Maps: An interactive app for record stores and local music

We are pleased to announce the launch of maps.common-ground.io, your new geolocation platform for exploring the Common Ground network, whether in your city or across the web. Designed by our team as part of an internal volunteer initiative, this project connects music lovers, collectors, and record enthusiasts with trusted sellers, while promoting sustainability and the cultural richness of our community.

Context

Our experience in designing and developing Common Ground — its Backoffice, Eshop Editor, and POS — has allowed us to approach this project as a fun, simple, and powerful web application, designed to promote local culture and encourage responsible and sustainable purchasing practices

Each user can browse items by format (vinyl, CDs, or cassettes) and location, and listen to samples from our shared audio library before browsing stores to discover new suggestions. The absence of displayed prices and direct competition allows users to fully immerse themselves in the experience, encouraging discovery and curiosity. The platform makes it easy to preview legendary or rare records, offering a direct link to the history and richness of music. We have paid particular attention to URLs, making it easy to share discoveries and favorites. Favorite records can be bookmarked, providing a real starting point for further exploration.

"The absence of displayed prices and direct competition allows users to fully immerse themselves in the experience, encouraging discovery and curiosity."

At the heart of this project is our audio and record store database, carefully constructed to reflect the diversity and quality of the music scene. By promoting each store and each track, we enable the community to enjoy a vibrant network, where each visit is an opportunity to discover musical gems and be inspired by a shared local culture.

Product

The platform gives our audio database new visibility, with snippets and interactive content that make browsing both intuitive and fun. The visual identity, inspired by the retro game design worlds, reflects a UX/UI system that makes searching quick and easy, and offers an invitation to explore further with each interaction. Common Ground Maps has therefore grown organically through a shared user experience. By centralizing all information and record stores on a single platform, we improve the digging experience and online buying process via a single database - ©reators. Each record shop and music title featured contributes to strengthening the cultural and economic fabric, while promoting discovery.

"We’re confident that our community network is a powerful presence, and the music and scene it inspires is clear proof of that."

We would like to warmly thank Gedy Mahardika for his work on the app, which has made Maps fluid and interactive on all devices, as well as the entire community for their contribution, uploading more and more audio previews every day. We’re confident that our community network is a powerful presence, and the music and scene it inspires is clear proof of that. Signing up for a Common Ground account allows stores to be visible on the map and benefit from traffic generated by music searches, creating new opportunities for sales and discoveries.

Beta

We hope you enjoy exploring this first version as much as we enjoyed designing it. You will learn more from the project from our dedicated page. While you wait for more updates and new features for record retailers, visit maps.common-ground.io to explore the local music scene, discover hidden gems, and share your passion for records in a sustainable and committed environment.

🌍 Start Browsing Now
🌎 Learn more about Maps Project

Best Regards,
Common Ground Team,