Apple Vision Pro: SoundCloud Re-Design
Reimagining the future of music streaming in a 3D spatial canvas. Solving spatial window layout, eye-and-pinch gestural navigation, and creator monetization for Apple Vision Pro.
The Rise, Fall, and Future of the Orange Cloud
Between 2014 and 2017, SoundCloud was at its absolute cultural pinnacle. The orange cloud was the unquestioned global heartbeat of underground music—catalyzing the meteoric rise of artists like Lil Uzi Vert, XXXTentacion, Trippie Redd, and hundreds of visionary producers who sculpted modern sound.
As mainstream streaming titans like Spotify and Apple Music matured, curating playlists became effortless. SoundCloud struggled to evolve its value proposition, eventually even altering its iconic vibrant orange cloud to a muted monochrome icon—a symbolic change that sparked frustration across its community.
The Golden Era (2014–2017)
Underground discovery, community rawness, cultural catalyst
The Identity Shift
Loss of brand warmth and community differentiation
The Design Question
How can SoundCloud leapfrog traditional 2D flat apps and define the definitive audio hub for spatial computing on Apple Vision Pro?
50+ Diverse Creator & Listener Surveys
I surveyed and interviewed over 50 individuals across diverse demographics, production backgrounds, and musical genres through Reddit, Twitter/X, and SoundCloud community comment threads. Responses and sentiment patterns were systematically synthesized in Obsidian.
Community Isolation
Direct fan connection features had degraded. Listeners and producers needed external chat tools just to communicate with collaborators.
Weak Creator Royalties
Underground creators receive negligible payout from traditional algorithmic streams, eroding incentive to publish unreleased gems.
Low Subscription Value
SoundCloud+ lacked compelling perks. Users wanted tangible benefits: high-fidelity spatial audio, exclusive stems, and direct artist chat access.
Designing for Gaze & Pinch Gestures
Unlike the Meta Quest 2 which relies on handheld 6DoF controllers and raycast pointers, Apple Vision Pro operates entirely on gaze tracking and micro-finger pinches. This eliminates the need for bulky buttons, introducing floating translucent glass ornaments that react to eye fixation.
Tailored Spaces for Every Role in Music
Music Producers
Needs stem isolation tools, high-resolution audio mastering gauges, and real-time listener engagement metrics across the spatial canvas.
Songwriters
Prioritizes lyric sheets, collaborator discovery channels, and local event revenue dashboards to monetize sync licensing.
Singers & Vocalists
Requires direct interactive chatrooms with supporters, beat-leasing portals, and instant fan tipping via digital tokens.
Casual Listeners
Craves immersive visualizers, spatial concert mode, dual-algorithm playlist generation, and one-touch bluetooth audio handoff.
Transforming the App from 2D Screen to Spatial Hub
In visionOS, windows do not just scroll; they anchor within the physical room. Using FigJam, I mapped the spatial flow so users can position their active queue, visualizer, and artist discussion rooms floating anywhere around their perimeter.
The New visionOS SoundCloud Experience
The finalized design leverages Apple’s glass materials, dynamic specular lighting, and prominent SoundCloud orange glowing focus halos.
Spatial Audio Handoff
Top CTA allows listeners to seamlessly route sound from their Vision Pro headset to studio monitors or home audio setups with a single gesture.
Direct Artist Micro-Communities
Verified artist chatrooms where 100% of room tips and subscription splits flow directly to the creator.
Tokenized Lifetime Membership
A blockchain-backed one-time membership option ($20) granting lifetime ad-free streaming and stem downloads, drastically improving conversion over recurring churn.
