diff --git a/frontend/src/App.css b/frontend/src/App.css
index 30cf955..e40e221 100644
--- a/frontend/src/App.css
+++ b/frontend/src/App.css
@@ -1,53 +1,11 @@
-/* Mobile-first responsive styles */
 #root {
   width: 100%;
   margin: 0 auto;
   padding: 0;
-  position: relative;
-  z-index: 1;
 }
 
-/* Ensure touch-friendly interactions */
-.touch-manipulation {
-  touch-action: manipulation;
-}
-
-/* Smooth animations */
 button, input, select, textarea {
-  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
-}
-
-/* Advanced button hover effects */
-button:not(:disabled) {
-  position: relative;
-  overflow: hidden;
-}
-
-button:not(:disabled)::before {
-  content: '';
-  position: absolute;
-  top: 50%;
-  left: 50%;
-  width: 0;
-  height: 0;
-  border-radius: 50%;
-  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
-  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
-  transition: width 0.6s, height 0.6s;
-}
-
-button:not(:disabled):hover::before {
-  width: 300px;
-  height: 300px;
-}
-
-button:not(:disabled):hover {
-  transform: translateY(-4px) scale(1.02);
-  box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
-}
-
-button:not(:disabled):active {
-  transform: translateY(-2px) scale(1.01);
+  transition: all 0.2s ease;
 }
 
 /* Custom range slider styling for better mobile support */
diff --git a/frontend/src/App.tsx b/frontend/src/App.tsx
index 802d791..689383c 100644
--- a/frontend/src/App.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/App.tsx
@@ -158,39 +158,52 @@ function App() {
   const allRolesAssigned = roles.length > 0 && roles.every(role => voiceAssignments.has(role.id))
 
   return (
-    <div className="min-h-screen relative">
-      <div className="container mx-auto py-6 px-4 sm:py-12 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 relative z-10">
-        {/* Header with gradient text and icon */}
-        <div className="text-center mb-8 sm:mb-14">
-          <div className="inline-block mb-6 animate-bounce">
-            <div className="w-20 h-20 sm:w-24 sm:h-24 mx-auto bg-white rounded-3xl shadow-glow-strong flex items-center justify-center relative overflow-hidden">
-              <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-gradient-to-br from-purple-100 to-indigo-100 opacity-50"></div>
-              <span className="text-4xl sm:text-5xl relative z-10">🎧</span>
-            </div>
+    <div className="min-h-screen bg-gradient-to-br from-gray-50 to-gray-100">
+      <div className="container mx-auto py-8 px-4 sm:py-12 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 max-w-5xl">
+        {/* Header */}
+        <div className="text-center mb-12">
+          <div className="inline-flex items-center justify-center w-16 h-16 bg-gradient-to-br from-indigo-500 to-purple-600 rounded-2xl mb-6 shadow-lg">
+            <span className="text-3xl">🎧</span>
           </div>
-          <h1 className="text-4xl sm:text-5xl md:text-6xl lg:text-7xl font-extrabold text-white mb-4 drop-shadow-2xl tracking-tight">
+          <h1 className="text-4xl sm:text-5xl md:text-6xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-4">
             Text to Audiobook
           </h1>
-          <p className="text-white/95 text-base sm:text-lg md:text-xl font-medium max-w-2xl mx-auto leading-relaxed">
+          <p className="text-lg text-gray-600 max-w-2xl mx-auto">
             Transform your stories into immersive audio experiences with AI-powered voices
           </p>
           
-          {/* Progress indicator */}
-          <div className="mt-8 flex justify-center items-center gap-2 sm:gap-3">
-            <div className={`w-2 h-2 sm:w-3 sm:h-3 rounded-full transition-all duration-300 ${phase === 'input' ? 'bg-white scale-125' : 'bg-white/40'}`}></div>
-            <div className={`w-2 h-2 sm:w-3 sm:h-3 rounded-full transition-all duration-300 ${phase === 'assignment' ? 'bg-white scale-125' : 'bg-white/40'}`}></div>
-            <div className={`w-2 h-2 sm:w-3 sm:h-3 rounded-full transition-all duration-300 ${phase === 'review' ? 'bg-white scale-125' : 'bg-white/40'}`}></div>
-            <div className={`w-2 h-2 sm:w-3 sm:h-3 rounded-full transition-all duration-300 ${phase === 'generated' ? 'bg-white scale-125' : 'bg-white/40'}`}></div>
+          {/* Progress Steps */}
+          <div className="mt-10 flex justify-center items-center gap-3">
+            {['Input', 'Voices', 'Review', 'Done'].map((step, index) => {
+              const phases = ['input', 'assignment', 'review', 'generated'];
+              const isActive = phase === phases[index];
+              const isPast = phases.indexOf(phase) > index;
+              
+              return (
+                <div key={step} className="flex items-center">
+                  <div className={`flex items-center justify-center w-10 h-10 rounded-full font-semibold text-sm transition-all ${
+                    isActive ? 'bg-indigo-600 text-white scale-110' : 
+                    isPast ? 'bg-green-500 text-white' : 
+                    'bg-gray-200 text-gray-500'
+                  }`}>
+                    {isPast ? '✓' : index + 1}
+                  </div>
+                  {index < 3 && (
+                    <div className={`w-12 h-1 mx-2 rounded ${isPast ? 'bg-green-500' : 'bg-gray-200'}`}></div>
+                  )}
+                </div>
+              );
+            })}
           </div>
         </div>
         
