A feature concept that enables mobile users to effectively interact and communicate using Discord while multitasking outside the application.
A 2-week academic case study for a senior interaction design course
UX/UI Design
Interaction Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Discord is a cross-platform application aimed at digitally connecting individuals and communities through means of text, voice and video. Focused on harbouring a diverse set of communities, the system features customizable servers, text channels, and social networking services aimed at empowering users with an authentic means of collaboration.
As part of the research methods, remote user interviews were conducted with individuals familiar with Discord. The participants’ experience and proficiency levels varied and ranged from no prior experience to managing a server of their own.
Three major findings were identified:
A majority of users have the Discord application on their mobile devices, but prefer to use a desktop device when participating in voice or video calls.
Many users utilise the ‘push-to-talk’ functionality to avoid sharing continuous background noise and participate in the conversation only when desired.
Users are required to stay within the application to perform their primary communication tasks, preventing use of other mobile functions.
To enable users with the ability to access primary communication functions while using other applications and allow for greater multitasking capabilities.
A persona for the intended user was created and details the key user goals and frustrations that have been identified.
The Multitask Assistant is accessible and manageable using the settings tab.
Force clicking the Discord application icon will provide additional system options, where the Multitask Assistant can be enabled.
While the Multitask Assistant is active, the user has access to primary communication functions while outside the application.
Pressing the microphone button will allow push-to-talk users to speak outside the application. When pressed, the Multitask feature changes appearance to confirm an interaction has occurred.
Users can tap the headset icon to deafen themselves, muting any output or input audio. This action is confirmed by the crossed-out microphone and headset icons. To undo this action, users can tap the headset icon once again.
Users can leave the call within the Multitask Assistant by simply tapping the disconnect button. A dialogue prompt confirms the action to avoid user error.
To experience the conceptual feature, you can try out this prototype I made here!
Implementing Discord Multitask would allow for a more flexible and accommodating calling experience. Discord Multitask enables users and communities the opportunity to maintain external mobile activity while still effectively communicating with others. Adopting the current communication functionalities, Discord Multitask would be able to effectively integrate into the existing application and meet a wider range of user needs.
When working within an already established domain, I learned that it is imperative that design concepts align with brand values. Determining whether a design solution made sense, provided value and fit within the application ecosystem was a difficult task. However, as I began to understand the product’s goals and its intended users from a more objective perspective, I started to recognize more compelling design opportunities.