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Retro Wave

An 80s-inspired app bringing retro vibes

to music discovery

UX Case Study

Alex Briody

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the Retro Wave app is to:

Bring 80s music back to modern users through an intuitive and visually engaging interface.
Create a seamless experience for playing, discovering, and organizing 80s music.
Integrate retro design elements with contemporary usability standards for a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality.
Appeal to both longtime 80s fans and new listeners, offering a user-friendly experience that combines nostalgia with ease of use.

HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis behind Retro Wave is that users will be drawn to the app's unique blend of modern usability and retro aesthetics:

By offering a specialized platform for discovering and organizing 80s music, users will feel a strong connection to the app's theme.
The app’s visual appeal, with vibrant colors and iconic 80s design elements, will evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Practical features like playlist creation and seamless playback will enhance usability, making it easy to explore music from the era.

This combination is anticipated to enrich the experience for both casual listeners and dedicated 80s music fans.

OVERVIEW

Retro Wave serves as a nostalgic music discovery platform specifically for fans of 80s music:

Users can browse, search, and play their favorite retro tracks while organizing personalized playlists.
The design draws heavily from iconic 1980s visuals and aesthetics, including neon colors, geometric shapes, and analog music technology.
Familiar UI elements provide an engaging yet intuitive experience for both longtime fans and new listeners interested in exploring the era's sounds.

80s music fans can...

With Retro Wave, 80s music fans can:

Rediscover their favorite hits in a vibrant, retro-inspired setting.
Explore iconic tracks, discover new 80s music, and create personalized playlists.
Stay connected to the music that defined a generation, all through an easy-to-use, modern interface.

Enjoy an authentic retro vibe combined with today’s digital convenience.

Why?

Retro Wave exists to rekindle the unique nostalgia of 80s music:

It provides a dedicated platform for fans to discover and enjoy 80s hits in one convenient place.
Users can enjoy a specialized space tailored specifically to the iconic sounds and styles of the 1980s.
It offers an alternative to mainstream platforms, which often lack the same focus on this distinct era.

How?

Retro Wave combines ease of use with a retro aesthetic to create a seamless music experience:

Users enjoy an intuitive interface with design elements that evoke the classic 80s vibe.
The app makes it easy to navigate, browse music, and create personalized playlists with minimal effort.
Seamless playback ensures an uninterrupted experience, keeping users engaged with the vibrant, vintage-inspired UI.

USER RESEARCH

Who?

The app is used by fans of 80s music, covering a broad age range:

Users include those who grew up in the 80s as well as younger listeners discovering the decade for the first time.
The audience consists of music enthusiasts, retro culture fans, and anyone interested in exploring or revisiting the sounds of the 1980s.

Where?

The app is accessible in a variety of settings:

At home, work, or while commuting.
During gym sessions, 80s-themed parties, or just relaxing.
Anywhere users want a convenient way to revisit the sounds of the 80s.

What?

Users interact with the app to:

Listen to classic 80s tracks and explore curated playlists.
Discover new music from the decade, organized by genre or artist.
Create and organize their own playlists, enjoying a nostalgic experience with retro-themed visuals.

When?

Users engage with Retro Wave at any time, depending on their need for an 80s vibe:

For an energizing start to the day or a nostalgic wind-down.
Whenever they’re seeking an escape through music or want to relive the classics.
Any time they need instant access to 80s hits, whether it’s morning, noon, or night.

STYLE GUIDE

Colors

Buttons

Secondary Button

Primary Button

UI Elements and Styles

Logo

This Retro Wave logo, created using Midjourney, captures the essence of 80s music with its neon colors and bold geometric design. The flowing wave suggests rhythm and sound, aligning with the app’s focus on music discovery. It’s a nostalgic yet modern emblem that appeals to fans of the era and new listeners alike.

Typography

Heading 5 | Noto Sans Bold, 18px

Heading 4 | Noto Sans Medium, 20px

Heading 3 | Noto Sans Regular, 26px

Heading 2 | Noto Sans Medium, 32px

Heading 1 | Noto Sans Bold, 48px

Display Heading 1 | Pacifico , 48px

TITLES & HEADINGS

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