What is the Push Upgrade Kit?
Push is an electronic musical instrument that can be purchased either as a standalone device or ‘tethered’ (meaning it is controlled by a computer). To provide greater flexibility, Ableton developed the Push Upgrade Kit, allowing users to easily upgrade their device to standalone functionality at any time. This kit also enables users to replace individual components, supporting the sustainability and longevity of the product.
The Push Upgrade Kit is a comprehensive set of components designed to convert the Ableton Push 3 into a fully independent, standalone instrument.
As the UX Designer and Project Manager, I was tasked with crafting an intuitive, DIY upgrade experience that would allow users to seamlessly transform their music controller into a standalone device. This unique and forward-thinking concept presented an exciting challenge, and I was thrilled to bring it to life.
The Push Upgrade Kit is a comprehensive set of components designed to convert the Ableton Push 3 into a fully independent, standalone instrument.
As the UX Designer and Project Manager, I was tasked with crafting an intuitive, DIY upgrade experience that would allow users to seamlessly transform their music controller into a standalone device. This unique and forward-thinking concept presented an exciting challenge, and I was thrilled to bring it to life.
A bit of the background of how Ableton Push 3 was designed to last, and the role the Upgrade Kit plays in this vision.
Designing for Everyone, No Expertise Required
As someone who became an electronics hobbyist later in life, designing a product that empowers individuals—regardless of their technical background—to open and modify an electronic device was truly a dream come true. At the heart of my personal design philosophy are principles of sustainability, modularity, and functionality.
During our user research, both from the marketing and product perspectives, it quickly became evident that in order to make users feel confident in tackling this task, we needed to offer clear and approachable introductory content. In this case, a simple yet engaging video was the perfect solution to ease users into the process.
During our user research, both from the marketing and product perspectives, it quickly became evident that in order to make users feel confident in tackling this task, we needed to offer clear and approachable introductory content. In this case, a simple yet engaging video was the perfect solution to ease users into the process.
Push Upgrade Kit Tutorial Video Credits: conceived and developed by Angelica Tavella, scripted and Performed by Barbara Bencze, voiceover by Tina Marie Serra, music by Ray Wassef, directed, Shot, Edited, and Produced by Ray Wassef.
Creating a Cross-Platform Design System
This project involved creating a cross-platform design system that harmonized the diverse needs of hardware engineers, web developers, and industrial designers. After multiple rounds of user testing, we opted for a color-coded system to distinguish the six different parts, alongside a lettering system to clearly identify each screw. This approach ensured clarity and ease of use across all user groups.
Prototyping Web Instructions
I conducted several iterations of instructions and user research, starting with low-fidelity paper prototypes tested internally within the company. These evolved into high-fidelity prototypes developed by our manufacturer and were ultimately tested with musicians who were actual users of Push.
Draft of interactive web instructions that were used in final rounds of user research.
Aligning Stakeholders
Throughout the project, I was responsible for coordinating all stakeholders to ensure that the needs and constraints from every side were addressed and met. This involved conducting regular check-ins, organizing brainstorming workshops, and presenting recent prototypes consistently to keep everyone aligned and on the same page.
