MUSIC CONNECTS: Innovating Service Design at HdM Stuttgart- A Tradition of Learning and Innovation

The course provides technical knowledge and fosters practical, hands-on learning experiences. By working closely with industry professionals, students understand service design principles and how they apply to real-world challenges. This program has become a platform for emerging designers to hone their skills, explore innovative problem-solving techniques, and embrace collaborative teamwork. This semester's collaborative spirit was showcased through students' unique interpretations of the theme "MUSIC CONNECTS" across three distinct project groups. The theme emphasised how music is a universal language, fostering connection and emotional expression across
diverse communities.

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Moodify – Transforming the Spotify Experience

The first group's "Listen, Feel, Connect" project aimed to revolutionise Spotify's user experience. Their interactive service fosters deeper connections among users, allowing friends to share music preferences and react in real-time. The concept, Moodify, utilises an AI-powered algorithm with song-associated emojis to curate personalised playlists. This innovation enhances engagement and offers a more vibrant and user-friendly interface, setting it apart from Spotify's corporate identity.

Moodify encourages a more conscious interaction with music, allowing listeners to categorise their emotions through music selection. It creates a social listening experience, making it easier for users to explore new genres and artists based on shared emotional responses. This initiative taps into the growing demand for personalised digital experiences while reinforcing music as a tool for emotional well-being.

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Jamista – Connecting Musicians for Live Jamming

The second group introduced Jamista, a platform designed to connect musicians for jam sessions. Their interactive presentation featured

handcrafted instruments under participants' chairs, encouraging spontaneous music-making. Jamista allows users to organise local jam sessions with various instruments, including orchestral pieces, guitars, and even unconventional materials. A unique music challenge card game encourages individuals to overcome stage fright and immerse themselves in creative expression, nurturing community through music.

Beyond connecting musicians, Jamista fosters an inclusivity culture where professionals and beginners can collaborate and learn from one another.

It seeks to revitalise local music scenes, creating more opportunities for in-person interactions and reinforcing the importance of live performance in an increasingly digital world.

Vibe Vault – Elevating Live Concert Experiences

The third group tackled a major issue in concert culture: the overwhelming influx of videos on social media after events. Their app, Vibe Vault, provides a dedicated platform for fans to share and access event footage seamlessly.

The app minimises the pressure of capturing every moment by notifying users how many people are already recording, ensuring that fans can focus on the live experience without fear of missing out. Additionally, artists can share exclusive backstage content, creating a unique bridge between performers and their audience while balancing digital engagement and real-time concert enjoyment.

With a focus on enhancing the concert experience, Vibe Vault also offers curated video highlights, eliminating the need for users to scroll through countless social media posts to find quality content. This app promotes more immersive and engaging experiences by reducing phone usage at concerts, ensuring that live music events remain memorable and authentic.

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Celebrating Creativity and Looking Forward

Each project reflected the core values of our design agency—collaboration, empathy, and meaningful user experiences. We take great pride in our students' achievements and look forward to seeing these groundbreaking ideas shape the future of music, user experience, and digital interaction.

This semester's innovative ideas reinforce the importance of human-centred design, showing how technology can enhance emotional and social experiences rather than replace them. As we wrap up this inspiring semester, we wish our students all the best in their future endeavours and eagerly anticipate the next term of creative breakthroughs. With each iteration of the course, we continue to push the boundaries of service design, ensuring that our students remain at the forefront of industry innovation.

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