Feature description:
Currently most pages are sorted alphabetically by default: A - Z. An enhancement would be to allow for an option to adjust this parameter. Things would still be ‘alphabetical’ but it would start on a random ‘first’ letter. For example, instead of A -Z ordering it could be S - R, D - C, Q - P, etc. Instead of ending at “Z” the order would simply loop back around to “A” and beyond. This random start point could have a number of possible intervals: e.g., every time you click the artist menu, or it could refresh to a new start letter each day, etc.
Problem solved:
Browsing the same lists, especially the same beginnings of the same lists, can cause idea or inspiration fatigue with always viewing the same content when you’re “channel surfing” for something to listen to. A simple adjustment to a random letter starting point, but still fundamentally ‘alphabetical’ is a simple way of refreshing the view. If this setting is toggled on, other features (e.g., searching) can still function in the same way they would with any other sorting option selected.
Brought benefits:
This enhancement is in-line with other ‘random’ options which help listeners rediscover and enjoy content they may have not listened to in awhile. It provides the ability to easily and naturally view your content in a refreshing way and is especially useful for large libraries where scrolling to “U” or “T” might be a lot of work if done fully or tedious if trying to use the quick-menu to get to T. In the latter example the user also has to already be thinking an artist starting with “U” or “T.”
Other application solutions:
This enhances the random album/artist/playlist/etc. functionality to allow users exposure to areas of their collection they may not easily, regularly, or normally get exposure to.
Additional description and context:
This is a great feature for large music libraries. For my use case I would absolutely use it for browsing the artist and genre pages.
Screenshots / Mockup: