Spotify
About
Spotify was preparing to release a new premium version of their platform. I was tasked to create personalized prototypes for 20 users containing their actual app data mixed with the new content, setting up the most accurate beta tests possible.
Impact
600+
Personalized screens designed and delivered
Services
Rapid Prototyping, Product Design
Industry
Music / Streaming
Over 600 screens were created and modified with each of the 20 testers' own data, making every prototype feel like a real, personalized version of the upcoming product.
Beyond rapid prototyping, I managed the design task force and conducted daily syncs with product teams, product owners, and internal stakeholders to keep the project on track.
Challenge
Spotify was preparing to beta test a new premium experience, and the prototypes had to be indistinguishable from the real thing. Every tester knew their own app inside out — their playlists, their listening history, their recommendations. Anything that felt off would break the illusion and compromise the test.
That meant over 600 screens needed to be individually tailored with real user data, each one accurate enough to fool someone who uses the product every day. The margin for error was zero.
Solution
I led the design task force responsible for producing every prototype. Each one was built from the ground up with the tester's actual data — their library, their playlists, their recently played — woven into the new premium experience so seamlessly that it felt native.
Daily syncs with product teams, product owners, and stakeholders kept the work aligned and on track. The process was fast, precise, and highly coordinated across design and product.
Outcome
Every prototype passed the realism test. Testers engaged with the new premium experience as if it were already live, giving Spotify the high-quality feedback they needed to move forward with confidence.
The approach set a new benchmark for how Spotify runs beta tests, proving that investing in personalized, high-fidelity prototypes leads to fundamentally better research outcomes.
Feedback
“I had the privilege of working closely with Björn, where we collaborated on a business-critical case for Spotify. Björn's contribution as a product designer was truly remarkable. His attention to detail, and dedication to delivering outstanding results were instrumental in the success of our project. I highly recommend Björn for any product design-related project. His experience, work ethic, and problem-solving skills make him an outstanding professional in the field.”
Artan Mansouri
Creative Direction, Product & Design Systems at Spotify
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