Kevin
Monteiro
technology itself has become a means to escape other forms of technology. this inescapable shift from our work screen to our home screen and back again offers most of us no alternatives to this lifestyle let alone one that allows us to reflect on this journey in real time. small talk isn't an answer to these problems, i don't believe any technology at large is for the most part. it's a way to reflect, not escape the design put ahead of us but allow us as users to recognize the real world in real time. delivering that journey in a soft, private and non obtrusive form for your everyday use.
2026
2026
2026
Artists and Venue owners alike expressed frustrations regarding the intricitate communication currently in place for booking shows, tours, and festivals. Many have faced challenges in their careers when trying to convey something that should have been straightforward. How can we ensure we don’t overlook those who are struggling to gain visibility within the community? How can smaller venues stay connected to their local music scenes and artists? How can we integrate all these aspects seamlessly? I aimed to explore how small venues and independent artists plan and communicate for music events while identifying pain points in their current processes. Through investigating their tools, challenges, and attendee expectations, I sought to design a viable solution that streamlines event coordination while bridging gaps in communication and fostering more frequent, accessible collaborations
Artists and Venue owners alike expressed frustrations regarding the intricitate communication currently in place for booking shows, tours, and festivals. Many have faced challenges in their careers when trying to convey something that should have been straightforward. How can we ensure we don’t overlook those who are struggling to gain visibility within the community? How can smaller venues stay connected to their local music scenes and artists? How can we integrate all these aspects seamlessly? I aimed to explore how small venues and independent artists plan and communicate for music events while identifying pain points in their current processes. Through investigating their tools, challenges, and attendee expectations, I sought to design a viable solution that streamlines event coordination while bridging gaps in communication and fostering more frequent, accessible collaborations
Artists and Venue owners alike expressed frustrations regarding the intricitate communication currently in place for booking shows, tours, and festivals. Many have faced challenges in their careers when trying to convey something that should have been straightforward. How can we ensure we don’t overlook those who are struggling to gain visibility within the community? How can smaller venues stay connected to their local music scenes and artists? How can we integrate all these aspects seamlessly? I aimed to explore how small venues and independent artists plan and communicate for music events while identifying pain points in their current processes. Through investigating their tools, challenges, and attendee expectations, I sought to design a viable solution that streamlines event coordination while bridging gaps in communication and fostering more frequent, accessible collaborations
Artists
Venue owners
Festivals
Booking shows
Tours
Community
Artists
Venue owners
Festivals
Booking shows
Tours
Community
Artists
Venue owners
Festivals
Booking shows
Tours
Community
STAGE 1
STAGE 1
Interview Synthesis
Interview Synthesis
Interview Synthesis
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping
There’s clear enthusiasm for this platform, things like direct communication, transparent scheduling, artist support, and effortless bookings all resonate with our key users. But delivering on that excitement requires more than just features; it demands a model that rewards collaboration over competition. This isn’t just about logistics. It’s about rejecting the isolation of gig work and creative hustle. Too often, we accept burnout and alienation as inevitabilities by turning instead to solving problems on our own. But what if the solution isn’t self-healing, but community healing.
There’s clear enthusiasm for this platform, things like direct communication, transparent scheduling, artist support, and effortless bookings all resonate with our key users. But delivering on that excitement requires more than just features; it demands a model that rewards collaboration over competition. This isn’t just about logistics. It’s about rejecting the isolation of gig work and creative hustle. Too often, we accept burnout and alienation as inevitabilities by turning instead to solving problems on our own. But what if the solution isn’t self-healing, but community healing.
There’s clear enthusiasm for this platform, things like direct communication, transparent scheduling, artist support, and effortless bookings all resonate with our key users. But delivering on that excitement requires more than just features; it demands a model that rewards collaboration over competition. This isn’t just about logistics. It’s about rejecting the isolation of gig work and creative hustle. Too often, we accept burnout and alienation as inevitabilities by turning instead to solving problems on our own. But what if the solution isn’t self-healing, but community healing.
