Grand Central Story Booth
Designing the experience for America’s largest oral history project.
Overview
How do you get strangers to stop and listen in the middle of Grand Central Terminal? As the lead interaction designers for StoryCorps' launch, we didn't just build a booth; we defined the process of collecting history. We established the core rituals—from the facilitator role to the interview format—that transformed a simple recording session into a profound human experience, creating a sanctuary for connection amidst the chaos of the commuter rush.
Partners
MASdesign + MESH Architectures, O-R-G (Graphic Identity)
The Details
The physical booth was designed as a "warm lantern," but the real design challenge was invisible: creating a safe emotional space for vulnerability. We developed the listening stations and the interview approach that allow everyday people to open up. This specific experience design became the DNA of the entire organization, scaling from a single booth in Grand Central to a national institution that has preserved the voices of over 600,000 Americans.
