AuthorHub: UI I - Semester Project
When I started the AuthorHub project, my goal was to address an often-overlooked challenge: making self-publishing more accessible for authors. Rather than just designing a website, I focused on understanding the pain points of existing platforms to create a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.
This solo six-week project involved everything from market research and user interviews to wireframes and a functional prototype.
Understanding the Problem
New to the self-publishing space, I began by immersing myself in the current landscape. A competitive analysis revealed that many platforms were text-heavy, cluttered, and hard to navigate—often overwhelming authors rather than supporting them.
To dig deeper, I conducted two user interviews, which uncovered a key insight: authors wanted more clarity and control over how their books would be printed—whether as eBooks, hardcovers, or both. This revealed a clear opportunity to simplify the publishing process while offering transparent, flexible options at every step.
Key Improvements
Finding the Solution
AuthorHub was built on a simple idea: remove clutter, add clarity. While competitors relied on dense content and complex interfaces, I aimed for a clean, visual, and intuitive experience. It began with hand-drawn wireframes and evolved into a Figma prototype.
Though not a full platform, the prototype served as a proof of concept, demonstrating how thoughtful design can eliminate barriers for authors.
My Role
As the sole designer and researcher, I led every phase of the project—from identifying market gaps and gathering user feedback to creating a functional prototype. From early wireframes to final UI design, every aspect of AuthorHub was built with one goal in mind: to simplify the self-publishing process.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the toughest parts of the project was recruiting users for interviews. I initially turned to Reddit, joining self-publishing communities in hopes of gathering candid feedback. Unfortunately, most users were skeptical of new platforms and hesitant to share insights.
This taught me a valuable lesson in user outreach. I pivoted and reached out directly to two authors with experience in self-publishing, who ultimately provided the feedback I needed to move forward with confidence.
Early Hand-Drawn Wireframes
Impact on Users
Although AuthorHub remains a conceptual design, its impact lies in its approach. By focusing on simplicity, transparency, and brand-neutral UI and UX, it offers a blueprint for how self-publishing tools can be more approachable. Authors deserve tools that match their creative efforts — clean, focused, and easy to use.
Project Reflection
AuthorHub was a turning point in my UIX education. It taught me that user input isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Designing in a vacuum leads to missed opportunities and flawed assumptions. Real insights come from listening, adapting, and staying open to feedback.
While the outcome may not have been my most polished or favorite design, the process taught me one of the most important lessons of my UIX journey at Purdue: you can’t build for users unless you build with them.
An easy to use publishing flow
Clear printing options
Minimalist layouts that reduce overloading