UX/UI Design for Density's Advanced Hardware
Senior UX/UI designer
About Density
Density products revolutionize DJ sets by providing users with precise tools for recording and editing their performances. Instead of recording audio, Density captures data from DJ decks, including every cue, loop, and knob twist. This allows for non-destructive editing of transitions, EQs, filters, and effects within the Density app, preserving high-quality tracks without distortion from DJ hardware.
Density offers two solutions: software and hardware.
Software: The standalone Mac application allows users to record live sets and enhance studio tracks without DJ decks. It includes transition presets, EQ automation, mixer effects, and a LUFS meter for consistent volume. The high-quality limiter optimizes sets for platforms such as SoundCloud.
Hardware: The Density hardware device captures DJ sets in clubs and festivals. By connecting to decks and mixers, it records every detail of the performance, creating a recording that resembles a text document rather than a photocopy. The recording can be easily exported and edited in the Density software after the performance.
I’ve been involved in various aspects of the Density project, such as redesigning the software interface, enhancing user flows, and improving connectivity features. However, let's focus on my key contributions to the hardware interface.
Work process
As a Senior UX/UI Designer at Density One, I had the privilege of creating the concept and user experience design for the first version of Density DJ Hardware.
The process began with in-depth discussions with stakeholders. I aimed to understand their vision and goals for the new DJ equipment. By carefully analyzing their ideas and expectations, I was able to identify the key requirements and essential features that needed to be implemented in the first version.
To make the new product’s interface intuitive and familiar for users, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of existing DJ equipment on the market. This research provided me with valuable insights into industry standards and user preferences in managing musical equipment.
Stakeholder
“The prototype revealed that connecting to the mixer is more complex than connecting to the decks, taking around 14 seconds and requiring additional steps from the customer. We need to explain and demonstrate this process to the customers.”
Head of Design
“We need to add …”
Stakeholder
“Customers say …”
Head of Design
“Test showed …”
Head of design
“Sorry to say, but we’ve decided to make the first version of the hardware more affordable. Instead of a touch screen, we’ll be using a regular screen. So, we need to redesign it to work with just one button.”
NEW VERSION
NEW VERSION
