Improve Music Assistant Volume Slider UX: A Discussion

Hey Music Assistant fans! 👋 Let's dive into a crucial discussion about enhancing the user experience (UX) of the volume sliders in the side panel. This is a feature we use constantly, so making it as intuitive and user-friendly as possible is super important. This article will focus on user-friendly solutions to prevent accidental volume blasting while scrolling, especially on mobile devices. We'll also explore ideas for more precise volume control and visual cues to help users interact with the sliders more effectively. Let's make Music Assistant even better together!

The Problem: Accidental Volume Blasts and Inprecise Control

Currently, there are a couple of issues with the volume sliders in our sidebar that we can improve. Most importantly, we need to prevent people from accidentally blasting the volume to 100% when they're just scrolling past the players. We've all been there, right? You're casually scrolling through your music queue, and suddenly, BAM! The volume jumps to max, potentially scaring the pets (or your neighbors!). This is especially problematic on mobile devices, where accidental touches are more common.

Another area for improvement is the precision of volume control. Tapping the volume bar currently jumps the volume directly to that position, which can be jarring and make fine-tuning difficult. Imagine trying to nudge the volume up just a little bit, and instead, it leaps to a much higher level. We need a more refined way to adjust the volume, particularly on smaller screens.

To get a bit more specific, let's break down the core issues:

• Accidental Volume Jumps: Users unintentionally set the volume to 100% while scrolling, especially on mobile devices.
• Imprecise Tap Controls: Tapping the volume bar results in large volume jumps instead of incremental adjustments.
• Lack of Visual Cues: The current design doesn't clearly indicate that the volume slider can be dragged for finer control.

These issues may seem minor, but they can significantly impact the overall user experience. A clunky or frustrating volume control can detract from the enjoyment of listening to music. By addressing these concerns, we can make Music Assistant more polished and user-friendly.

Proposed Solutions: Inspired by Sonos and Beyond

So, how can we tackle these challenges? Well, we can draw inspiration from other music platforms that have nailed volume control, like Sonos. They've implemented some clever solutions that we can adapt and improve upon. Let's look at the suggestions that have been brought up.

1. Block Volume Sliders During Scrolling (Mobile)

The first and foremost goal is preventing those accidental volume blasts. Sonos does this pretty well, and we want to implement something similar: Block the volume sliders when scrolling on mobile. This means that when a user is actively scrolling through the interface, the volume sliders should be temporarily disabled. This would prevent accidental touches from registering as volume adjustments. Think of it as a safety lock that engages while you're scrolling.

There are a few ways we can implement this. One approach is to detect the scrolling gesture and temporarily disable the slider's interaction. Another option is to add a slight delay before the slider becomes active after scrolling stops. This would give users a brief window to reposition their finger before accidentally adjusting the volume.

By implementing this feature, we can significantly reduce the frustration caused by accidental volume changes and create a smoother, more predictable experience on mobile devices.

2. Implement Incremental Volume Adjustments on Tap (Mobile)

Instead of the current behavior where tapping the volume bar jumps to that position, we propose a more granular approach. Tapping the volume bar should only perform a volume_up and volume_down, instead of jumping to that position. For example, if the volume is at 20% and I tap around 3/4 of the bar, the volume should increase by 1 step instead of jumping to 75%. This allows for finer-grained control, especially on mobile devices where precision can be tricky.

This change would make it much easier to make small volume adjustments without overshooting the desired level. It also aligns with the natural expectation of tapping as an incremental action, rather than a direct jump.

3. Maintain Direct Click Control on Desktop UI

While incremental adjustments are ideal for mobile, we should preserve the direct click control on the desktop UI. A mouse click is generally a more intentional action than a touch on a mobile screen. So if I left-click at 75%, it's fine to put the volume at 75%. This allows for quick and efficient volume adjustments on larger screens where precision is less of a concern.

This hybrid approach provides the best of both worlds: fine-grained control on mobile and quick adjustments on desktop.

4. Introduce Drag-Based Volume Control (Mobile)

Significantly changing volume on mobile should be done by dragging a circle / handle. This is a common pattern in many audio applications and provides a more intuitive way to make large volume adjustments. Dragging a handle allows for continuous control, giving users visual feedback as they adjust the volume.

This interaction method also helps prevent accidental jumps, as it requires a deliberate dragging motion rather than a quick tap.

5. Add a Visual Cue: A Draggable Circle/Handle

To make the drag-based control more discoverable, we should add a circle to the volume slides so people understand they can drag it. This visual cue will help users understand the different interaction methods available and encourage them to use the drag control for more precise adjustments.

A clear visual indicator can make a big difference in user experience. By adding a draggable handle, we can make the volume control more intuitive and user-friendly.

The Goal: A Seamless and Enjoyable Music Experience

These proposed solutions aim to create a more seamless and enjoyable music experience within Music Assistant. By addressing the issues of accidental volume jumps, imprecise controls, and lack of visual cues, we can make the volume slider a more reliable and intuitive tool.

Imagine a world where you can scroll through your music library without fear of accidentally blasting the volume. Picture yourself effortlessly fine-tuning the sound to the perfect level, whether you're on your phone or your desktop. That's the goal we're striving for.

By implementing these improvements, we can make Music Assistant even more user-friendly and enjoyable to use. Let's work together to create the best possible music experience!

Let's Discuss!

What do you guys think of these suggestions? Any other ideas for improving the volume slider UX? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s make Music Assistant even better.

In conclusion, improving the volume slider UX in Music Assistant is essential for creating a seamless and enjoyable music experience. By blocking volume sliders during scrolling on mobile, implementing incremental volume adjustments on tap, maintaining direct click control on the desktop UI, introducing drag-based volume control on mobile, and adding a visual cue like a draggable circle/handle, we can significantly enhance the user experience. These changes will prevent accidental volume blasts, provide more precise volume control, and improve the overall intuitiveness of the application.

For more information on user experience design principles, you can visit the Interaction Design Foundation. They offer a wealth of knowledge and resources on UX design best practices.