Audioasis: Creating a Digital Platform for Storytelling
At a glance
Team Collaboration: Worked with a team of 4 to design and prototype a digital storytelling platform.
Accessibility: Created intuitive upload flows and simplified content organization for all skill levels.
Usability Testing: Added persistent bottom navigation and clearer icons based on user feedback.
High-Fidelity Delivery: Delivered a prototype that exceeded the client’s expectations and aligned with her vision.
Scalable Design: Positioned the platform for use in schools, communities, and cultural storytelling initiatives.
At a glance
Team Collaboration: Worked with a team of 4 to design and prototype a digital storytelling platform.
Accessibility: Created intuitive upload flows and simplified content organization for all skill levels.
Usability Testing: Added persistent bottom navigation and clearer icons based on user feedback.
High-Fidelity Delivery: Delivered a prototype that exceeded the client’s expectations and aligned with her vision.
Scalable Design: Positioned the platform for use in schools, communities, and cultural storytelling initiatives.
Role
Role
UI/UX Designer Co-lead & Junior Flutter Developer
Tools
Tools
Figma, Google Docs and Slides, Draw.io. Flutter, & LucidChart
Design Team size
Design Team size
5
Project Duration
Project Duration
6 Months (fall 2022 to winter 2023)
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
Audioasis is a storytelling application developed as a six-month Capstone project at UC-Irvine. The app enables users to upload and share short audio stories, bridging traditional storytelling with modern digital experiences. The client, Kelly Keiser, envisioned a platform that was visually engaging, simple to navigate, and intuitive for both tech-savvy and non-technical users. This project allowed us to create a unique experience for diverse users, combining familiar elements from platforms like Audible and Spotify with innovative storytelling features.
Audioasis is a storytelling application developed as a six-month Capstone project at UC-Irvine. The app enables users to upload and share short audio stories, bridging traditional storytelling with modern digital experiences. The client, Kelly Keiser, envisioned a platform that was visually engaging, simple to navigate, and intuitive for both tech-savvy and non-technical users. This project allowed us to create a unique experience for diverse users, combining familiar elements from platforms like Audible and Spotify with innovative storytelling features.
Goal
Goal
Goal
The goal of Audioasis was to create a storytelling platform where users could upload, share, and listen to short stories. The platform aimed to make it easy for non-technical users—such as parents, grandparents, and aspiring authors—to contribute their stories. By focusing on accessibility and ease of use, the project sought to build a space where family stories, personal experiences, and creative narratives could be shared effortlessly.
The goal of Audioasis was to create a storytelling platform where users could upload, share, and listen to short stories. The platform aimed to make it easy for non-technical users—such as parents, grandparents, and aspiring authors—to contribute their stories. By focusing on accessibility and ease of use, the project sought to build a space where family stories, personal experiences, and creative narratives could be shared effortlessly.
Impact
Impact
Impact
For this client, the project was more than just an academic exercise—it was a personal passion project.
For this client, the project was more than just an academic exercise—it was a personal passion project.
She shared, “I’ve always envisioned a platform that could bridge generations by making storytelling accessible for everyone, especially for my family members. Seeing Audioasis take shape means creating a place where stories can be preserved and enjoyed by anyone, anywhere.”
She shared, “I’ve always envisioned a platform that could bridge generations by making storytelling accessible for everyone, especially for my family members. Seeing Audioasis take shape means creating a place where stories can be preserved and enjoyed by anyone, anywhere.”
Bringing Audioasis to life meant fulfilling a dream the client had nurtured for years: creating a digital space where meaningful stories could be shared and cherished by people of all ages and technical abilities.
Bringing Audioasis to life meant fulfilling a dream the client had nurtured for years: creating a digital space where meaningful stories could be shared and cherished by people of all ages and technical abilities.
Research and Analysis
Research and Analysis
Research and Analysis
To understand potential user needs, I worked with my team to develop five personas: parents reading stories to their children, grandparents recording stories for family, young adult readers looking for immersive content, audiobook enthusiasts listening on the go, and aspiring authors sharing their work. Each persona revealed unique goals, pain points, and needs.
My team and I also conducted a competitive analysis of platforms like Audible, Spotify, and Wattpad to identify design patterns and features that would inspire our solution. This analysis showed that while existing platforms focused on professionally created content, there was a gap in supporting user-generated short stories. The other design member and I aimed to fill this gap by emphasizing a simplified story upload process and intuitive navigation, making the app accessible for both content creators and listeners.