         {error && (
-          <div className="max-w-4xl mx-auto mb-6 p-4 sm:p-5 glass-effect border-2 border-red-400 text-red-700 rounded-2xl shadow-glow text-sm sm:text-base animate-pulse">
+          <div className="mb-6 p-4 bg-red-50 border border-red-200 text-red-700 rounded-xl">
             <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
-              <span className="text-2xl">⚠️</span>
+              <span className="text-xl">⚠️</span>
               <div>
-                <p className="font-bold text-lg mb-1">Error</p>
-                <p>{error}</p>
+                <p className="font-semibold mb-1">Error</p>
+                <p className="text-sm">{error}</p>
               </div>
             </div>
           </div>
@@ -209,10 +222,10 @@ function App() {
         {phase === 'assignment' && (
           <>
             {isLongText && (
-              <div className="max-w-4xl mx-auto mb-6 p-4 sm:p-5 glass-effect border-2 border-yellow-400 text-yellow-900 rounded-2xl shadow-glow text-sm sm:text-base">
-                <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                  <span className="text-2xl">⏱️</span>
-                  <p className="font-semibold">Generation may take several minutes for very long content.</p>
+              <div className="mb-6 p-4 bg-yellow-50 border border-yellow-200 text-yellow-800 rounded-xl">
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                  <span>⏱️</span>
+                  <p className="text-sm font-medium">Generation may take several minutes for very long content.</p>
                 </div>
               </div>
             )}
@@ -236,10 +249,10 @@ function App() {
         {phase === 'review' && (
           <>
             {isLongText && (
-              <div className="max-w-4xl mx-auto mb-6 p-4 sm:p-5 glass-effect border-2 border-yellow-400 text-yellow-900 rounded-2xl shadow-glow text-sm sm:text-base">
-                <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                  <span className="text-2xl">⏱️</span>
-                  <p className="font-semibold">Generation may take several minutes for very long content.</p>
+              <div className="mb-6 p-4 bg-yellow-50 border border-yellow-200 text-yellow-800 rounded-xl">
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                  <span>⏱️</span>
+                  <p className="text-sm font-medium">Generation may take several minutes for very long content.</p>
                 </div>
               </div>
             )}
@@ -262,30 +275,24 @@ function App() {
         )}
 
         {isGenerating && isLongText && (
-          <div className="max-w-4xl mx-auto mt-6 p-5 sm:p-6 glass-effect border-2 border-blue-400 text-blue-900 rounded-2xl shadow-glow-strong text-center text-sm sm:text-base">
-            <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4">
-              <div className="relative">
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-12 w-12 border-4 border-blue-200"></div>
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-12 w-12 border-4 border-blue-600 border-t-transparent absolute top-0 left-0"></div>
-              </div>
+          <div className="mt-6 p-6 bg-blue-50 border border-blue-200 rounded-xl text-center">
+            <div className="flex flex-col items-center gap-4">
+              <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-10 w-10 border-3 border-indigo-600 border-t-transparent"></div>
               <div>
-                <p className="font-bold text-lg mb-1">Generating Your Audiobook</p>
-                <p className="text-sm">This may take several minutes for very long content. Please be patient...</p>
+                <p className="font-semibold text-gray-900 mb-1">Generating Your Audiobook</p>
+                <p className="text-sm text-gray-600">This may take several minutes. Please be patient...</p>
               </div>
             </div>
           </div>
         )}
 
