music & video, mobile

Universal Music Group: An app that leverages
sound science into enhanced well-being

A fusion of cognitive science and unique audio technology

Initially developed by Universal Music Group (UMG), we have supported the ongoing software development of a wellness app that merges cognitive science with cutting-edge audio technology to help users focus, relax, and sleep better.

The app showcases UMG’s innovative approach to blending technology, science, and their vast music catalogue. It demonstrates how music can improve quality of life, serving as a powerful tool for mental, emotional, and physical balance.

Building an evidence-based audio wellness app comes with significant technical challenges. To ensure continuous improvement and deliver the best possible user experience, UMG and Miquido collaborated to modularise the architecture of their iOS app and to enhance its quality assurance process. Learn how UMG and Miquido worked together to refine and perfect this app.

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Challenges

Enhancing QA processes

A solid quality assurance process is the backbone of any successful development project. UMG had a strong foundation in place and were looking for additional hands to lighten the QA workload and seamlessly integrate it into the team’s daily operations. Miquido partnered with UMG to strengthen the efforts, improving issue detection and resolution, which made the development process more efficient.

Empowering a visual brand evolution

When Universal Music Group partnered with Miquido, the app was undergoing a major rebranding to refresh its design and improve accessibility. Alongside the rebranding it made sense to take a more modular approach to way the app was structured. This new approach has made it easier for the team to test and launch new features, simplifying the development process and resulting in a more flexible, user-friendly app.

Streamlining backend processes

UMG saw an opportunity to boost efficiency and reduce the operational workload of the app’s content creation process by automating backend processes. Automation would free up the team from manual tasks, allowing them to focus on high-impact development, by letting the technology do the heavy lifting instead. This shift promised faster content delivery, greater operational efficiency, and more resources dedicated to innovation and growth.

Solutions

Creating an effective QA strategy

Our senior QA engineer paved the way in enhancing quality by performing detailed regression testing and setting up automated UI tests to ensure all critical path features of the iOS app were fully covered. By expanding the test case repository, a wide range of scenarios and edge cases were covered, helping to catch potential issues early and avoid bigger problems down the road.

The systematic testing ensures a stable, reliable user experience. As the client prepared for the rebranding and new feature launches, this thorough testing guaranteed the new design would be smooth and glitch-free, preserving user trust and satisfaction from day one.

Enhancing the iOS mobile application

Our iOS developer worked on key parts of the app to improve scalability and maintainability. By refining dependency injection and modularity, the app now supports easier updates and seamless feature integrations. This enhancement made major updates, like redesigning the profile screen and adding features such as widget support and HealthKit integration, much easier. It also enabled more dynamic, evidence-based improvements to keep the app evolving smoothly.

Developing new features

In addition to assisting our client in improving QA processes and optimising the code, our team worked with UMG’s inhouse designers to build several new features designed to elevate the user experience. Apple HealthKit integration enabled users to track their wellness outside of the app itself, while voice-over support ensures the app is accessible to users with impaired vision. A new listening quality checker allows users to ensure that their listening environment supports maximum impact, adding a personalised touch.

We also implemented user surveys to measure the impact of listening on wellbeing, and personalise the experience by helping users identify the audio that works best for them. New sharing options were added to help grow the app’s user base. We also completed an extensive UI overhaul, including a typography and colour audit, enhanced visual consistency and appeal. These updates made the app more user-friendly and accessible, perfectly aligning with the rebranding vision.

Backend process automation

Initially, the workflows associated with creating and delivering audio content to the app were predominantly manual using a mixture of third-party tools. Our backend developer helped to automate key parts of this process, taking the heavy lifting away from the user and significantly reducing the number of steps involved. The automation leverages cloud technology to prepare audio for user consumption.

Enhancing user feedback and data analysis

Automating backend processes has improved operational efficiency, reducing manual tasks and freeing UMG’s team to focus on other strategic initiatives. Our ongoing collaboration with UMG continues to drive the team forward, with plans for additional automation and new backend capabilities, including improved survey data processing and deeper analysis of audio session impacts. These upgrades will ensure innovation, delivering even more user value.

Let’s work together

Services & tech stack

iOS
Backend
QA

Results

Increased marketability

With a sleek, user-friendly design and accessibility that aligns perfectly with the rebranding goals, the app’s marketability has significantly increased. The revamped app fully harnesses UMG’s expertise in blending science and music for holistic wellbeing. Unique features and personalised experiences, shaped by user feedback, set the app apart and help attract a growing audience.

Unlocking future growth

The app stands out in the wellness space with user-focused features like HealthKit integration, listening quality checks, and user-feedback surveys. These tools not only elevate the user experience but also provide valuable insights into user behaviour and preferences, guiding smart development choices. The app’s modular design allows for seamless integration of new features, ensuring it stays ahead of trends and continues to meet the evolving needs of users.