SUMMARY
I led the Product Design for Uncut.fm, a platform meant to change how audiences interact with podcasts, alongside securing a $2M funding round.
I designed mobile-first principles, adaptive media design, and simplified complex Web3 processes, with features like: NFT-minted "Moment Cards," interactive timelines, and participation tools that turned passive listening into active engagement
Vision & Challenges
Phase 1: Podcasts 2.0 - Reimagining Audience Engagement
The podcast format hadn't seen significant innovation since its introduction with the first iPod in 2001. Our initial development phase introduced several breakthrough interaction methods:
A "campfire" concept that transformed passive listeners into active participants around the central narrative. This allowed for asynchronous vocal comments integrated with the main podcast stream, fostering natural audience discussions
Interactive timeline features with emoji reactions and text responses at key moments
Introduction of "Cards" - isolated podcast moments that sparked their own discussions and sharing potential
This evolution was already pushing boundaries, but during a team retreat, CTO Pawel Ozga made an observation that would reshape our entire approach: "Why not mint these cards on the blockchain as NFTs?"
Phase 2: Podcast3 - The Web3 Evolution
The transition to web3 was both exhilarating and challenging. Tokenizing podcasts proved to be a complex undertaking that tested both our design and development teams. The early adopters embraced the innovation, but the team quickly realized how overwhelming the web3 ecosystem could be for mainstream users.
Podcast moments, minted as unique NFTs to be collected by listeners, while supporting the creator
Early concepts of a simplified checkout experience pt.1
Early concepts of a simplified checkout experience
. I modeled a streamlined experience where users needed only an email address to enter this new world, while all the intricate wallet creation, minting, and smart contracts were being managed behind the scenes.
Results and Evolution
The platform resonated strongly with pioneer creators, who found unprecedented ways to finance their work during the web3 momentum. However, timing proved challenging for broader adoption. With podcast economics already being precarious, many creators hesitated to venture into uncharted territory.
By late 2021, we recognized that the future of the Creator Economy through web3 needed to expand beyond podcasting. This insight led to the evolution of Uncut.fm into Uncut.network, embracing all types of creators. With our core team and technology foundation already in place, we were positioned to take this natural next step.