         {isGeneratingScript && (
-          <div className="max-w-4xl mx-auto mt-6 p-5 sm:p-6 glass-effect border-2 border-purple-400 text-purple-900 rounded-2xl shadow-glow-strong text-center text-sm sm:text-base">
-            <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4">
-              <div className="relative">
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-12 w-12 border-4 border-purple-200"></div>
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-12 w-12 border-4 border-purple-600 border-t-transparent absolute top-0 left-0"></div>
-              </div>
+          <div className="mt-6 p-6 bg-purple-50 border border-purple-200 rounded-xl text-center">
+            <div className="flex flex-col items-center gap-4">
+              <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-10 w-10 border-3 border-purple-600 border-t-transparent"></div>
               <div>
-                <p className="font-bold text-lg mb-1">Generating Script Preview</p>
-                <p className="text-sm">AI is analyzing your text and assigning speakers...</p>
+                <p className="font-semibold text-gray-900 mb-1">Generating Script Preview</p>
+                <p className="text-sm text-gray-600">AI is analyzing your text...</p>
               </div>
             </div>
           </div>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/AudioPlayerSection.tsx b/frontend/src/components/AudioPlayerSection.tsx
index bf9c303..a329b74 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/AudioPlayerSection.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/AudioPlayerSection.tsx
@@ -8,68 +8,47 @@ export default function AudioPlayerSection({
   onDownload
 }: AudioPlayerSectionProps) {
   return (
-    <div className="w-full max-w-4xl mx-auto p-6 sm:p-8 glass-effect rounded-3xl shadow-glow-strong card-hover">
+    <div className="card-modern p-8 space-y-6">
       {/* Success Header */}
-      <div className="text-center mb-8">
-        <div className="inline-block mb-6">
-          <div className="w-24 h-24 sm:w-28 sm:h-28 mx-auto bg-gradient-to-br from-green-400 via-emerald-500 to-teal-600 rounded-3xl shadow-2xl flex items-center justify-center animate-bounce shadow-green-500/50">
-            <span className="text-5xl sm:text-6xl">🎉</span>
-          </div>
+      <div className="text-center">
+        <div className="inline-flex items-center justify-center w-16 h-16 bg-gradient-to-br from-green-400 to-emerald-500 rounded-2xl mb-4">
+          <span className="text-3xl">🎉</span>
         </div>
-        <h2 className="text-3xl sm:text-4xl md:text-5xl font-extrabold gradient-text-animated mb-3">
+        <h2 className="text-3xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-2">
           Your Audiobook is Ready!
         </h2>
-        <p className="text-gray-700 text-base sm:text-lg font-medium">
+        <p className="text-gray-600">
           Listen below or download to enjoy offline
         </p>
       </div>
       
-      {/* Audio Player Card */}
-      <div className="bg-gradient-to-br from-purple-50 via-indigo-50 to-pink-50 rounded-3xl shadow-2xl p-6 sm:p-10 mb-8 border-2 border-purple-300 hover:shadow-3xl transition-all">
-        <div className="flex items-center gap-4 mb-6">
-          <div className="w-14 h-14 bg-gradient-to-br from-purple-500 via-purple-600 to-indigo-600 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center shadow-lg shadow-purple-500/50">
-            <span className="text-2xl">🎧</span>
-          </div>
-          <div>
-            <h3 className="text-xl sm:text-2xl font-extrabold text-gray-800">Listen Now</h3>
-            <p className="text-sm text-gray-600">Your personalized audiobook</p>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-        
+      {/* Audio Player */}
+      <div className="p-6 bg-gradient-to-br from-indigo-50 to-purple-50 rounded-xl border border-indigo-100">
         <audio
           controls
           src={audioUrl}
-          className="w-full min-h-[54px] rounded-2xl shadow-xl"
+          className="w-full"
           preload="metadata"
-          style={{
-            filter: 'drop-shadow(0 8px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15))'
-          }}
         >
           Your browser does not support the audio element.
         </audio>
       </div>
 
       {/* Download Button */}
-      <div className="flex justify-center mb-6">
+      <div className="flex justify-center">
         <button
           onClick={onDownload}
-          className="px-12 py-6 min-h-[60px] bg-gradient-to-r from-green-500 via-emerald-600 to-teal-600 hover:from-green-600 hover:via-emerald-700 hover:to-teal-700 text-white font-extrabold rounded-2xl transition-all cursor-pointer touch-manipulation shadow-2xl text-lg sm:text-xl shadow-green-500/50 relative overflow-hidden"
+          className="btn-primary flex items-center gap-2"
         >
-          <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-4 relative z-10">
-            <span className="text-2xl">⬇️</span>
-            Download Audiobook
-          </span>
+          <span>⬇️</span>
+          Download Audiobook
         </button>
       </div>
 
