HCI Research • UX Design • User Research
Spotify vs AI Research Study
A UX research and design project exploring how Spotify listeners perceive AI-generated music, and how clearer labeling and controls can build trust in the listening experience without diminishing enjoyment.
Research Question
How might Spotify help listeners distinguish AI-generated music from human-created tracks without hurting the listening experience? As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent, platforms need transparent labeling strategies that build user trust while maintaining engagement.
Approach
- User Research: Conducted interviews and surveys to understand listener perceptions of AI vs human music
- Design Exploration: Explored different labeling approaches (badges, metadata, controls)
- Prototype Development: Built interactive research study website using TypeScript and React
- Data Collection: Designed study flow to collect user preferences and trust metrics
- Analysis: Analyzed how different labeling strategies affect user perception and trust
Key Findings
- Users value transparency but don't want AI labels to dominate the interface
- Clear, unobtrusive labeling can build trust without reducing enjoyment
- User controls (filtering, preferences) are important for user agency
- Context matters: different labeling approaches work better in different parts of the app
Technical Implementation
Built a research study website deployed on Vercel. The site includes:
- Interactive music comparison interface
- Survey and data collection forms
- Responsive design for multiple devices
- Analytics integration for research data
// TypeScript/React research study structure
interface StudyParticipant {
preferences: MusicPreference[];
trustMetrics: TrustScore;
labelingFeedback: Feedback[];
}
function MusicComparison({ trackA, trackB }: Props) {
// Interactive comparison interface
// Collects user perceptions and preferences
}
Technologies Used
Impact
This research contributes to understanding how music streaming platforms can transparently communicate AI-generated content while maintaining user trust and engagement. The findings inform design decisions for labeling strategies in music platforms.