I've spent seven years creating an illustrated diary documenting a transformation from rock bottom to artistic breakthrough. 50+ pieces, many over a meter tall, each containing 100+ hand-drawn moments and stories.

Now I'm building the digital version for a Q2 2026 exhibition - something between an audiobook, an art gallery, and a memory palace. Each artwork has interactive hotspots triggering audio narration, images, and layered stories. The largest piece has 300 hotspots alone.

→ See visuals and full context (copy & paste):

https://github.com/dejicarr/diary-of-deji-interactive/blob/main/INVITATION.md

The technical core works, but I'm looking for creative perspectives on how to make this experience feel alive.

Curious to hear your thoughts:

• How would you approach designing a digital gallery where every artwork is alive with stories, sound, and motion?

• What interaction metaphors come to mind for exploring a zoomable world with 300+ hotspots - without overwhelming the viewer?

• Each piece includes audio narration - how might a player feel part of the artwork rather than a separate UI layer?

• If this were your project, how would you design the entry point? A scroll story, a guided journey, or something more intuitive?

• How can an interface balance the precision of technology with the soul of a handmade artwork?

• And more broadly - if you were designing an interface for introspection, what would it look and sound like?

(Side note: for those familiar with the design world — where do designers who understand experimental digital art actually hang out these days? Beyond Dribbble and Behance, are there pockets of creative technologists exploring similar work?)

I'm new to this world - an ex-Google friend suggested HN might have perspectives I wouldn't find elsewhere. Any thoughts appreciated.