       {/* Success Message */}
-      <div className="p-6 bg-gradient-to-r from-green-50 via-emerald-50 to-teal-50 border-2 border-green-300 text-green-900 rounded-2xl shadow-lg text-center text-sm sm:text-base">
-        <div className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 mb-2">
-          <span className="text-3xl">✅</span>
-          <p className="font-extrabold text-lg">Success!</p>
-        </div>
+      <div className="p-4 bg-green-50 border border-green-200 text-green-800 rounded-xl text-center">
         <p className="font-medium">
-          Your audiobook has been successfully generated with AI-powered voices!
+          ✅ Your audiobook has been successfully generated!
         </p>
       </div>
     </div>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ScriptReviewSection.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ScriptReviewSection.tsx
index 6f07d60..370b9ab 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ScriptReviewSection.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ScriptReviewSection.tsx
@@ -22,52 +22,37 @@ export default function ScriptReviewSection({
   };
 
   return (
-    <div className="w-full max-w-4xl mx-auto p-6 sm:p-8 glass-effect rounded-3xl shadow-glow card-hover">
-      <div className="flex items-center gap-4 mb-6">
-        <div className="w-14 h-14 bg-gradient-to-br from-purple-500 via-purple-600 to-indigo-600 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center shadow-lg shadow-purple-500/50">
-          <span className="text-2xl">📋</span>
-        </div>
-        <div>
-          <h2 className="text-2xl sm:text-3xl font-extrabold gradient-text-animated">Review Script</h2>
-          <p className="text-gray-600 text-sm mt-1">Fine-tune speaker assignments</p>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-      
-      <div className="text-sm sm:text-base text-gray-700 mb-8 bg-gradient-to-r from-purple-50 to-indigo-50 p-5 rounded-2xl border-2 border-purple-200 shadow-inner">
-        <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
-          <span className="text-xl">💡</span>
-          <p className="font-medium">Review the AI-generated script and adjust speaker assignments as needed.</p>
-        </div>
+    <div className="card-modern p-8 space-y-6">
+      <div>
+        <h2 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-2">Review Script</h2>
+        <p className="text-gray-600">Review and adjust speaker assignments before generating your audiobook.</p>
       </div>
 
       {/* Script Segments */}
-      <div className="space-y-5 mb-8">
+      <div className="space-y-4">
         {segments.map((segment, index) => (
           <div 
             key={segment.id} 
-            className="border-2 border-purple-300 rounded-2xl p-5 sm:p-6 bg-gradient-to-br from-white to-purple-50/30 shadow-lg hover:shadow-2xl transition-all card-hover"
-            style={{ animationDelay: `${index * 0.05}s` }}
+            className="p-5 bg-gray-50 rounded-xl border border-gray-200"
           >
-            {/* Segment Header */}
-            <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-3 sm:gap-5 mb-4">
+            {/* Header */}
+            <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-3 mb-3">
               <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                <div className="w-12 h-12 bg-gradient-to-br from-indigo-500 to-purple-600 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center text-white font-extrabold shadow-md text-lg">
+                <div className="flex items-center justify-center w-8 h-8 bg-indigo-100 text-indigo-700 rounded-lg font-semibold text-sm">
                   {index + 1}
                 </div>
-                <span className="text-xs font-bold text-purple-600 bg-purple-100 px-3 py-1 rounded-lg">
-                  SEGMENT
-                </span>
+                <span className="text-xs font-semibold text-gray-500 uppercase">Segment</span>
               </div>
               
               {/* Speaker Dropdown */}
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-3 flex-1">
-                <label className="text-sm font-bold text-gray-700 whitespace-nowrap flex items-center gap-2">
-                  <span className="text-lg">🎤</span> Speaker:
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2 flex-1">
+                <label className="text-sm font-semibold text-gray-700 whitespace-nowrap">
+                  Speaker:
                 </label>
                 <select
                   value={segment.speaker}
                   onChange={(e) => handleSpeakerChange(segment.id, e.target.value)}
-                  className="flex-1 p-4 min-h-[52px] border-2 border-purple-300 rounded-xl focus:border-purple-600 focus:ring-4 focus:ring-purple-300 focus:outline-none text-sm sm:text-base touch-manipulation bg-white shadow-sm font-medium"
+                  className="flex-1 p-2 border-2 border-gray-200 rounded-lg focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-2 focus:ring-indigo-200 focus:outline-none bg-white"
                   disabled={isGenerating}
                 >
                   {roles.map((role) => (
@@ -80,7 +65,7 @@ export default function ScriptReviewSection({
             </div>
 
