Concept
This exploration set out to reimagine how users discover and preview audio content in a more immersive way. Instead of static lists and tap-to-play interactions, the goal was to create a dynamic “content stack” where albums, playlists, and audiobooks come to life through motion. By combining grid-based browsing with autoplay-on-tap, the design aimed to make discovery feel intuitive, playful, and closer to how people naturally skim and linger when something catches their attention. The challenge was balancing delight and usability - making sure animation enhanced the experience without overwhelming the user.
Process
I began by blocking out the interaction model in Figma, testing how a grid could expand on tap and how tiles might autoplay when pressed or held. As I worked on the motion concept, a few unexpected issues came up - like how the stack would open from different positions in a carousel. When the preview opened, the tapped item needed to stay locked in place as the anchor for the expanding grid. Other items had to dynamically group around this anchor, forming a clear layout that kept the interaction feeling intentional. Once the grid was open, it also had to be immediately obvious which item was selected and how to exit back out of the view.
With that solved, I built out the main screens and moved into After Effects to bring the interaction to life. Iterations focused on unifying cover sizes, refining focus states, and tuning timing and easing until the motion felt fluid and purposeful. The final prototype balanced clarity with playfulness - using motion to guide attention, keep navigation lightweight, and make audio discovery feel alive.
With that solved, I built out the main screens and moved into After Effects to bring the interaction to life. Iterations focused on unifying cover sizes, refining focus states, and tuning timing and easing until the motion felt fluid and purposeful. The final prototype balanced clarity with playfulness - using motion to guide attention, keep navigation lightweight, and make audio discovery feel alive.