The Making of SIDE-EFX
The Making of SIDE-EFX
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
This case study explores the early-stage design of
SIDE-EFX, a music distortion application where
users can slow, speed up, and reverb their music.
It was created with the design studio Superfluous,
where I worked alongside the studio’s design
director, who also handled development.
MY ROLE
MY ROLE
UX Design
Prototyping
Research
TOOLS
TOOLS
Figma
Paper & pencil
DATE
DATE
July 2025 - present
Early Beginnings
Early Beginnings
The design director had the idea for SIDE-EFX and brought me on to help bring it from a raw concept into something real. I was briefed on the early concepts and visual direction, and picked things up from there.
The current Nintendo Switch home screen is functional, but many users find it soulless. It lacks the charm and emotional delight found in past Nintendo consoles like the DS or Wii.
“How might we reintroduce charm and delight
to the Switch’s home screen without sacrificing
simplicity or usability?”
“How might we reintroduce charm and delight
to the Switch’s home screen without sacrificing
simplicity or usability?”
PROLOGUE
Crafting the Look & Feel
The design director had the idea for SIDE-EFX and brought me on to help bring it from a raw concept into something real. I was briefed on the early concepts and visual direction, and picked things up from there.
A redesigned home screen that blends modern UI principles with nostalgic elements: playful microinteractions, customizable backgrounds, and improved game navigation, bringing back the magic.
A redesigned home screen that blends modern UI principles with nostalgic elements: playful
microinteractions, customizable backgrounds, and improved game navigation, bringing back
the magic.
Final Designs
Final Designs
Below are the core designs of SIDE-EFX.
Below are the core designs of SIDE-EFX.
SECTION 01
Onboarding Flow
The onboarding flow was designed to provide a seamless, intuitive experience that guides users step-by-step through the installation of SIDE-EFX, minimizing friction and reducing cognitive load.
The onboarding flow was designed to provide a seamless, intuitive experience that guides users step-by-step through the installation of SIDE-EFX, minimizing friction and reducing cognitive load.
SIDE-EFX’s onboarding experience via Safari
SIDE-EFX’s onboarding experience via Safari
SECTION 02
Home Screen
The main screen is divided into three sections: top buttons, screen, and controls. This layout intentionally mimics common music devices to give users an intuitive sense of where to find key controls. Additionally, each button’s design mimics physical hardware, aiming to feel literally press-able, like a tactile device.
The main screen is divided into three sections: top buttons, screen, and controls. This layout intentionally mimics common music devices to give users an intuitive sense of where to find key controls.
Additionally, each button’s design mimics physical hardware, aiming to feel literally press-able, like a
tactile device.
SIDE-EFX Home Screen
SIDE-EFX in action
SECTION 03
Top Buttons
Search and share buttons sit at the top of the interface for quick, easy access.
Search and share buttons sit at the top of the interface for quick, easy access.
SECTION 04
Screen
The screen design features vintage music player inspired typography and an anime GIF derived from a
curated set, all styled to resemble a CRT TV with soft glows and low-resolution charm.
The screen design features vintage music player inspired typography and an anime GIF derived from a
curated set, all styled to resemble a CRT TV with soft glows and low-resolution charm.
The screen design features vintage music player inspired typography and an anime GIF derived from a curated set, all styled to resemble a CRT TV with soft glows and low-resolution charm.
The visuals on the screen also change colors based on user input, adding a layer of dynamic feedback.
The visuals on the screen also change colors based on user input, adding a layer of dynamic feedback.
SIDE-EFX in action
SIDE-EFX in action
SECTION 05
Controls
Two bunny icons represent slow and fast playback. Their colors change based on the user’s selected effect.
Two bunny icons represent slow and fast playback. Their colors change based on the user’s selected effect.
SIDE-EFX’s very own audio mixer
SECTION 06
Search Experience
Music is provided by SoundCloud, which allows users to seamlessly access music to experiment within
the app.
Music is provided by SoundCloud, which allows users to seamlessly access music to experiment within
the app.
Music is provided by SoundCloud, which allows users to seamlessly access music to experiment within the app.
SIDE-EFX’s search experience
SIDE-EFX's search experience
Every element was designed to support the intended experience: playful, tactile, and space for experimentation.
Every element was designed to support the intended experience: playful, tactile, and space for experimentation.
Before you go!
You can install SIDE-EFX over here: https://app.side-efx.com/
Success Metrics
Success Metrics
With 50+ early users onboard, we’re tracking early engagement and growth across key markets like the United States, Canada, and Nigeria, as well as key product behaviour:
With 50+ early users onboard, we’re tracking early engagement and growth across key markets like the United States, Canada, and Nigeria, as well as key product behaviour:
I.
I.
30% weekly active users
II.
II.
Average session length
of 5 minutes
III.
III.
Users distort 2+ songs
per session on average
Learnings
Learnings
This project taught me a lot about designing in ambiguity from building components from scratch to embracing full creative control. I learned to let go of perfectionism in the early stages and instead focused on exploring, testing, and iterating to push the app further than I imagined.
This project taught me a lot about designing in ambiguity from building components from scratch to embracing full creative control. I learned to let go of perfectionism in the early stages and instead focused on exploring, testing, and iterating to push the app further than I imagined.
What's Next?
What's Next?
SIDE-EFX has a long journey ahead, but we’re taking it one step at a time starting by:
SIDE-EFX has a long journey ahead, but we’re taking it one step at a time starting by:
I
II
Growing a distinct brand on social media
Growing a distinct brand on social media
On platforms like: TikTok, Instagram, Twitter
On platforms like: TikTok, Instagram, Twitter
Building social sharing features
Building social sharing features
Example: sharing snippets on Instagram stories, playful links
if sent via iMessage etc.
Example: sharing snippets on Instagram stories, playful links
if sent via iMessage etc.
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!