             {/* Segment Text */}
-            <div className="w-full min-h-[100px] p-5 border-2 border-indigo-200 rounded-xl bg-gradient-to-br from-indigo-50 via-purple-50 to-pink-50 text-sm sm:text-base whitespace-pre-wrap shadow-inner leading-relaxed">
+            <div className="p-4 bg-white rounded-lg border border-gray-200 text-gray-800 whitespace-pre-wrap leading-relaxed">
               {segment.text}
             </div>
           </div>
@@ -88,56 +73,33 @@ export default function ScriptReviewSection({
       </div>
 
       {/* Action Buttons */}
-      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-4 sm:gap-5 justify-center">
+      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-3 justify-end pt-4">
         <button
           onClick={onSkipReview}
           disabled={isGenerating}
-          className={`px-8 py-5 min-h-[56px] rounded-2xl font-bold transition-all touch-manipulation shadow-2xl text-lg relative overflow-hidden ${
-            isGenerating
-              ? 'bg-gray-300 text-gray-500 cursor-not-allowed opacity-60'
-              : 'bg-gradient-to-r from-gray-500 via-gray-600 to-gray-700 text-white hover:from-gray-600 hover:via-gray-700 hover:to-gray-800 cursor-pointer shadow-gray-500/50'
-          }`}
+          className="px-6 py-3 border-2 border-gray-300 text-gray-700 font-semibold rounded-xl hover:bg-gray-50 disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed transition-all"
         >
-          <span className="relative z-10">Skip Review</span>
+          Back
         </button>
         
         <button
           onClick={onGenerate}
           disabled={isGenerating}
-          className={`px-10 py-5 min-h-[56px] rounded-2xl font-bold text-white text-lg transition-all touch-manipulation shadow-2xl relative overflow-hidden ${
-            isGenerating
-              ? 'bg-gray-400 cursor-not-allowed opacity-60'
-              : 'bg-gradient-to-r from-green-500 via-emerald-600 to-teal-600 hover:from-green-600 hover:via-emerald-700 hover:to-teal-700 cursor-pointer shadow-green-500/50'
-          }`}
+          className="btn-primary"
         >
           {isGenerating ? (
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              <div className="relative">
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-6 w-6 border-3 border-white/30"></div>
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-6 w-6 border-3 border-white border-t-transparent absolute top-0 left-0"></div>
-              </div>
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-5 w-5 border-2 border-white border-t-transparent"></div>
               Generating...
             </span>
           ) : (
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              <span className="text-xl">✨</span>
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-2">
               Generate Audiobook
+              <span>✨</span>
             </span>
           )}
         </button>
       </div>
-
-      {/* Info Message */}
-      {!isGenerating && (
-        <div className="mt-8 p-6 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-50 via-indigo-50 to-purple-50 border-2 border-blue-300 text-blue-900 rounded-2xl shadow-lg text-sm sm:text-base">
-          <p className="font-extrabold mb-3 flex items-center gap-3 text-lg">
-            <span className="text-2xl">💡</span> Pro Tip
-          </p>
-          <p className="leading-relaxed">
-            Review the AI-generated speaker assignments and make any necessary corrections before generating the audiobook. This ensures the best possible listening experience!
-          </p>
-        </div>
-      )}
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/TextInputSection.tsx b/frontend/src/components/TextInputSection.tsx
index 623d2f9..18c63a2 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/TextInputSection.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/TextInputSection.tsx
@@ -36,65 +36,53 @@ export default function TextInputSection({
   const isButtonDisabled = disabled || isLoading || text.trim() === '';
 
   return (
-    <div className="w-full max-w-4xl mx-auto p-6 sm:p-8 glass-effect rounded-3xl shadow-glow card-hover">
-      <div className="flex items-center gap-4 mb-6 sm:mb-8">
-        <div className="w-14 h-14 bg-gradient-to-br from-purple-500 via-purple-600 to-indigo-600 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center shadow-lg shadow-purple-500/50">
-          <span className="text-2xl">📝</span>
-        </div>
-        <div>
-          <h2 className="text-2xl sm:text-3xl font-extrabold gradient-text-animated">Enter Your Text</h2>
-          <p className="text-gray-600 text-sm mt-1">Paste or type your story below</p>
-        </div>
+    <div className="card-modern p-8">
+      <div className="mb-6">
+        <h2 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-2">Enter Your Text</h2>
+        <p className="text-gray-600">Paste or type your story below. Use patterns like "Name:" to mark different speakers.</p>
       </div>
       
       <div className="mb-6 relative">
         <textarea
           value={text}
           onChange={handleTextChange}
-          placeholder="Enter your text here. Use patterns like 'Name:' or '[Name]' to mark different speakers...
+          placeholder="Example:
 
