Developing a new audio interface and partner software that speaks the language of podcasters, enabling them to create professional podcasts without earning a degree in audio engineering.
My Role
Designed hardware UI and interactions
UX and Visual Design of Vocaster Hub software
Designed all UX copy for hardware and software
Ran multiple research and usability sessions with podcasters.
Accessibility advocate working with visually impaired consultant
Managed gift box design with agency. Wrote all gift box copy
Project Background
Podcasting is the fastest growing form of content creation, alongside streaming. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of podcasts in the world increased 300%, from 1 million to 4 million.
Podcasters worldwide want to tell their stories, but they have so much to do.
They must build an audience, write scripts, arrange guests, promote the show, record, edit, and transcribe. The last thing they want to do is become audio engineering experts.
So, how could we make things easier for them with a new audio interface?
The Beginning
We began with a week-long, focused design sprint that I facilitated. We set our goals for the project and understood the customer. Interviews and ethnographic studies of podcasters had occurred before the design sprint, and this was supported by further UX tests in the design sprint.
The Hardware Design
We had a keen understanding of the customer, their pain points, and desires. We knew that customers of Focusrite’s Scarlett products, or competitors who make mixers, often felt daunted. We sought to remove this fear.
A key focus was on language and context. Therefore inputs are not labeled preamp or Input or Mic In. They are called Host and Guest.
The product’s design was built around a simplified user interface that allowed podcasters to quickly mute themselves, enable audio processing tools that enhanced their voice to ensure their recording is release-ready, and control their levels. Vocaster’s Auto Gain feature also allows podcasters to have the device set their input gain automatically based on their speaking level.
The Software Design
We knew that complex audio software was a key pain point for podcasters. So we attempted to make it as streamlined as possible and break some of the norms of other software.
To this end, the design was built around familiar visual designs in other podcast software. In addition, I implemented material design principles to create depth and texture in the interface.
Two panels at the top of the UI show the controls for each input (Host, Guest) respectively. The lower panel allows podcasters to change the volume levels of the various sources they hear.
UX and Beta testing proved that the software UI was intuitive for podcasters to use and understand to achieve their goals.
Read more about the design of Vocaster Hub here.
Accessibility
Vocaster Hub can be controlled using screen reader software. As 95% of the hardware control surface can be controlled from software, this makes Vocaster the first truly accessible audio interface for creators.
Vocaster wins awards
Vocaster launched at NAMM 2022. The National Association of Music Merchants is one of the largest trade shows covering all of the MI Industry.
Vocaster Two and its smaller sibling—Vocaster One—won the coveted best in show award for its design and innovative approach to aiding creators.
