Level Up-Learning App
My Role: User Research | UX Design | Prototype
Guitar Center provided me with access to their existing learning application, which had great intentions but faced several usability challenges. They aimed to motivate students by gamifying the experience-having them "tour" through different cities while learning songs, scales and exercises. However, the execution made navigation and engagement difficult. Seeing an opportunity for improvement, I designed a prototype that enhances usability, ensures a smoother learning progression, and aligns with Guitar Center's existing lesson materials.
My redesign focusses on intuitive navigation, clear learning paths, and engaging visuals that make the experience more rewarding for students. I kept the tour-based structure but refined the UI to be more readable, interactive, and rewarding.
Research
User Research
I conducted user research by speaking with Ryan Flannery (VP of Lessons) to understand the goals and objectives of the Level Up learning application. After gaining access to the app, I explored its functionality firsthand. Noting Guitar Center’s goal of integrating their lesson plans into the app, I researched the unit-level content from the printed lesson materials used in every Guitar Center lessons department. Since the app was still in prototype mode and not yet in use at my location, my research was based on these sources rather than live user data.
Define
Pain Points
Problem 1: Difficult Navigation & Small UI Elements
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The current app is entirely in landscape mode, making it feel more like a game but harder to navigate
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Buttons, text and key UI elements are too small, making it frustrating for users to interact with lessons
Problem 2: Limited Visual Engagment
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The app’s dark design makes rewards less visually clear
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The heavy use of dark purple throughout the app is visually dark, making it difficult to see the apps elements
Problem 3: Beginner Learning
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Starting with foundational chords before advanced scales could create a more approachable learning curve
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Ensuring content aligns with Guitar Center's lessons structure would support students' growth
Wireframe
Learning levels set as tour locations and units
Upcoming lesson and menu
Song readbility from portrait to landscape
Impact
Ryan Flannery, VP of Lessons Nationwide, valued my insights on enhancing Guitar Center’s digital experience. While not part of the marketing team, my perspective aligned with their ongoing improvements, and they were open to discussing my ideas. Their commitment to innovation made this an exciting exploration of what’s possible for their lesson program.
Prototype
Showcase beginner chords with finger placement and note guidance
Enhanced UI with a brighter color palette and larger elements for better visibility
Introduced a progress bar to enhance the game-like experience
