Ultimate Ears Boom 3

speaker customization tool
Client
Ultimate Ears
Role
Design Lead (Visual design + UX)
Project type
Product customization tool
Release date
Q2 2018

Responsive, web-based tool that allows for the customization of one of the most popular Bluetooth speakers in the Ultimate Ears portfolio—Mighty Boom 3. Customization features include the color and pattern of various parts of the speaker, as well as text engraving.

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Project Overview

The Challenge:

Ultimate Ears aimed to elevate the BOOM 3 speaker's market presence by introducing a customization feature that resonates with users' desire for personalized products. The challenge was to design an intuitive and engaging interface that simplifies the customization process while showcasing the speaker's versatility.​

The Goal:

  • Develop an interactive platform that allows users to customize the BOOM 3 speaker's appearance.
  • Ensure the tool is responsive and provides a seamless experience across devices.
  • Increase user engagement and drive sales through personalized product offerings.

Research & Insights

Understanding the target audience's preferences was crucial. Research indicated that users value:
  • Personal Expression: A desire to own products that reflect their individuality.
  • Ease of Use: An intuitive interface that doesn't require a steep learning curve.
  • Visual Feedback: Real-time previews of customizations to make informed decisions.
Competitive Analysis
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Designer stands out in a competitive landscape where few audio brands offer deep product personalization.
  • While Beats by Dre allows limited color selections and leans heavily on brand prestige, its customization lacks depth.
  • ColorWare offers high-end, painted finishes across various gadgets but caters to a niche, premium market with a less approachable interface.
  • Dbrand focuses on detailed wraps and textures, delivering strong visual personalization, though it doesn’t allow changes to the actual product design.
  • Casetify excels in accessories with robust customization options and strong social-sharing features, but it doesn’t extend to audio hardware.
In contrast, BOOM 3 Designer offers real-time, multi-part customization—including fabric, buttons, and engraving—within a playful, responsive interface, making it one of the few tools that combine expressive design freedom with tangible product customization.

The Solution

A streamlined, interactive configurator was developed, featuring:​
  • Component Customization: Users can modify the color and pattern of various speaker parts, including the fabric body, end caps, volume buttons, and loop.
  • Text Engraving: An option to add personalized text, making each speaker unique.
  • Real-Time Preview: Immediate visual feedback on selections, ensuring users are satisfied with their designs before purchase.
  • Responsive Design: Optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, providing a consistent experience across platforms.

Design Process

Ideation & Wireframing
  • Mapped out user journeys to identify key interaction points.
  • Developed low-fidelity wireframes focusing on simplicity and clarity.​
UI & Interaction Design
  • Crafted a modern, visually appealing interface aligned with Ultimate Ears' brand identity.
  • Implemented micro-interactions to enhance user engagement.
  • Ensured accessibility by adhering to best practices, including appropriate color contrasts and keyboard navigation.​
Testing & Iterations
  • Conducted usability testing sessions to gather feedback.
  • Iterated on designs based on user input, refining the interface for optimal performance and satisfaction.​

Impact & Results

The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Designer tool successfully bridged the gap between product functionality and personal expression. By offering a platform for customization, it not only enhanced user engagement but also contributed to increased sales and brand loyalty.​
Selected desktop comps
Selected mobile comps