4 - Music, Complexity, & Learning (in progress)
This project utilized the double diamond design method in UXR to discover ways to encourage learning jazz piano for new players. This complex, obscured field needs modern design and solutions for learning in this modern age. This project is a passion project, born out of my own experiences and frustrations in learning jazz! Learning complex skills can be extremely rewarding. AI cannot take this process away from us. We must double down on our humanity, learning, and curiosity.
Product Design & Customer Discovery
The Problem:
Jazz is difficult to learn due to a high bar for entry, complexities with harmony, and high expectations set. I am tasked with designing a jazz-specific learning software, designed to help specifically people new to jazz who want to learn at their own pace, without judgment. A large emphasis of design decisions will be on building general healthy habits, but the design will also look towards building foundational jazz skills.
My Process:
I iterated using the double diamond design method, from discovering the problem, defining the scope, iteration on solutions, prototyping, and testing.
My Solution:
Discovered the potential of a jazz learning software that compiles all necessary resources into one system: including historic music data, techniques to learn, and mentors to contact. By providing a framework to learn in, learning can be visualized, directed, and defined. This gives users agency in their learning, and shows growth over time and presence in practice.
The Outcome:
By identifying, iterating, and prototyping, I discovered a large gap: specifically in how accessible jazz is to learn and develop. This complex field can seem daunting to get into at first, but with resources and a positive mindset, individuals can discover and be a part of the beauty of music.
Metadata:
- Role: UX Researcher, Customer Discovery
- Timeline: ---
- Team: Peter H
- Tools: Whiteboard, Reddit, Figma Make
