Methods for Studying Users

Stage Link

August 2024 - December 2024

Overview:
StageLink is a mobile application prototype developed to connect local performers with event hosts seeking fresh talent. By addressing the challenges performers face in finding gigs and event planners encounter in sourcing talent, StageLink simplifies networking and booking. Our team used Figma to design and prototype the app, incorporating insights from user testing to create an intuitive and functional platform.

Problem Statement:
How can local performers effectively promote themselves and expand their networks, while event planners efficiently discover and book new talent?

Design Background:
StageLink bridges the gap between emerging talent and event organizers, fostering a collaborative ecosystem in the entertainment industry. By empathizing with both performers and planners, our app facilitates meaningful connections through essential features, including:

  • Portfolio showcasing

  • Networking tools

  • Scheduling capabilities

  • In-app messaging

Design Process:
Our iterative design process involved the following steps:

Research and Discovery:

  • Conducted Contextual Inquiry Research using AEIOU maps.

  • Interviewed five college-aged performers and local music community members in State College to identify the current pain points in gig-finding systems.

  • Synthesized findings to outline representative tasks and highlight functionality critical for a seamless user experience

Early Design Prototypes:

  • Created low-fidelity sketches to explore design ideas and requirements collaboratively.

  • Developed a high-fidelity prototype in Figma with moderate functionality to simulate the user journey.

Usability Testing:

  • Conducted moderated usability tests by assigning tasks to users and collecting verbalized feedback during interactions.

  • Used Loop11 for unmoderated usability testing, prompting users with tasks and gathering self-reported responses.

View my Moderated Testing Zoom Recording

User Testing Findings:

Task 1: Messaging
Positives:

  • Messaging was accessible and intuitive for most users.

  • Clear and recognizable messaging icon.

Negatives:

  • Low visibility due to poor contrast between chat text and background.

  • Users expected the messaging button in a bottom navigation bar, similar to common social media apps.

Task 2: Profile Navigation
Positives:

  • Easy navigation to user profiles.

  • Bold design of the "Find New Links" button attracted attention.

Negatives:

  • "Find New Links" button lacked visibility for some users.

  • Navigation between sections (e.g., "My Links" and "Upcoming Events") caused minor confusion.

Task 3: Finding Job Postings
Positives:

  • Job postings were easy to locate, and the calendar interface was user-friendly.

  • Clear organization and visible wages/rates enhanced usability.

Negatives:

  • Users mistakenly navigated to the profile section when prompted to find gigs.

  • Displayed gigs included events irrelevant to users’ availability, leading to suggestions for refined filtering.

Design Iteration:
Feedback from usability testing informed refinements to StageLink, including:

  • Moving the messaging button to a bottom navigation bar for familiarity.

  • Replacing "Links" terminology with "Connections" for clarity.

  • Enhancing the "Available Gigs" page to display events tailored to user availability.

  • Implementing full functionality for the "Apply Now" button.

Executive Summary:
StageLink addresses the challenges performers face in gaining visibility and the hurdles event hosts encounter in discovering local talent. The app combines intuitive navigation, practical features, and an appealing aesthetic to create a seamless gig-finding and networking experience. Through continuous testing and refinement, StageLink evolved into a user-centric solution that connects talent with opportunity.

Prototype:
Explore the StageLink Prototype