Pass the Mic

UX/UI Design

Pass the Mic is a passion project to address the accessibility of the hardware commonly used in karaoke establishments. I wanted to create an alternative design that could be accessible to both English and Korean speakers while updating the format using current popular technological designs.

Background

Role: UX & UI Designer

Designing an accessible iPad app to replace the outdated remote pad typically found in karaoke rooms in Duluth, GA.

Problems to Solve

Minimize pain points during song selection.
Limited language accessibility
Create an accessible platform for people of varying technological literacy and sobriety
Design an engaging brand identity that reflects a karaoke experience

The Goal

Design a digital platform that a) allows people to easily find a song to queue during their karaoke session and b) easily navigate the platform despite language and digital literacy.

The Research

When entering a karaoke establishment, we are directed to a private room (unlike a karaoke bar common in the States). As the session begins you are given a clunky remote the size of an ipad to type in a song of choice. Unfortunately, the remote given is specifically made for a korean based clientele to be used by a party who mainly speak English. At the beginning of the interaction, we are challenged with a language barrier. We navigated the points of frustration of using the typical remote used during a karaoke session and hoped to achieve a design that would create a seamless experience for both a Korean speaking-based clientele and a growing English-speaking clientele.

Featured

TJ Media Karaoke Remote

This is a standard karaoke remote commonly used for finding and choosing songs. These remotes are bulky to hold and slow to press buttons.

TJ Media Karaoke Machine

This is the accompanied machine that pairs with the remote, microphone, and song books. The machine is typically hooked up to the TV.

Song Books

Pair of songs books containing a list of songs with corresponding item numbers. These song books contain almost the entire discography. The problem with these books is the writing is small and hard to read especially in a low light room.

THE Design

The create an accessible framework I designed a layout that most people find recognizable. The main layout of the app is based off of the well-known music library, Spotify.

Accessibility

PM Language Toggle

For English Users

To improve legibility for both Korean and English speakers, it was essential to add a language toggle button at the top of the screen.

For Korean Users

To expand the user base, it was necessary to accommodate not only the new English-speaking users but also maintain accessibility for the original Korean-speaking users.

Choose your Tunes

Keyboard

Search for songs by utilizing the iPad keyboard. Find songs by title or artist using English or changing the keyboard language to find songs from different countries.
Voice

Avoid the keyboard all together and search for music using voice recognition.
Playlists

Find songs through curated playlists for the moments you can’t think of a song.

Help I need Somebody Noy just anybody

DJ Echo

DJ Echo functions as an identifiable mascot to help guide users through the app in a friendly and engaging way.

Step by Step Tutorial

For people unfamiliar with navigating the app layout, there is a help button located at the top of the screen that sends users to a guided tour of how to use each function.

Beyond Language

As a bilingual customer, using Romanized lyrics can be helpful when singing songs in multiple languages.

PM Lyric Toggle

Default Lyric Screen

This is a screenshot of a lyric video typically played on the TV screen found in a karaoke room.

Romanized Lyric Screen

After pressing the lyric toggle button on the Pass the Mic App, the lyrics on the screen will include romanized lyrics.

Sing like Mariah

Although the main framework is inspired by popular music app, Spotify, there are several added features that cater to a more seamless karaoke experience. One of the features includes microphone volume control for that friend who belts or maybe a friend who sings in a whisper. Another feature includes changing the song key which allows users to finally sing an Ariana Grande song in a comfortable key and maybe even hit a high note.

GReatest Hits

Check out your song scores on the song scoreboard page which provides a live update of all the karaoke scores during a session featuring a fun animation for the top three scores.