Creating a next-generation podcasting interface
Responsibilities
- User Research
- UX Design
- UX Testing
- Visual Design
Project Goal
Enter the world of podcast recording with a new product built specifically for podcasters and content creators with little experience and/or interest in audio recording and production that would allow them to record with ease.
Research
Although some podcasters and content creators already owned and used Focusrite products, ‘The Podcaster’ was a new customer type for the business to consider
Design and Testing
We performed a great number of iterations on the form factor and layout of the Vocaster One and Two. Many iterations were tested directly with podcast customers. We also actively tested the project during meetings. As it was developed during the pandemic, all our meetings happened online! This provided a great opportunity for some internal testing (read: dog-fooding).
Vocaster Hub
A new and fully accessible audio interface would also require a software control panel to allow deeper control and screen reader compatibility.
As a UX designer on the Vocaster project, I worked with the wider team to design, develop, and test this software. We took a new approach compared to many other similar pieces of software in the industry by stripping back much of the technical complexity and focusing on maintaining a streamlined approach, even if it offered more control than the hardware.
Key Features:
Auto Gain – This would later go on to be used in the Scarlett 4th Gen product range
Focusrite’s first fully accessible audio interface
Onboard digital signal processing and Enhance feature for great voice tone
Multi-functional LED ring – This would later go on to influence the design of Scarlett 4th Gen’s “Halo 2.0”
Reception and Success
Despite winning the NAMM “Best in show” award, Vocaster unfortunately struggled in the marketplace. While it received positive reviews from media outlets, influencers, and customers alike, it was also a little late to the market versus its competitors. In the intervening time, those competitors had completely dominated the marketplace. Vocaster is still available but unfortunately did not meet the hopes of the project at the outset.