Client: Whalebone (Acquired by Bizzabo)
Industry: Entertainment, Music Streaming
Services Provided: Outsourced Design Team, iOS and Android App Design, Design System Development
Duration: 2+ Years
Team Size: Grew from 1 designer to a dedicated team

The Challenge: Building a Unique Music Streaming Experience

Whalebone, a Stockholm-based music streaming startup founded in 2017, set out to create a platform that offered more than just music—it aimed to deliver an engaging and seamless user experience. As a growing startup in a competitive industry, Whalebone needed a design partner who could not only deliver high-quality design but also grow alongside them.

Whalebone initially engaged our services with a single designer, with the goal of bringing their vision to life through intuitive and captivating mobile apps. Over time, as the project evolved, so did our team, expanding to meet Whalebone’s increasing needs.

Our Approach: A Partnership Built on Growth and Collaboration

1. Starting with a Solo Designer

We began our journey with Whalebone by embedding a solo designer into their team. This designer was tasked with laying the groundwork for the company’s ambitious product goals.

• Understanding the Market and Users: Our initial focus was on understanding Whalebone’s target audience and the competitive landscape. We conducted extensive user research to identify pain points and opportunities, ensuring that our designs would meet real user needs.

• Agile Design Process: In close collaboration with Whalebone’s developers, we implemented an agile design process. This allowed us to iterate quickly, incorporate feedback, and refine the product in real time—essential in the fast-paced environment of a startup.

2. Scaling the Team

As Whalebone’s needs grew, so did our involvement. What started as a solo design engagement expanded into a full-fledged design team.

• Expanding the Team: We carefully selected and added more designers to the team, each bringing specialized skills that enabled us to take on more complex challenges. This expansion allowed us to accelerate the design process and enhance the quality of our outputs.

• Fostering Collaboration: Our team worked closely with Whalebone’s internal stakeholders, ensuring that design remained a central component of the company’s strategy. We fostered a collaborative environment where ideas were shared freely, leading to innovative solutions and a cohesive product vision.

3. Designing iOS and Android Apps

With a growing team in place, we focused on creating the iOS and Android mobile apps that would define Whalebone’s user experience.

• User-Centric Design: Our team crafted clean, intuitive interfaces that made it easy for users to discover and enjoy music. We prioritized a seamless experience, ensuring that every interaction felt natural and engaging.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: While designing for both iOS and Android, we ensured that the apps felt native to each platform while maintaining a consistent brand experience. This approach helped Whalebone build a loyal user base across different devices.

4. Building a Scalable Design System

As the product matured, it became clear that a unified design language was essential to maintain consistency and efficiency.

• Developing the Design System: We led the creation of a comprehensive design system that included a library of reusable components, style guides, and interaction patterns. This system became the foundation for all design work, streamlining the process and ensuring that new features were implemented smoothly.

• Training and Documentation: To ensure that the design system was effectively used, we provided detailed documentation and conducted training sessions. This helped Whalebone’s team fully integrate the system into their workflows, speeding up development and maintaining design consistency.

The Results: A Successful Product and Strategic Acquisition

Product Success

• Enhanced User Experience: The mobile apps we designed received excellent feedback for their ease of use and engaging design. Whalebone was able to attract a growing user base thanks to the compelling experience we helped create.

• Design System Efficiency: The design system we developed allowed for faster implementation of new features and ensured a consistent user experience across all of Whalebone’s digital products.

Acquisition by Bizzabo

The quality and success of the product we helped create played a significant role in Whalebone’s acquisition by Bizzabo, a leader in event success technology. This acquisition was a testament to the impact of the work we did together and the strong foundation we built.

Client Feedback

“ALEX HAS BEEN WORKING WITH WHALEBONE FOR 2 YEARS. HE IS A 360 SUPERSTAR.”

— Former Whalebone CEO

Conclusion: A Partnership That Grew with the Client

Our collaboration with Whalebone started with a single designer and evolved into a strategic partnership that contributed to the company’s growth and eventual acquisition. By focusing on user-centered design, building a scalable design system, and expanding our team to meet Whalebone’s needs, we were able to deliver a product that resonated with users and positioned Whalebone for success.

As we look back on our time with Whalebone, we’re proud of the role we played in their journey. The experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and the power of a strong design foundation. We continue to apply these lessons as we partner with other innovative companies, helping them achieve their goals through thoughtful and effective design.

This version presents your work as an outsourced design team that began with a solo designer and scaled up as the project demands increased. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of the relationship and the strategic impact your team had on Whalebone’s success.