-Example:
 Sarah: Hello! How are you today?
-John: I'm doing great, thanks for asking!"
-          className="w-full h-72 sm:h-80 md:h-96 p-5 sm:p-6 border-2 border-purple-300 rounded-2xl focus:border-purple-600 focus:ring-4 focus:ring-purple-300 focus:outline-none resize-y text-sm sm:text-base touch-manipulation shadow-inner bg-gradient-to-br from-white to-purple-50/30 font-mono leading-relaxed"
+John: I'm doing great, thanks for asking!
+Sarah: That's wonderful to hear."
+          className="w-full h-80 p-4 border-2 border-gray-200 rounded-xl focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-2 focus:ring-indigo-200 focus:outline-none resize-y text-base leading-relaxed"
           disabled={disabled || isLoading}
         />
-        <div className="absolute bottom-4 right-4 text-xs text-gray-500 bg-white/80 px-3 py-1 rounded-lg backdrop-blur-sm">
+        <div className="absolute bottom-3 right-3 text-xs text-gray-500 bg-white px-2 py-1 rounded-md border border-gray-200">
           {text.length} characters
         </div>
       </div>
 
       {showValidation && text.trim() === '' && (
-        <div className="mb-6 p-4 sm:p-5 bg-gradient-to-r from-red-50 to-pink-50 border-2 border-red-400 text-red-700 rounded-2xl shadow-lg text-sm sm:text-base animate-pulse">
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-            <span className="text-2xl">⚠️</span>
-            <p className="font-bold">Please enter some text before proceeding.</p>
+        <div className="mb-6 p-4 bg-red-50 border border-red-200 text-red-700 rounded-xl">
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <span>⚠️</span>
+            <p className="font-medium">Please enter some text before proceeding.</p>
           </div>
         </div>
       )}
 
-      <div className="flex justify-center">
+      <div className="flex justify-end">
         <button
           onClick={handleNext}
           disabled={isButtonDisabled}
-          className={`px-10 py-5 min-h-[56px] rounded-2xl font-bold text-white text-lg transition-all touch-manipulation shadow-2xl relative overflow-hidden ${
-            isButtonDisabled
-              ? 'bg-gray-400 cursor-not-allowed opacity-60'
-              : 'bg-gradient-to-r from-purple-600 via-purple-700 to-indigo-600 hover:from-purple-700 hover:via-purple-800 hover:to-indigo-700 cursor-pointer shadow-purple-500/50'
-          }`}
+          className="btn-primary"
         >
           {isLoading ? (
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              <div className="relative">
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-6 w-6 border-3 border-white/30"></div>
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-6 w-6 border-3 border-white border-t-transparent absolute top-0 left-0"></div>
-              </div>
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-5 w-5 border-2 border-white border-t-transparent"></div>
               Processing...
             </span>
           ) : (
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              Next: Assign Voices
-              <span className="text-xl">→</span>
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              Continue
+              <span>→</span>
             </span>
           )}
         </button>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/VoiceAssignmentSection.tsx b/frontend/src/components/VoiceAssignmentSection.tsx
index 023872b..5543694 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/VoiceAssignmentSection.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/VoiceAssignmentSection.tsx
@@ -159,66 +159,51 @@ export default function VoiceAssignmentSection({
   const isGenerateDisabled = !allRolesAssigned || isGenerating;
 
   return (
-    <div className="w-full max-w-4xl mx-auto p-6 sm:p-8 glass-effect rounded-3xl shadow-glow card-hover">
-      <div className="flex items-center gap-4 mb-8">
-        <div className="w-14 h-14 bg-gradient-to-br from-purple-500 via-purple-600 to-indigo-600 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center shadow-lg shadow-purple-500/50">
-          <span className="text-2xl">🎤</span>
-        </div>
-        <div>
-          <h2 className="text-2xl sm:text-3xl font-extrabold gradient-text-animated">Assign Voices to Roles</h2>
-          <p className="text-gray-600 text-sm mt-1">Choose the perfect voice for each character</p>
-        </div>
+    <div className="card-modern p-8 space-y-8">
+      <div>
+        <h2 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mb-2">Assign Voices</h2>
+        <p className="text-gray-600">Choose a voice for each character in your story.</p>
       </div>
 
