Hard Rock Alexa UI
Designing a branded UI to accompany a next-generation voice experience.
Livesmart.ai
Where
Hard Rock Hotel
Who
UX, UI Design
What
What was special about this:
In the competitive landscape of hospitality, every opportunity to surprise and delight a guest can create a stronger relationship with the brand. The Hard Rock Hotel in New York was looking for just that elevated experience—enter the Alexa Hard Rock Voice Assistant.
01
What was it?
As part of a pilot program, my role was to design the visual UI for the Echo’s 8” touchscreens. Working with the teams at LiveSmart.ai, Amazon, and The Hard Rock Hotel I established a look & feel that met strict brand standards, complimented in-room collateral, and provided users with an easy to use and understand interface.
02
Then what?
The Amazon Alexa APL language and development platform is incredibly young. I liken it to the restrictions that were in place with HTML 1—no CSS, no advanced layout capabilities, and limited fonts. It was exciting to embrace a challenge with a laundry list of restrictions and requirements. I feel that is when I am the most creative.
03
“Alexa, tell me about the Hard Rock.”
The homescreen for the Hard Rock Alexa Experience loads after the Skill is initiated by the Guest. Important information like date & time, weather, room number are easily viewable and consistently placed.
Adherence to brand guidelines and specifically in-room collateral was achieved by utilizing a simple record groove graphic element and simplified sans serif typography.
When guests enter the room, the Alexa device displays rotating “Proactive Suggestion Cards” as it waits to be activated by a voice prompt. Here we were able to highlight various amenities, instructions, or advertise the Hard Rock’s UNITY loyalty program.
The mid-stay screen was an exciting UX improvement allowing users to provide instant feedback during their stay. Wording on the buttons was curated specifically to match the Hard Rock’s brand voice.