Bold
Tititlium Regular
Tititlium Semi Bold
Tititlium Regular
Font size
24px
18px
16px
14px
12px
12px
Line Height
32px
28px
24px
20px
16px
14px
Typeface
The typeface "Titillium" was chosen for its clean and modern aesthetics, ensuring excellent readability across various device screens. Its sleek lines and geometric precision perfectly complement the app's minimal design language.
Iconography
We inherited icons from CloudworX design system which is part of Harman Professional design library.