-      {/* Role-to-Voice Mapping Section */}
-      <div className="mb-8">
-        <h3 className="text-xl font-bold mb-5 text-gray-800 flex items-center gap-3">
-          <span className="text-2xl">👥</span> 
-          <span>Voice Assignments</span>
-        </h3>
-        <div className="space-y-4">
-          {roles.map((role, index) => (
-            <div 
-              key={role.id} 
-              className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-3 sm:gap-5 bg-gradient-to-r from-white to-purple-50/50 p-5 rounded-2xl shadow-md border-2 border-purple-200 hover:border-purple-400 hover:shadow-xl transition-all card-hover"
-              style={{ animationDelay: `${index * 0.1}s` }}
-            >
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-3 sm:w-48">
-                <div className="w-10 h-10 bg-gradient-to-br from-indigo-500 to-purple-600 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center text-white font-bold shadow-md">
-                  {index + 1}
-                </div>
-                <label className="font-bold text-gray-800 text-base sm:text-lg">
-                  {role.label}
-                </label>
+      {/* Voice Assignments */}
+      <div className="space-y-4">
+        {roles.map((role, index) => (
+          <div key={role.id} className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-3 p-4 bg-gray-50 rounded-xl border border-gray-200">
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-3 sm:w-48">
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-center w-8 h-8 bg-indigo-100 text-indigo-700 rounded-lg font-semibold text-sm">
+                {index + 1}
               </div>
-              <select
-                value={voiceAssignments.get(role.id) || ''}
-                onChange={(e) => handleVoiceSelect(role.id, e.target.value)}
-                className="flex-1 p-4 min-h-[52px] border-2 border-purple-300 rounded-xl focus:border-purple-600 focus:ring-4 focus:ring-purple-300 focus:outline-none text-sm sm:text-base touch-manipulation bg-white shadow-sm font-medium"
-              >
-                <option value="">🎭 Select a voice...</option>
-                {KOKORO_VOICES.map((voice) => (
-                  <option key={voice.id} value={voice.id}>
-                    {voice.label}
-                  </option>
-                ))}
-              </select>
+              <label className="font-semibold text-gray-900">
+                {role.label}
+              </label>
             </div>
-          ))}
-        </div>
+            <select
+              value={voiceAssignments.get(role.id) || ''}
+              onChange={(e) => handleVoiceSelect(role.id, e.target.value)}
+              className="flex-1 p-3 border-2 border-gray-200 rounded-xl focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-2 focus:ring-indigo-200 focus:outline-none bg-white"
+            >
+              <option value="">Select a voice...</option>
+              {KOKORO_VOICES.map((voice) => (
+                <option key={voice.id} value={voice.id}>
+                  {voice.label}
+                </option>
+              ))}
+            </select>
+          </div>
+        ))}
       </div>
 
-      {/* Language and Speed Settings */}
-      <div className="grid sm:grid-cols-2 gap-6 mb-8">
-        {/* Language Selector */}
-        <div className="bg-gradient-to-br from-white to-indigo-50/50 p-6 rounded-2xl shadow-md border-2 border-indigo-200 hover:shadow-xl transition-all">
-          <h3 className="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 flex items-center gap-3">
-            <span className="text-2xl">🌍</span> Language
-          </h3>
+      {/* Settings Grid */}
+      <div className="grid sm:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
+        {/* Language */}
+        <div>
+          <label className="block text-sm font-semibold text-gray-900 mb-2">
+            Language
+          </label>
           <select
             value={language}
             onChange={handleLanguageSelect}
-            className="w-full p-4 min-h-[52px] border-2 border-indigo-300 rounded-xl focus:border-indigo-600 focus:ring-4 focus:ring-indigo-300 focus:outline-none text-sm sm:text-base touch-manipulation bg-white shadow-sm font-medium"
+            className="w-full p-3 border-2 border-gray-200 rounded-xl focus:border-indigo-500 focus:ring-2 focus:ring-indigo-200 focus:outline-none bg-white"
           >
             {LANGUAGES.map((lang) => (
               <option key={lang.code} value={lang.code}>
@@ -228,86 +213,63 @@ export default function VoiceAssignmentSection({
           </select>
         </div>
 