To understand potential user needs, I worked with my team to develop five personas: parents reading stories to their children, grandparents recording stories for family, young adult readers looking for immersive content, audiobook enthusiasts listening on the go, and aspiring authors sharing their work. Each persona revealed unique goals, pain points, and needs.
My team and I also conducted a competitive analysis of platforms like Audible, Spotify, and Wattpad to identify design patterns and features that would inspire our solution. This analysis showed that while existing platforms focused on professionally created content, there was a gap in supporting user-generated short stories. The other design member and I aimed to fill this gap by emphasizing a simplified story upload process and intuitive navigation, making the app accessible for both content creators and listeners.
Designing the Solution
Designing the Solution
Designing the Solution
Initial Design Approach
Initial Design Approach
I worked with my team and began the design process with freehand sketches, exploring different layouts and interactions. From there, we moved to low- and medium-fidelity wireframes, which helped us visualize the core interactions for story uploading, playlist creation, and navigating the library.
I worked with my team and began the design process with freehand sketches, exploring different layouts and interactions. From there, we moved to low- and medium-fidelity wireframes, which helped us visualize the core interactions for story uploading, playlist creation, and navigating the library.
Key Design Decisions
Key Design Decisions
Story Upload Process
I focused on making the story upload process intuitive and accessible. This included a streamlined flow where users could upload pre-recorded audio files, add titles, and categorize their stories. This approach addressed the client’s concern about ensuring the app was usable for tech-savvy and non-technical users.
I focused on making the story upload process intuitive and accessible. This included a streamlined flow where users could upload pre-recorded audio files, add titles, and categorize their stories. This approach addressed the client’s concern about ensuring the app was usable for tech-savvy and non-technical users.
Simplified Navigation and Content Organization
Inspired by the simplicity of platforms like Spotify, the team and I prioritized designing a navigation structure that allowed users to browse and access content easily. I worked with the team to include clear categories, search functions, and a well-organized library section.
Inspired by the simplicity of platforms like Spotify, the team and I prioritized designing a navigation structure that allowed users to browse and access content easily. I worked with the team to include clear categories, search functions, and a well-organized library section.
User Testing and Key Learnings
User Testing and Key Learnings
User Testing and Key Learnings
Two of our team members conducted user interviews over Zoom, where participants shared their screens while navigating through the prototype. This approach provided real-time insights into user behavior and revealed critical pain points.
Two of our team members conducted user interviews over Zoom, where participants shared their screens while navigating through the prototype. This approach provided real-time insights into user behavior and revealed critical pain points.
Key Insights and Design Iterations
Key Insights and Design Iterations
Upload button Confusion
Upload button Confusion
Issue: Participants mistook the upload button for a share icon, creating confusion.
Issue: Participants mistook the upload button for a share icon, creating confusion.
Solution: Redesigned the button with a label and a distinct icon to make it clearer and easier to identify.
Solution: Redesigned the button with a label and a distinct icon to make it clearer and easier to identify.
Unclear Content Input Fields
Unclear Content Input Fields
Issue: Users were unsure where to input the story title versus the main content, as both fields were combined into one box.
Issue: Users were unsure where to input the story title versus the main content, as both fields were combined into one box.
Solution: Separated the title and content fields, added placeholder text, and created dedicated sections for titles to improve usability.
Solution: Separated the title and content fields, added placeholder text, and created dedicated sections for titles to improve usability.
High-Fidelity Prototyping and Client Alignment
High-Fidelity Prototyping and Client Alignment
High-Fidelity Prototyping and Client Alignment
The high-fidelity prototype became the cornerstone of the project. It showcased how the app’s core features—such as story uploading, playlist creation, and library navigation—would function. The prototype’s interactivity enabled the client to experience the app and provide detailed feedback. The client was particularly pleased with the intuitive story upload flow and the overall visual consistency of the app.
The high-fidelity prototype became the cornerstone of the project. It showcased how the app’s core features—such as story uploading, playlist creation, and library navigation—would function. The prototype’s interactivity enabled the client to experience the app and provide detailed feedback. The client was particularly pleased with the intuitive story upload flow and the overall visual consistency of the app.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Log in/Sign Up
Sign in or create your free account to unlock a world of stories and share your own!
Notification
Never miss a beat! Get real-time alerts when new chapters drop from your favorite stories and series, or when authors you follow publish something fresh.
