The narrator plays a crucial role in the audiobook experience and can significantly influence whether a user chooses to continue with a book. In fact, 89% of Storytel users have stopped listening to a book, not due to its content, but because the narrator's voice didn’t resonate with them. To address this, we introduced a selection of AI-generated voices, making the audiobook catalog more accessible to a broader audience. As the lead designer, I collaborated closely with the product manager and user researcher to transform this groundbreaking technology into an intuitive and user-friendly feature.

Navigating audiobooks can be challenging, especially when trying to seek precisely within long recordings that often exceed 8 hours. Chapter navigation, in particular, has been a common source of feedback from our customers. To address this, we completely redesigned the chapter navigation in our player, making chapters more visual and intuitive. Additionally, we introduced a feature that allows users to seek within chapters, significantly enhancing the ease of navigation. As the lead designer, I collaborated closely with the PM and developers to bring this vision to life. The result was a more user-friendly experience that led to a doubling of usage compared to the previous version.

Many of our users expressed a strong desire to enjoy their audiobooks while driving, requesting Storytel integration with Apple CarPlay. To meet this demand, we developed and launched the Storytel app for CarPlay, enabling users to easily access and continue their audiobook experience on the road. As the lead designer on this project, I worked closely with the product team and developers to ensure the interface was optimized for in-car use, providing a safe, intuitive, and enjoyable listening experience for drivers. This feature quickly became a favorite among our users, enhancing the Storytel experience beyond the home and into the journey.

The transition from physical books to digital formats often comes with a trade-off in reading comfort. With the Storytel Reader, powered by E-ink technology, we set out to bridge this gap by offering a digital reading experience that closely mimics the feel of paper. This device combines the convenience of a digital library with the soothing, eye-friendly display of E-ink, reducing screen glare and enhancing readability in any light. As the lead designer, I played a key role in crafting an interface that complements this technology, delivering a seamless and immersive reading experience that satisfies even the most discerning book lovers.