Client
Group student project for Apple Designathon | 2nd Place Winner
My Role
Product Designer + Product Manager

Created user flows, wireframes and high fidelity mockups of children's side UI and managed tasks for the whole team
Tools
Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dall-E
Summary
Inclusive Mobile App Design that connects children to the older generation to share stories.
Timeline
2 days | Feb 2024
Define
Inspiration
Modern nuclear families and diaspora leave many children feeling isolated due to distance from their home, culture and larger family units and communities. This situation is exacerbated for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often lack involved parental figures, who struggle to dedicate quality time, particularly during bedtime storytelling. leaving them without the crucial support and engagement needed for an emotionally and culturally enriching upbringing.
Why is it a problem?
Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and nurturing environment, cultivating a sense of belonging and pride for their culture, and for the  development of  language and comprehension, The act of sharing stories by your parents or grandparents during bedtime fosters creativity and inculcates important values in the minds of children.
The Solution
An inclusive storytelling app that fosters connection and engagement across generations, encourages and fosters diversity of culture, thought, language and stories.
Why is this necessary to address?
Children with a strong sense of cultural identity tend to have higher self-esteem and better mental health. Understanding and connecting with their cultural heritage can provide a sense of belonging and stability, which is essential for their overall psychological development and well-being.

Culturally aware children are more likely to grow into empathetic adults with a deep understanding of diversity and multiculturalism. This awareness fosters social cohesion and tolerance, contributing to more inclusive societies where differences are respected and valued.

In a rapidly globalizing world, there's a risk of cultural homogenization and loss of diversity. Encouraging children to connect with their cultural roots helps in the preservation of unique traditions, languages, and practices, ensuring that rich cultural heritages are passed down to future generations.
Ideate
Who
Fostering connections between the two demographics - the older generation and the younger children - enriches cultural continuity and mutual understanding, as the older generation imparts wisdom and traditions, while the younger learns and preserves these legacies for the future.
User Demographics
User Personas
User persona: Kids (Listeners)
User persona: Adults (Storytellers)
Exploratory Questions
The initiative aims to boost psychological well-being, strengthen social cohesion, and safeguard cultural heritage, reflecting a comprehensive approach to nurturing individual and communal identity.
Comparative Analysis
Features Analysis
Product Definition
An innovative storytelling platform that bridges generations, encouraging the sharing of wisdom, stories, and values. This not only entertains but educates, fostering meaningful connections and instilling essential life lessons.
A platform  designed to captivate both children and the older generation, offering content that is both engaging and inspirational.
A platform that  prioritizes accessibility with an easy-to-use interface comprehensible to both children and storytellers. This ensures a seamless experience for users of all ages, encouraging regular interaction with app.
Prototype
User Journey
Wireframes
Part 1: Kids Profile Interface
Part 2: Kids Story Listening Interface
Part 3: Storyteller Interface
Changes after low fidelity prototype
Design System
UI Components
Typography & Color Palette
Large typography and font size for accessibility across generations
Bright colors to keep children engaged
Design
High Fidelity Wireframes
Kids Journey
Storyteller Journey
The Final Product
Interact with the Figma Prototype
here
Reflections
Working together, we realized that diverse perspectives and expertise within our team lead to more innovative solutions and stronger outcomes, highlighting the power of collaboration.

The project taught us the importance of being fast, flexible and adaptable in our design process, allowing us to effectively respond to feedback and unforeseen challenges.

We learned that focusing on the needs and experiences of the specific user is key to creating accessible, successful and impactful products, underscoring the value of empathy in design.

Thank you for reading!

For work enquiries or to grab a coffee reach out to me at

jyotsna.venk@gmail.com
Jyotsna Venkatesh
jyotsna.venk@gmail.com