Music Making Platform
Designed Website For An Updated Product
Here, the scope, objectives, and timeline of the project are highlighted, including the redesign focus, strategic goals, and execution.
Timeline
This redesign was completed in approximately three to four weeks. From initial concept to final implementation, the process involved rapid iteration, ensuring that the new website effectively communicated BeatConnect’s brand direction and multiplayer experience.
Background
BeatConnect is a Canadian music tech startup dedicated to making music creation more collaborative and gamified through its Multiplayer DAW, a marketplace for tools and sounds, and its in-platform currency, BeatBux.
As the lead designer, I spearheaded a full website redesign to align with the launch of our revamped DAW. The previous site didn’t emphasize the DAW’s evolution, so the new design aimed to highlight its real-time collaboration features while also showcasing community projects and the Marketplace.
This category details the step-by-step approach taken during the project, including research, planning, design, development, testing, and optimization phases.
Research & Planning
Our primary goal is to create an experience that emphasizes fun and creativity—similar to how video games showcase their engaging worlds. To achieve this, I conducted market research to analyze existing websites both within our industry and in adjacent fields, such as gaming, to identify best practices that can help us bring this vision to life.
Copy & Low-fidelity
Before beginning the design process, I received the copy from the marketing team, which outlined the key messaging, titles, and tone they wanted for the website (even though they changed the copy for the final version). Their goal was to craft a narrative that aligned with the brand’s identity while effectively communicating its value.
With this in hand, I carefully reviewed the content as I started working on low-fidelity wireframes and sketches. This allowed me to structure the layout in a way that naturally supported the storytelling, ensuring that the design complemented the messaging rather than competing with it. By integrating the copy early in the process, I aimed to create a seamless experience where the visuals and text worked together to convey the fun, engaging, and accessible nature of our DAW.
Design & Prototyping
With my inspirations locked in, I began by designing the hero section, as it would set the overall tone and direction for the entire site. Since I was also working on the design of our updated product, I made sure the website’s look and feel aligned seamlessly with it, creating a cohesive brand experience.
By establishing the hero section first, I was able to define key visual elements—such as typography, color schemes, and layout—that would carry through the rest of the site. Once this foundation was in place, designing the remaining sections became much more intuitive, as I now had a clear direction to follow.
Implementation
We leveraged agile development methodologies to ensure a smooth and efficient website build. By maintaining clear communication with the development team throughout the design process, I ensured that the design was structured in a way that was easy to implement. As a result, once the development phase began, the team was able to jump right in without any major issues.
The website was built quickly, with minimal errors, requiring only a few minor adjustments. This streamlined approach not only sped up the development process but also ensured a final product that stayed true to the original design vision.
Testing & Optimization
Conducted testing across various devices and platforms to ensure compatibility and performance.
Here, the creative direction, strategic improvements, and user-focused enhancements of the redesign are highlighted.
Fun & Creativity First
The website was designed to capture the excitement of making music—much like how video games highlight their immersive experiences. Bright colors, multiplayer-focused design elements, and a DAW-first approach helped reinforce this sense of playfulness.
Emphasizing Unique Value
Our previous website didn’t effectively communicate why users should choose our DAW. To fix this, I introduced a “Why We Are Different” section, clearly outlining our competitive advantages.
Stronger Sales Psychology
To better connect with potential users, I added a video section showcasing musicians having fun making music together, reinforcing the DAW’s collaborative and engaging nature.
Here, the personal journey, design evolution, and project impact are highlighted.
Growth as a Designer
This project was especially meaningful to me as it reflected how much I’ve evolved as a designer. When I first joined BeatConnect fresh out of college, my very first task was to redesign the website. Looking back at that initial version now is almost amusing—I’ve come such a long way since then.
Achieving the Vision
Beyond just making the website feel fun and creative, the final design was well-received by both the team and stakeholders. It successfully captured the excitement and collaborative energy we wanted our users to experience.
A Rewarding Experience
This project challenged me in the best way possible, and I’m proud of what I accomplished. Seeing the transformation of both the website and my own design skills has been incredibly fulfilling.
Thanks for reading! ✌
