Beatport started organizing remix contests when the Beatportal server was running in a sweaty closet on Broadway. The contests were often thrown together last-minute (and expertly) by the content and marketing teams, then Beatportal would strain to support the inevitable load. The contests became hugely popular and launched a few very successful music careers. I was lucky to have a voice within the product group while all this was happening. 

We all saw the potential and it wasn't about the revenue. This platform connected bedroom artists directly to reputable electronic music labels. It's hard to figure out how to get started in the music industry but these contests created a chance.

I helped with this effort in varied ways.

* i did some user research

* analyzed the current system (features, usage, technical limitations)

* conducted competitive and business analysis

* identified the information architecture

* collaborated on interaction and visual design with Beatport's badass designer at the time 

* supported our internal data team in their creation of the model

This product was developed by an agency in Germany. I also organized the RFP process, wrote the request, recruited agencies and facilitated selection, contracts with finance, etc. It was a pleasure to work with a talented engineer from PixelPark in a product management capacity for the remainder of the project.

Below is a contest detail page – one example of what ultimately came out of the design process. Each template got the same detailed visual treatment. The style supported the new Beatport store, which we hoped would make the disparate properties feel more like a unit. (We also brought them together under global tabs, which helped.) 

The platform was recently retired by SFX (Beatport's current owner) but certain aspects can still be accessed. Luckily, one of those is every contest entry since the thing was launched. There's some great music in there.