Audacy: Voice Message Feature
I led the design of a new voice message feature for Audacy's app, enabling listeners to send audio messages directly to their favorite radio stations. This feature bridges the gap between traditional radio call-ins and digital listening experiences, fostering community engagement.
Year: 2024
Role: Lead UX/UI Designer
My Contribution: I designed the user-facing experience for the voice message feature while collaborating with another designer who worked on the back-end administration tool used by station staff.
Challenge
Radio has always been built on community and listener participation, but as audiences shifted to digital listening experiences, traditional call-in methods became less convenient. We needed to develop a seamless way for app users to contribute their voices to broadcasts while ensuring appropriate moderation and brand alignment. The goal was to extend the authentic engagement of traditional radio call-ins into Audacy's digital environment, making listener participation more accessible than ever before.
Target Audience
Digital listeners using the Audacy app
On-air radio hosts and producers seeking listener engagement
Project Constraints
Creating an intuitive recording experience accessible from station detail pages
Implementing playback functionality for user review before submission
Allowing users to delete and re-record messages
Capturing user information (name and location) for on-air attribution
Setting appropriate time limits (60-second maximum)
Design Process
Competitive Analysis
I researched voice messaging implementations across diverse platforms including iHeart Radio, iMessage, Instagram, and Twitter. This broad exploration helped identify established conventions while revealing opportunities to optimize specifically for radio listeners. I focused on understanding what made certain interfaces more inviting and accessible for spontaneous audio sharing.
Stakeholder Collaboration
I conducted testing sessions with radio hosts and producers to evaluate icon options and user flows. Their insights were invaluable for understanding which design elements would be most effectively communicated during on-air promotions and how to align the digital experience with broadcasting needs.
A selection of button options we explored and got host input on
User flow for sending a voice message
Design Development
Incorporating feedback and research findings, I created comprehensive user flows for the voice messaging feature. After initial approval from the product team, I conducted detailed reviews with developers, which revealed additional requirements for error states and system permission handling that needed to be addressed.
Cross-Functional Validation
I presented the designs at Audacy's biweekly product council meeting, where product teams engage directly with hosts and producers from various stations. This forum provided crucial insights into how the feature would integrate into broadcast workflows and allowed me to ensure the back-end tools would effectively support the on-air team's needs.
Video example of the send a voice message feature in action
Selection of screens illustrating standard user flow through feature
Solution Components
The final Voice Message Feature design included:
Accessible Entry Point: Strategically placed voice message button on station detail pages, designed with recognizable iconography based on host/producer feedback
Recording Interface: Clean, distraction-free recording screen with real-time audio visualization to provide feedback during recording
Playback Controls: Intuitive interface allowing users to review their messages before submission
Re-record Option: Simple one-tap functionality enabling users to delete and re-record messages if needed
User Attribution Form: Streamlined input fields capturing essential user information (name and location) for on-air attribution
Confirmation Screen: Clear submission feedback with expectation-setting about the moderation process
Integration with Admin Tools: Seamless connection to the back-end administration system used by station staff
Results & Impact
The voice message feature successfully bridged the gap between digital listening and traditional radio participation, creating new opportunities for engagement and community building.
Enhanced Listener Engagement: Created a direct channel for app users to participate in broadcasts
Community Building: Provided hosts with new tools to foster listener connection and loyalty
Cross-Platform Conversion: Encouraged over-the-air listeners to engage with digital platforms
Content Generation: Supplied hosts with authentic listener content for on-air programming
Workflow Integration: Successfully incorporated the feature into existing station admin tools
Stakeholder Alignment: Brought together digital product and broadcast teams through collaborative design
The project revealed the importance of including station hosts and producers in the digital product development process, as they provided unique insights into both user needs and operational requirements. Future enhancements are already planned, including expanding this feature to our web platform, advanced moderation tools and topic-based prompts to guide listener contributions.