Folko Storytelling
Folko is a conceptual exploration of a storytelling application, it explores an alternative social media that promotes speech as a medium for thought and sustainable sharing.
Project details
This project is a collaboration with National Art Gallery of Singapore, where we explore abstract modernity from art through technology.
Role
Lead Product Designer
Status
Inactive but live
Year
2022
Epic Poem of Malaya, Chua Mia Tee (1955), Singapore, Oil on Canvas, Collection of National Gallery of Singapore
Context
Modern social media is visual and intrusive. While we seek for stories and authenticity, there are always distractions or underlying intent behind the content we consume today.
Constantly tuning-in requires attention from three major senses: Sight, Hearing, and Touch.
Sample quotes from street interviews (2022)
Eureka moment from research studies (2022)
How might we reduce visual noise and provide an authentic, human sharing experience?
We tune into social media because we want to be connected to our loved ones, but what social media has provided thus far is only a 'feeling' of connection.
There are no stories, no documentation, no evidence that others' are thinking about you while they're carrying on with their lives. Hence, loneliness forms when no active actions are taken by humans to each out to one another.
Main functional screens (2022)
What's the feedback?
During our experimental run for Folko, we let users listen to stories and talk about their journeys through life. Amassing a humble collection of 2,894 recordings in 13 days before we closed Alpha, Folko has inspired new habits and behaviours from our experimental testers.
Alpha testers feedback (2022)
Alpha test impact (2022)
What did we learn?
Though a simple experiment, Folko envisions an alternative communal experience with audio-based social media. Social media applications are powerful because it can shape new habits and change society's behaviours through perceived promoted values.
By embellishing our values of authenticity and human-connection, it is interesting that users of Folko has received our intents and acted upon it.
What's next?
Folko is currently discontinued (or rather, I'm no longer working on it), but I've decided to document this journey and share it to encourage designers to design, even for abstract briefs and confusing concepts.