Search
Millions of audiobooks to explore. Dive into a world of stories across genres, by your favorite authors, or in captivating series.
Upload
Bring your story to life! Add a picture, title, description, and record your audio directly in the app. Upload a transcript and tags to help listeners discover your masterpiece.
Library
Your Audioasis Library: Curate your favorites. Organize playlists. Everything you love or bookmark, all in one place.
Update Personal Story Upload
Perfect your masterpiece! Edit your uploaded stories and series anytime through your Account Profile.
Listen to a Story
Dive in! Discover stories from recommendations, new releases, or your recently played. Add to playlists for later, like or dislike to personalize your experience, explore more by the author, and so much more.
Client Feedback
Client Feedback
“I’m amazed to finally see my dream of an app brought to life. This has been a passion project that I’ve always wanted to see developed. I love the product!”
“I’m amazed to finally see my dream of an app brought to life. This has been a passion project that I’ve always wanted to see developed. I love the product!”
Seeing her vision translated into a functional prototype gave Kelly the confidence that Audioasis could one day become a fully-fledged storytelling platform.
Seeing her vision translated into a functional prototype gave Kelly the confidence that Audioasis could one day become a fully-fledged storytelling platform.
Professor Feedback
Professor Feedback
“This is the best design because it is simple, clear, and straightforward. The single button conveys a lot, and the user instinctively knows what to do.”
“This is the best design because it is simple, clear, and straightforward. The single button conveys a lot, and the user instinctively knows what to do.”
This praise highlighted the success of our focus on simplicity and usability, validating our design choices.
This praise highlighted the success of our focus on simplicity and usability, validating our design choices.
The project also has the potential to make a broader impact beyond the initial client’s vision. If developed further, Audioasis could serve as a storytelling platform for communities, schools, or other organizations. It could be used as a space for preserving cultural stories, recording local histories, or as an educational tool for sharing narratives across generations.
The project also has the potential to make a broader impact beyond the initial client’s vision. If developed further, Audioasis could serve as a storytelling platform for communities, schools, or other organizations. It could be used as a space for preserving cultural stories, recording local histories, or as an educational tool for sharing narratives across generations.
Personal Growth and Learnings
Personal Growth and Learnings
Working on this project allowed me to enhance and sharpen my skill set in various areas:
Designing for Diverse Users
I learned to balance simplicity and functionality to create an experience that catered to a wide range of users, from grandparents to young adults.
Client Communication
Simplifying design concepts for non-technical stakeholders helped me improve my communication skills, ensuring better alignment and understanding.
User-Centric Design Iteration
The user interviews provided valuable feedback that shaped the final design, emphasizing the importance of iterative design and user testing.
Personal Growth and Learnings
Working on this project presented several growth opportunities for me:
Team Leadership
Leading a team of eight designers for the first time taught me the value of creating an inclusive environment and encouraging open communication. This experience strengthened my ability to foster a collaborative and supportive team culture.
Adapting to Change
I learned how to effectively manage task redistribution and maintain project momentum, even when facing fluctuating team sizes and shifting requirements.
Expanding Skillset
The project allowed me to refine my problem-solving abilities by balancing technical considerations and user experience in every design decision.
Importance of Setting Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries and managing client expectations helped me prevent scope creep and maintain focus, a lesson I’ve carried forward to subsequent projects.
Mentorship and Personal Fulfillment
Supporting designers who were new to Figma through workshops and hands-on guidance was one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. Observing the team’s growth and development reaffirmed my belief that mentorship is about nurturing confidence, building skills, and creating a safe environment where everyone can learn and contribute meaningfully.
Reflection and Future Opportunities
Reflection and Future Opportunities
Reflection and Future Opportunities
The high-fidelity prototype laid a strong foundation for future development, offering a clear blueprint for additional features such as in-app recording, enhanced playlist management, and social engagement tools. By building on this prototype, Audioasis has the potential to become a unique and compelling digital storytelling platform that serves not only individuals but also communities, schools, and organizations looking to preserve and share meaningful stories.
The high-fidelity prototype laid a strong foundation for future development, offering a clear blueprint for additional features such as in-app recording, enhanced playlist management, and social engagement tools. By building on this prototype, Audioasis has the potential to become a unique and compelling digital storytelling platform that serves not only individuals but also communities, schools, and organizations looking to preserve and share meaningful stories.