'Talent Search' by Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang: Innovation in Artist Discovery Tool

Talent Search

Artist Discovery Tool for Chartmetric

Talent Search enhances music scouting by providing A and R professionals with data driven insights into emerging artists. The tool translates complex streaming and social media data into intuitive visualizations, enabling objective talent evaluation. Designed for clarity and efficiency, it features interactive charts, customizable filters, and real time trend analysis. By reducing reliance on subjective judgment, Talent Search supports informed decision making and expands opportunities for new talent.

Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang 2025 Partnership Iron Press Kit № 168884

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Download Press Kit № 168884 Artist Discovery Tool for Chartmetric by Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Talent Search by Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang

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Artist Discovery Tool by Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. With press accreditation, enjoy watermark-free, high-res downloads. Low-res images are available immediately for all. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang Talent Search

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. Press accreditation offers watermark-free high-res downloads. For immediate needs, low-res images are ready now. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang Artist Discovery Tool

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. Accredited press members can download high-res images free of watermarks. Alternatively, low-res images are instantly available. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Unique Properties

Talent Search streamlines music scouting by leveraging data-driven insights to identify emerging artists with strong growth potential. Unlike traditional methods reliant on network referrals, it provides quantifiable performance metrics, reducing bias and scaling global talent discovery. Its intuitive design ensures data interpretability, employing accessible visualizations and an evaluative color system to enhance decision-making for industry professionals.

Production Technology

Talent Search was developed using a user-centered design approach, integrating industry research, stakeholder interviews, and iterative prototyping. Data visualization techniques enhance interpretability, employing a diverging color scale for evaluative metrics and a sequential scale for neutral data. Built within Chartmetric’s analytics platform, it leverages advanced data analytics to process streaming and social data, delivering actionable insights that empower A&R professionals in talent scouting.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge was translating complex music industry data into intuitive, actionable insights. A&R teams rely on multiple fragmented sources, and making diverse data—from streaming numbers to social engagement—easily interpretable required extensive iteration. Balancing usability with analytical depth was key. We overcame this by refining data visualization techniques, ensuring clarity without oversimplification, and addressing industry bias by prioritizing transparent, equitable metrics.

Project Duration

The project commenced in May 2023 in California and concluded in November 2024. After an 18-month development period, the Talent Search tool was officially launched on November 7, 2024.

Operation Flow

Talent Search allows A&R professionals to discover emerging artists by analyzing streaming and social media trends. Users can explore artists through interactive charts, filters, and rankings that highlight growth potential. The tool simplifies complex data into clear insights, helping users make informed scouting decisions. By presenting key performance metrics in an accessible way, it reduces guesswork and streamlines the process of identifying promising talent efficiently.

Research

We conducted mixed-methods research to address inefficiencies in music talent scouting. The goal was to create a data-driven tool that enhances A&R decision-making. We used stakeholder interviews, competitive analysis, and data analytics to understand user needs. Data was collected through industry consultations and Chartmetric’s database. Participants included A&R teams from record labels, streaming platforms, and management agencies. Findings revealed that traditional scouting is subjective and network-dependent, making it hard to identify emerging artists early. Our research highlighted the need for transparent, interpretable data to support talent evaluation. Based on these insights, we designed Talent Search to present key growth metrics through interactive visualizations, enabling more informed and efficient scouting. This innovation has reshaped talent discovery by providing objective, scalable insights that reduce bias and expand access to industry opportunities. By democratizing data, Talent Search allows promising artists—regardless of background—to gain recognition based on measurable success. It streamlines business operations for A&R professionals while fostering a more inclusive and data-driven approach to music scouting.

Inspiration

Talent Search was inspired by the need for a scalable, data-driven approach to music scouting. Traditional methods rely on industry connections and live performances, limiting accessibility and objectivity. Our design leverages advanced analytics to surface promising artists early, empowering professionals with actionable insights. Rooted in research on music industry trends and A&R workflows, it ensures clarity, efficiency, and fairness in talent evaluation.

Image Credits

Image #1: Illustrator Ruijingya Tang, Talent Search Interface, 2024 Image #2: Illustrator Qihang Zhang, Talent Search Interface, 2024 Image #3: Illustrator Ruijingya Tang, Talent Search Interface, 2024 Image #4: Illustrator Qihang Zhang, Talent Search Interface, 2024 Image #5: Illustrator Ruijingya Tang, Talent Search Interface, 2024

Project Overview

Talent Search Artist Discovery Tool has been a Iron winner in the Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Talent Search Artist Discovery Tool.

Qihang Zhang and Ruijingya Tang Newsroom

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