Tik Tok Audio Feature Redesign

Tik Tok

COMPANY

ByteDance

ROLE

Product Design

EXPERTISE

UX/UI Design

YEAR

2024

Project description

TikTok’s chat functionality currently lacks an audio recorder feature, a standard on major social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram. This omission may limit user engagement and communication, particularly for users who prefer voice over text for speed, emotion, and accessibility.

Design Goals

  • Introduce an audio recorder feature that aligns with TikTok’s existing interface and user experience.

  • Ensure ease of discoverability and usability without disrupting the app’s minimal and intuitive design.

  • Enhance accessibility and engagement through a universally understood and well-integrated solution.

Why This Redesign Is Crucial

The addition of an audio recorder feature to TikTok’s chat section is essential for improving communication and user satisfaction. According to Jakob’s Law, users spend most of their time on other apps and expect similar functionality. Platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram already offer audio messaging, making it a familiar and expected feature.
This redesign also significantly enhances the user experience, particularly for those who prefer expressing emotions through voice notes. Audio messaging allows for richer, more personal interactions by capturing tone, mood, and nuances that text cannot convey, making communication more authentic and engaging.

Design Framework Backed By UX Laws

  1. Hick’s Law:

Simplify decision-making by presenting a clearly identifiable and singular button for audio recording, reducing cognitive load.

  2. Fitts’s Law:

Position the audio recorder button within the primary interaction zone (near the text input field), ensuring it’s easily accessible and ergonomically efficient.

  3. Law of Proximity:

Group the audio recorder with related elements (e.g., emojis, attachments) to maintain logical proximity and intuitive navigation.

  4. Jakob’s Law:

Leverage familiarity by adopting a design pattern similar to that of widely used apps like WhatsApp, ensuring minimal learning curve for users.

  5. Aesthetic-Usability Effect:

Incorporate TikTok’s brand elements to create a visually appealing feature that feels natural within the app’s existing design system.