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PocketSession: Hypothetical pocket-sized music production assistant
detects chords
identifies progressions
exports MIDI files
User Researcher
Interaction/Visual Designer
Figma
Blender
click here^
Part 1
The Starting Point
I’m a musician
I wanted to design a tool that would be coveted by musicians, and that I’d actually use
So I started by talking to another producer—someone who works the way I do: fast, mobile, laptop-first. Here are some pics of his studio:
I wanted to design a tool that would be coveted by musicians, and that I’d actually use
So I started by talking to another producer—someone who works the way I do: fast, mobile, laptop-first. Here are some pics of his studio:
tap to view
Key insights from the interview:
- produces music anywhere; studio, dinner table, car. Doesn't need a dedicated space.
- laptop is the only tool he needs; records TikToks on his phone, but production happens in the DAW.
- main frustration: interruptions kill flow: "intrusive thoughts, spark dying due to interruption"
- creative blocks come from repetition; "gets bored listening to the same things, needs to explore different things"
The Problem
When inspiration hits, opening an app or stopping to notate chords breaks momentum. Ideas die in the time it takes to context-switch.
Part 2
The Concept
Core features:
- Voice-activated recall - "What was that chord progression from the other day?" retrieves saved ideas
- Automatic chord detection - Press button → play music → device identifies chords in real-time
- Instant MIDI export - Plug into laptop → export to DAW → keep producing
tap to view
Rather than adding another app to an already cluttered workflow, PocketSession is a dedicated physical tool that lives in your pocket and stays out of your way until you need it.
Part 3
Design Exploration
I had to fully figure out my user story and problem statement. I started with an idea for a device that could be used by just about any creative. For nearly any foseeable creative problem.
Needless to say, I had to quickly narrow the scope.
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For a fun and creativity-inspiring assistant device,
I had a thought that it should draw from industrial design and retro tech aesthetics.
tap to view
I wanted the PocketSession to look bold and inviting,
so I looked at some fast food ads and color schemes...
tap to view
Lastly, for the UI, I looked at...
old newspapers, different fonts, modern products, and retro-inspired products
Soon enough, I started testing out different designs to really nail down the look of the device.
And I was left with this - the PocketSession!
Part 4
Why Hardware?
This could be an app. But apps require unlocking your phone, finding the right screen, and refocusing attention.
That's already too much friction when you're mid-session.
A dedicated device means:
- no phone distractions - no notifications, no Instagram
- tactile interaction - physical button press = instant activation
- single-purpose tool - does one thing exceptionally well
It's the same reason Teenage Engineering's OP-1 costs $1,300—physical tools have soul.
Part 4
Reflection
The technical implementation would require chord detection AI and voice recognition, but the concept proves the value of designing for creative flow rather than feature bloat.
If I continued this project, I'd:
- test voice interaction patterns with more producers
- explore partnerships with audio analysis companies (Melodyne, iZotope)
- validate whether the physical form factor actually reduces friction vs. a well-designed app
The core lesson: the best tools disappear when you don't need them and show up instantly when you do.