Oisin Live Music: The Interactive Setlist Experience
The Oisin Live Music Direct Request System project involved designing a digital experience to enhance audience engagement during live music performances. As a solo musician performing across venues in Scotland, I wanted to create a more interactive and memorable show by giving the audience a voice in shaping the setlist. The goal was to design a seamless, user-friendly system that allowed guests to browse my full song list, request songs in real time, and connect with my website — ultimately improving audience experience, encouraging reviews, and deepening the performer-audience relationship.
Research, UX Design, UI Design, Testing
Ethnographic Research, Figma, Wix, Usability Study
The Problem
The core challenge was designing a solution that served a dual purpose: enhancing the live music experience for audiences while also supporting my growth as a professional performer. Audience members often wanted to request songs, but there was no smooth, accessible way to do so in real time. At the same time, I needed a way to increase visibility for my website and build credibility through reviews. The system had to feel natural and engaging during a performance, while also acting as a subtle brand touchpoint that built trust and encouraged repeat engagement.
The Solution
The solution was to design a simple, accessible system that allowed audience members to participate directly in the live performance. I created a mobile-friendly song list on my website, paired with a QR code handout that guided users to request a song via WhatsApp. This approach made the experience feel smooth and familiar, while encouraging real-time interaction. The system gave listeners a direct voice in shaping the setlist, added a layer of personal connection, and offered a frictionless way to drive traffic to my website.
Process
Identifying the Opportunity: During a live gig, a guest asked to see my song list. This moment revealed a clear opportunity to improve engagement by giving audience members easier access to my repertoire and a way to influence the performance.
Building the Digital Song List: I created a browsable, mobile-friendly list of 250+ songs on my Wix website, organising the setlist in a way that made browsing quick, including a functioning search bar to make it intuitive for all types of audiences.
Creating the Access Point: To make participation seamless, I designed business cards with a bold, scannable QR code that I could hand out during performances. The QR directed users straight to the song list on my site.
Linking to WhatsApp for Requests: The website link triggered a new WhatsApp chat, allowing audience members to easily send in their song requests directly without needing an app install or login—keeping the experience fast and familiar.
Real-Time Acknowledgment and Feedback: I acknowledged each requester during the show, which created a powerful emotional response. Enthusiasm skyrocketed when participants heard their selected song performed live—turning a casual guest into a connected contributor.
“ We saw Oisin at Cask and Clyde! He played requests quickly and our son was thrilled to hear his favorites live by an incredible artist. Highly recommended! ”
Gina Minnick
Guest at Cask & Clyde
Conclusion
Adding this feature to my live performances fundamentally changed the dynamic between myself and the audience. What was once a one-way exchange became a collaborative experience, where listeners were empowered to participate and shape the moment in real time. As a musician, it was deeply fulfilling to see the joy on someone’s face when their song choice was played—an immediate reward for creating space for interaction. Beyond the emotional impact, this system strengthened my connection with audiences, boosted engagement, and aligned my work with the principles of user experience design. It proved that even in live music, attention to UX can transform passive attendees into active, invested participants—and turn good shows into unforgettable ones.