Personas
Personas
Personas
The Venue Operator (28) – Wants diverse lineups and community trust, but lacks time, budget, and fresh connections. Dreams of community-curated nights, not the same ten local bands.
The Engaged Attendee (28) – Supports local art but hates spam. Wants personal, neighborhood alerts and chances to volunteer creatively—not algorithm-driven noise.
The DIY Performer (24) – Small following, no agent, doesn’t fit bar culture. Wants a collaborative tool to post open calls and find venues by vibe and accessibility.
The Venue Operator (28) – Wants diverse lineups and community trust, but lacks time, budget, and fresh connections. Dreams of community-curated nights, not the same ten local bands.
The Engaged Attendee (28) – Supports local art but hates spam. Wants personal, neighborhood alerts and chances to volunteer creatively—not algorithm-driven noise.
The DIY Performer (24) – Small following, no agent, doesn’t fit bar culture. Wants a collaborative tool to post open calls and find venues by vibe and accessibility.
The Venue Operator (28) – Wants diverse lineups and community trust, but lacks time, budget, and fresh connections. Dreams of community-curated nights, not the same ten local bands.
The Engaged Attendee (28) – Supports local art but hates spam. Wants personal, neighborhood alerts and chances to volunteer creatively—not algorithm-driven noise.
The DIY Performer (24) – Small following, no agent, doesn’t fit bar culture. Wants a collaborative tool to post open calls and find venues by vibe and accessibility.
Small Venue Owner
Small Venue Owner
STAGE 2
Evolving Concepts
Evolving Concepts
Task flow & wireframing
I began with a task flow based on user personas built from my mind mapping, POV’s and HMW’s. With this information I was able to ideate and choose the most important features for my MVP and then build out my task flow.
With the core task defined, I expanded the simple path into a comprehensive user flow. This map accounts for all key actions, decisions, and alternative pathways an artist might take while using the mobile site like editing a profile, browsing events and booking events.
The user flow became the blueprint for the wireframes, ensuring every screen I designed had a clear purpose and place within the user’s journey. Ultimately bridging the gap from research to design.
I began with a task flow based on user personas built from my mind mapping, POV’s and HMW’s. With this information I was able to ideate and choose the most important features for my MVP and then build out my task flow.
With the core task defined, I expanded the simple path into a comprehensive user flow. This map accounts for all key actions, decisions, and alternative pathways an artist might take while using the mobile site like editing a profile, browsing events and booking events.
The user flow became the blueprint for the wireframes, ensuring every screen I designed had a clear purpose and place within the user’s journey. Ultimately bridging the gap from research to design.
STAGE 3
ICO with you
ICO with you
High Fidelity frames
STAGE 4 — ICO TOGETHER
This project is a culmination of refining well known tools, pulling together ideas and meeting people where they are.
True empathy comes from understanding the fundamentals of my users perspectives. Ultimately
the future of the project hinges on the inputs of the communities I aim to bring together. We can always do more to
show up for each other but it at least shouldn’t be difficult to start that conversation. ICO is the collaboration tool of the future
This project is a culmination of refining well known tools, pulling together ideas and meeting people where they are.
True empathy comes from understanding the fundamentals of my users perspectives. Ultimately
the future of the project hinges on the inputs of the communities I aim to bring together. We can always do more to
show up for each other but it at least shouldn’t be difficult to start that conversation. ICO is the collaboration tool of the future
This project is a culmination of refining well known tools, pulling together ideas and meeting people where they are.
True empathy comes from understanding the fundamentals of my users perspectives. Ultimately
the future of the project hinges on the inputs of the communities I aim to bring together. We can always do more to
show up for each other but it at least shouldn’t be difficult to start that conversation. ICO is the collaboration tool of the future
Kevin
Monteiro
Kevin
Monteiro
Kevin
Monteiro