Hybmix - phygital mixing console interface
user research & context analysis · expert interviews · ux review · journey mapping · scenarios & use cases · opportunity areas · paper prototyping · wireframing · interface design · icons · interaction design · branding · physical model
context
Hybmix is a flexible live-mixing tool for sound engineers that enables better interaction possibilities and more efficient workflows.
Its concept is based on the idea of combining both haptic and touch interactions in one single product. By doing so, it improves the user experience and enables better interaction possibilities, while simplifying the information architecture as well as improving the software and hardware ergonomics. Hybmix provides a clear view of the essential functions and processes on the console and enables the adjustments of the mixer's setup and settings according to the context of use. With a large display as the basis, information and feedback can be changed dynamically and adapted to the situation, while keeping the physical interface unchanged.
responsibilities
Leading the integration of haptic and touch interactions into one product.
Optimising software and hardware for user-centric design.
Designing and prototyping hardware components for seamless mixing.
Innovating a new product through thorough human-centred innovation
challenges
Dealing with the complexity of the highly technical environment of professional mixing consoles without previous knowledge of the industry.
Determining the product direction amidst a plethora of potential paths.
Designing for accessibility in the realm of 4K resolution.
approach
Gaining knowledge and expertise via different methodologies such as shadowing audio engineers at events or interviewing experts to gain qualitative insights.
Sketching holistic concepts to learn what works and where the dependencies lie, then validate them using use cases. Finally, framing the scope and the constraints of the ecosystem.
Testing fonts, render settings, colour hierarchy, contrast ratios and the amount of information displayed.
concept
In order to adapt the console to the typical workflow of a sound engineer, we divided the interface into two essential modes, making it easier to get a quick overview and display information in a less hierarchical way. Setup Mode contains all the basic functions that need to be set up before an event and don't need to be changed again. Show Mode focuses solely on the live situation. It allows fast interaction and direct access to relevant console parameters and functions.
concept
One of the key features of hybmix is the combination of hardware and touch interaction. Knobs and faders not only provide a familiar input situation for an audio engineer but also enable fast, direct and very precise interactions, which are essential for the most important mixing functions during a live show. Primary parameters are always available for quick access via haptic encoders, providing accurate and immediate feedback combined with reduced and context-sensitive visuality. In addition, each encoder has an expressive parameter - a specific graphical representation that bridges the interface gap while remaining highly legible and transparent to the action being performed.
