This is the culminating studio of the MIDEA program (Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts). In this studio, students work in close collaboration with an external client, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The Grad Studio aims to help students strengthen and document their design capacities and help them become job-ready in the design industry. The learning outcomes of this studio include advanced documentation and reporting of research-led design work, delivering evidence-based design presentations, and critically reflecting upon self and peer practices as a design professional.
As audience habits move towards short-form content platforms such as TikTok and other digital media outlets, organisations such as the ABC are transitioning away from traditional broadcast radio stations towards digital platforms – ABC listen and the triple j app, for example. Research indicates a loss of direct connection between the station and the audience, something that was previously valued by listeners. To address this, the studio explores the concept of launching a truly digital-first radio station. The brief focuses on two pillars: first, promoting engagement and ownership by fostering active participation and a sense of ownership among users; second, creating a digital-first radio station by designing an interface tailored for digital platforms.
Overall, the design brief envisions the interface and user experience of a radio station that prioritises digital interaction and engagement, offering users a unique and immersive audio experience and providing an intuitive and engaging experience for them. Within this context, challenges include a lack of engagement, where there is a need to overcome user apathy and to foster meaningful interactions with the digital radio station. Moderation is another important consideration by implementing effective mechanisms, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all users. Then there is the issue of competition with existing audio apps – how can the ABC differentiate the digital radio station from existing audio streaming platforms such as Spotify, by offering unique features and experiences? The brief also raises a question of how existing applications might be augmented rather than recreated.
