Apple Music - Case Study

Apple Music is known for its clean and minimal interface, which aligns well with Apple’s brand. While the design is visually appealing, there are usability challenges that impact the overall experience. This case study explores common user frustrations and presents design solutions aimed at improving functionality while preserving the app’s aesthetic.

Client

Apple

Industry

Entertaiment

Service

App Redesign

Digital Design

UI/UX Design

Duration

6 Week

OverView

The goal of this case study was to assess the usability of Apple Music by gathering real user feedback and identifying common pain points. Instead of relying solely on my own preferences, I aimed to understand the broader user base—how different types of users navigate and interact with the app, what frustrations they encounter, and what features they desire. I gathered insights through secondary research including app store reviews, user forums, and UX critiques. From there, I developed potential solutions and redesigned specific components of the app interface to enhance usability, clarity, and user satisfaction.

The Challenge

One of the biggest challenges was approaching the redesign without letting personal preferences dominate the decision-making process. Being a loyal Apple Music user, I had to consciously step back and analyze the platform from an objective lens. Additionally, due to the proprietary nature of the platform and limited public data, conducting research relied heavily on community forums, anecdotal reviews, and comparative UX studies. The challenge was not only identifying areas of friction within the app, but also envisioning solutions that could realistically integrate into the Apple ecosystem while respecting its brand and visual identity.

The Solution

I began by categorizing user complaints into key focus areas—such as discoverability of new music, playback navigation, library organization, and social sharing features. I wireframed solutions that prioritized clearer hierarchy, simplified micro-interactions, and more engaging ways to personalize content discovery. One major redesign involved the "Listen Now" tab, reorganizing it to give users more control over what’s surfaced. I also proposed a revamped "Library" layout that allows easier access to recently played content and smart playlists. Each solution was grounded in Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to ensure feasibility and brand consistency, while still introducing fresh and user-driven enhancements.

The Result

The final concept was presented as a mid-fidelity interactive prototype that demonstrates how a few focused design changes can significantly improve the user experience. Early feedback from peers and fellow Apple Music users highlighted how intuitive and accessible the new layout felt, especially for casual users unfamiliar with all of the app’s features. This project helped solidify my approach to designing for established ecosystems and showed how even small UX refinements can make a measurable impact on user engagement and satisfaction.