Behind the stories
Every story is made in GLASSWORKS.
GLASSWORKS is the software our team in Berlin built to research, write, voice, test and review Mini Locals stories. It is not public; this page shows how it works.
The GLASSWORKS opening: a glass letter breaking light into colour
Why
Why we built our own studio
A story about a street corner has to match that corner: the right spot, correct facts, a length that fits your walk and a voice that suits the place. We didn't find a tool that did all of that, so we built one. Every story in Mini Locals is made in it.
The process
How a story is made
Find the place
Maps, satellite and street-level views and 3D buildings place each stop at the right spot.
Dig into the history
Archives, local history and the places themselves. Our team checks the research before the story is written.
Pick the storyteller
Each storyteller has its own character and voice. We pick the one that suits the place.
Fit it to your time
The same story comes in different lengths, from a quick break to an afternoon, so it fits the time you have.
Add picture and sound
Voices, images, film and music, made by our team with AI tools and checked by people.
Test it in a simulated place
We play the story in a simulated version of the place, with time of day, weather and the view from the street, listen to the result and fix what doesn't work.
Review and release
People on our team listen, watch and approve it. Then it is published in Mini Locals.
Checks
What we check before a story goes out
Accuracy
Stories rest on real sources. Mistakes you report go back into the studio and get fixed.
Open about AI
Every AI step in the studio is logged: what was asked, which model answered and what it cost.
Your privacy
The studio works with places, sources and made-up test listeners. It doesn't need your personal data.
Safe routes
Walks are planned on real maps and checked before release. On the street, traffic and signs come first.
Get the app
Get Mini Locals
Available worldwide, on Android, on iPhone and in your browser. Start free as a guest, sign in when you want to keep your walks and purchases.