Toni Lijic, Designer

Context

Rook's team was working on a solution for audio calibration, designed primarily for audio professionals and enthusiasts to enhance the accuracy of their studio monitors.

With their hardware in the final phase, they needed a well-designed device setup flow and a desktop app to complement it.

Problems

The device setup was complex and sensitive, with many steps requiring the user's full attention. It had to be carefully balanced, offering enough guidance for hobbyists without overwhelming professionals.

Since the industry was highly specialized, standard UX patterns didn't always apply. Professionals were accustomed to specific controls in similar software, while novice users often struggled with the steep learning curve.

Approach

I worked closely with Rook's founders, both audio engineers, to grasp a deeper understanding of the niche, terminology that's used and expected design patterns.

Classic audio interface elements like waveform displays, sliders, VU meters, toggles, and knobs are the core of any audio software, so getting them right was essential.

To understand the device setup flow and ensure it was clear and guided users effectively, I conducted explorative usability tests with potential users from key groups: novice, professional, and hobbyist.

Solution

Device Setup - prioritizes clear information delivery and assistance through tooltips and always-available help button. Due to its complexity and number of steps, the process is divided into four main stages to prevent users from feeling overwhelmed.

Users are informed upfront about each step's duration and expected outcome. After each step, they can pause, repeat the step (especially when measurements are involved), or continue. This flexibility ensures they don't feel rushed, allowing for precise execution, which is crucial for the proper device setup.

Some steps required users to interact directly with their monitors or microphones. To streamline the process and minimize back-and-forth movement, the team developed a mobile companion app, enabling users to confirm actions remotely.

Desktop App - its layout is designed to feel familiar to users experienced with similar software while remaining easy to grasp for novices. Most controls mirror those on the hardware device, creating a seamless integration and reducing unfamiliar elements.

As expected in audio calibration software, the frequency response graph occupies most of the interface, with controls accessible directly on it or below. This allows users to easily visualize and adjust the acoustic response.

Controls shared between hardware and software are positioned on the side.

The project was a team effort involving Rook’s audio engineers, myself as the lead designer, and my teammates from Cinnamon, the design agency I was part of at the time.