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THE GAP
Design an app that systematically keeps track of the items in a user’s vinyl collection, specializing in tracking individual “special editions” of albums or particularly niche pieces often unavailable or generalized by today’s music streaming platforms.
For people who discover music through record store selections, give recommendations based on past ratings
For people whose tastes are too niche to make it to Spotify and Apple Music, create sections where they can track their favourite songs, add ratings, and write notes.
1
User is greeted in the home screen with an overview of their record collection + recommendations to get started. Their “Crate” is searchable.
3
In the “Crate” tab, users can click into specific albums in their collection to add ratings, notes, and favourite songs.
Liked this product concept? Try it here.
2
In the “Add new album” tab, users can search for albums by name and artist and select specific album cover art (MusicBrainz integration).
THE MISSION
Design an app that eliminates the second-guessing that comes with vinyl shopping by developing a comprehensive, actionable list of previously purchased/ enjoyed records.
Vinyl enthusiasts have no standardized system to keep track of their record collections, which can make shopping confusing and unenjoyable. (Do I already own this album? What was that artist I liked last time?)
USER TYPES
The Superfan
Goal: Collect as many versions (remastered, deluxe, live recording, special editions) of previously enjoyed music as they can.
Problem: Tracking collections can be difficult. Album versions often get overgeneralized into singular deluxe albums for streaming and database simplicity.
The Explorer
Goal: Discover new tracks through record store selections -- the more niche, the better.
Problem: A lot of older music (when vinyls were an actual necessity) on second-hand vinyls, as well as extremely niche tracks, tend to have content that never got uploaded to streaming platforms.
KEY FEATURES
NICE-TO-HAVES
TIMELINE
Winter 2026
ROLE
Product Manager and Designer
PROJECT TYPE
Personal Project
Open in Spotify
Welcome, Hayley!
February 24th, 2026 • You have 37 records in your crate
Search for an album...
Stuff we think you might like
COIN
2017
How Will You Know If You Never Try
Open in Spotify
Tears for Fears
1985
Songs From The Big Chair
Open in Spotify
COIN
2020
Dreamland
Open in Spotify
Your crate
LOVE YOU LESS
Joji • 2026
02/14/2026
Lovers
Anna of the North • 2017
02/14/2026
Soft Error: X
Yves • 2025
02/14/2026
Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind • 1997
02/14/2026
Open in Spotify
Album name
Album artist
Your recent searches
LOVE YOU LESS
Joji • 2026
02/14/2026
Blonde
Frank Ocean • 2016
02/14/2026
Synchronocity
The Police • 1983
02/14/2026
Add an album to your crate
Search
Open in Spotify
LOVE YOU LESS
Joji • 2026
Favourite tracks:
Past Won’t Leave My Bed
If It Only Gets Better
Notes:
That’s all I have for you today. But, if you’ve got an idea that you’d love for me to work on (and add to my library), please don’t be afraid to reach out!
all rights reserved to hayley chai (2026)
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