MARKETPLACE
The Gobbler Marketplace is a revolutionary ecommerce platform bringing the subscription model to the world of audio plugins. Home recording enthusiasts, professional audio producers, radio station and tv audio engineers have an opportunity to add world class audio plugins to their arsenals on demand.
RESPONSIBILITIES
I was responsible for all aspects of design as Head of UX reporting to the CEO of Gobbler. Those responsibilities included research, interaction design, copy, wireframing, putting the final touches on the designs, as well as some front-end development. In other words, a fairly typical startup life. Planning and design of the Marketplace were one of my main responsibilities in terms of building our product as Head of UX at Gobbler. The process lasted several months, while other responsibilities of varying nature and level of engagement were intertwined. Here is how the Marketplace designs evolved and came to life.
FLOWS
The user flows are complex for several reasons. For one, they require the creation of a mandatory Gobbler account in order to complete the purchase, and as research shows, that’s a step users really don’t like to take. The process also involves linking or creating a PACE iLok account, which in turn allows the system to deposit customer’s software licenses, while maintaining the highest levels of anti piracy. The latter part is taken care of by Gobbler’s provisional licensing, which creates iLok accounts for users automatically. But those who already have those types of accounts - a common occurrence in the world of audio production - have to go through the process of recalling their account information, allowing Gobbler to access it, then linking the two accounts. But all this has to happen only once. Afterwards, users can enjoy the benefits of Gobbler’s system, which will license their software automatically when purchased. The rest of the flow seems like a breeze.
The flow diagram is a rather large document, much easier viewed as a PDF.
SCENARIOS
The user scenarios are largely based on information that the system does or does not know about a given customer. For instance, is this a new customer, a returning one, do they have a PACE iLok account associated with their Gobbler account, are we shipping them any hardware, etc. The hardware in question is a USB device to which a software license has to be deposited in order for the software to work. Adding to the complexity of the process, some users who wish to receive this device have to wait for its arrival in the mail before using their purchased subscription.
These scenarios are illustrated in yet another fairly large PDF document.
DESIGN
The following illustrate the final designs of the Marketplace screens.
CREATE ACCOUNT / SIGN IN
A new user is asked to create a Gobbler account before proceeding. The UI also allows existing users to switch to the Sign In screen by clicking the "Already have an account?" link, or selecting Sign In from the header.
Sign in with sample error messaging. User may go to the Create Account page by clicking the "Need an account?" link.
iLok
In order to take advantage of Gobbler's powerful licensing client app, users should either link their existing iLok accounts to their Gobbler account, or elect to have a provisional one created for them by clicking the "Don't have an iLok User ID? We'll create one for you!" link. Thosne not familiar with iLok accounts may explore the topic by clicking the "Why link accounts?" link.
ACCOUNTS LINKES
A confirmation page informing users that the accounts have been linked.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
User is presented with the Shipping Information screen if they have chosen to receive a free iLok USB device. This only happens once. The persistent Order Summary module collects information as the user continues through the process.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Collecting user's payment information. The form is meant to be automatically filled in with the information specified on the Shipping Information screen if the user has gone through that step.
ORDER REVIEW
The last step before order submission. User still has the ability to edit any of the previously specified information.
ORDER CONFIRMATION
Order submitted. User still needs to take further steps depending on the scenario they've gone through. Those steps are outlined on this page, as well as the Order Receipt email sent to the customer at this point.
DESIGN
TRAVEL APPLE WATCH
During this short and very fast paced project, my initial goal was to understand the anatomy and design capabilities of the Apple Watch. Without the actual device in my hands, the most reliable source of knowledge was the Apple Watch Human Interface Guidelines document. Armed with patience, but eager to begin the design process, I set out to do some research.
EMAIL DESIGN
The project called for collecting information about every single email sent out to the users by the system, then standardizing the language, appearance and building new HTML/CSS templates.
MOBILE EXPLORE CARD
The Mobile Explore Card is meant to be a personalized, data driven solution allowing travelers to explore the area they are visiting.
OS X CLIENT APP CONCEPTS
Aside from syncing and versioning backed up creative assets, the Gobbler Client App offers a unique ability to license and manage audio plugin subscriptions purchased through the Gobbler Marketplace. This concept project focused on redesigning those screens.
PUBLISHER DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Publisher Design Guidelines is an all encompassing visual style guide providing publishers with the information they need in order to produce appropriate visual assets for use within the Gobbler universe.
MUSIC COLLABORATION
Audiocitizen is meant to help recording artists enhance creativity and increase exposure by offering a simple and effective music collaboration tool. It presents an opportunity to showcase musical talent driven by constant, round-the-clock outpour of creativity through crowdsourcing.
MOBILE USABILITY IMPROVEMENTS
I had a chance to play around with a beautifully designed Japanese mobile app Mercari. According to the company, "Mercari is the biggest community-powered shopping fair in the palm of your hand. Shop from thousands of sellers with one-click purchases, and quickly sell your own new, pre-owned or handmade items." It's an amazing app, however, during my review, I took a stab at the top 10 usability improvements the app could use before moving to the U.S. market. Check them out!
E-COM CART & CHECKOUT REDESIGN
It’s the cash register we’re talking about here. Yeah, it’s kind of important that it works. Otherwise, we might as well pack up our bags and look for an entertaining project elsewhere. No moola, no fun and games.