The Challenge
Uphor is a collaborative fiction platform set in a fictional city. The challenge was how to present scattered, atmospheric story fragments in a way that invites exploration and immersion — without flattening the ambiguity and emotional tone that make the writing compelling.
Instead of a linear plot or table of contents, the site needed to support free exploration and thematic discovery.
My Role
Concept & Product Design, Information Architecture, Interface Design, Development (Framer)
Process
1. Thematic Mapping
I started by mapping each story fragment and tagging them by theme — mood, voice, tone — rather than order or chronology. This allowed me to create an ambient structure where readers could explore by emotional resonance or narrative thread.
2. Wireframing & Prototyping
Using Figma, I built wireframes and click-through flows to test the rhythm and navigability of the content. I wanted readers to feel gently guided without being over-explained.
3. Building in Framer
I developed the full site in Framer, customizing transitions, animations, and layout. I focused on type, spacing, and fade-ins to create a soft, quiet experience that matched the tone of the writing.
4. CMS Setup
I structured a custom CMS to handle all entries, residencies, and categories. This allowed the platform to grow over time and made it easier to link related content intuitively.
5. Iteration Based on Feedback
While I didn’t run formal testing, I shared early versions with friends and contributors. Based on their feedback, I adjusted the navigation logic and entry pacing to make the experience feel more fluid and discoverable.
Outcome
- 20+ live entries across short fiction, poetry, and notes
- A fully responsive site that encourages quiet exploration
- Ambient, non-linear navigation through tags, residencies, and entry trails
- Strong reader feedback on the immersive mood and slow pacing
- A platform that blends narrative UX, content architecture, and a soft visual tone
Reflection
This project taught me how to simplify a complex system without losing depth.
By designing with tone and rhythm in mind — not just function — I created something that feels exploratory but still intuitive. Uphor continues to grow, and with it, my understanding of how to create emotionally resonant, scalable experiences for users who want to get lost in something.