-        {/* Speed Slider */}
-        <div className="bg-gradient-to-br from-white to-purple-50/50 p-6 rounded-2xl shadow-md border-2 border-purple-200 hover:shadow-xl transition-all">
-          <h3 className="text-xl font-bold mb-4 text-gray-800 flex items-center gap-3">
-            <span className="text-2xl">⚡</span> Playback Speed
-          </h3>
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-4">
-            <span className="text-sm text-gray-600 font-semibold">0.5x</span>
-            <input
-              type="range"
-              min="0.5"
-              max="1.5"
-              step="0.1"
-              value={speed}
-              onChange={handleSpeedChange}
-              className="flex-1 h-8 touch-manipulation"
-            />
-            <span className="text-sm text-gray-600 font-semibold">1.5x</span>
-          </div>
-          <div className="mt-4 text-center">
-            <span className="inline-block font-extrabold text-purple-700 text-2xl bg-gradient-to-r from-purple-100 to-indigo-100 px-6 py-2 rounded-xl shadow-inner">
-              {speed.toFixed(1)}x
-            </span>
+        {/* Speed */}
+        <div>
+          <label className="block text-sm font-semibold text-gray-900 mb-2">
+            Playback Speed: {speed.toFixed(1)}x
+          </label>
+          <input
+            type="range"
+            min="0.5"
+            max="1.5"
+            step="0.1"
+            value={speed}
+            onChange={handleSpeedChange}
+            className="w-full"
+          />
+          <div className="flex justify-between text-xs text-gray-500 mt-1">
+            <span>0.5x</span>
+            <span>1.5x</span>
           </div>
         </div>
       </div>
 
-      {/* Action Buttons */}
-      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row justify-center gap-4 sm:gap-5">
-        <button
-          onClick={onGenerate}
-          disabled={isGenerateDisabled}
-          className={`px-10 py-5 min-h-[56px] rounded-2xl font-bold text-white text-lg transition-all touch-manipulation shadow-2xl relative overflow-hidden ${
-            isGenerateDisabled
-              ? 'bg-gray-400 cursor-not-allowed opacity-60'
-              : 'bg-gradient-to-r from-purple-600 via-purple-700 to-indigo-600 hover:from-purple-700 hover:via-purple-800 hover:to-indigo-700 cursor-pointer shadow-purple-500/50'
-          }`}
-        >
-          {isGenerating ? (
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              <div className="relative">
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-6 w-6 border-3 border-white/30"></div>
-                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-6 w-6 border-3 border-white border-t-transparent absolute top-0 left-0"></div>
-              </div>
-              Generating Script...
-            </span>
-          ) : (
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              Next: Review Script
-              <span className="text-xl">→</span>
-            </span>
-          )}
-        </button>
-        
-        {onSkipReview && (
-          <button
-            onClick={onSkipReview}
-            disabled={isGenerateDisabled}
-            className={`px-10 py-5 min-h-[56px] rounded-2xl font-bold text-white text-lg transition-all touch-manipulation shadow-2xl relative overflow-hidden ${
-              isGenerateDisabled
-                ? 'bg-gray-400 cursor-not-allowed opacity-60'
-                : 'bg-gradient-to-r from-green-500 via-emerald-600 to-teal-600 hover:from-green-600 hover:via-emerald-700 hover:to-teal-700 cursor-pointer shadow-green-500/50'
-            }`}
-          >
-            <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 relative z-10">
-              <span className="text-xl">⚡</span>
-              Skip Review & Generate
-            </span>
-          </button>
-        )}
-      </div>
-
       {/* Validation Message */}
       {!allRolesAssigned && !isGenerating && (
-        <div className="mt-6 p-5 bg-gradient-to-r from-yellow-50 to-orange-50 border-2 border-yellow-400 text-yellow-900 rounded-2xl text-center text-sm sm:text-base shadow-lg">
-          <div className="flex items-center justify-center gap-3">
-            <span className="text-2xl">⚠️</span>
-            <p className="font-bold">Please assign voices to all roles before generating the audiobook.</p>
-          </div>
+        <div className="p-4 bg-yellow-50 border border-yellow-200 text-yellow-800 rounded-xl">
+          <p className="text-sm font-medium">Please assign voices to all roles before continuing.</p>
         </div>
       )}
+
+      {/* Action Buttons */}
+      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-3 justify-end">
+        {onSkipReview && (
+          <button
+            onClick={onSkipReview}
+            disabled={isGenerateDisabled}
+            className="px-6 py-3 border-2 border-gray-300 text-gray-700 font-semibold rounded-xl hover:bg-gray-50 disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed transition-all"
+          >
+            Skip Review & Generate
+          </button>
+        )}
+        <button
+          onClick={onGenerate}
+          disabled={isGenerateDisabled}
+          className="btn-primary"
+        >
+          {isGenerating ? (
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-5 w-5 border-2 border-white border-t-transparent"></div>
+              Generating...
+            </span>
+          ) : (
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              Continue
+              <span>→</span>
+            </span>
+          )}
+        </button>
+      </div>
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/index.css b/frontend/src/index.css
index cab42e5..6d1af51 100644
--- a/frontend/src/index.css
+++ b/frontend/src/index.css
@@ -14,82 +14,42 @@ body {
   margin: 0;
   min-width: 320px;
   min-height: 100vh;
-  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);
-  background-attachment: fixed;
-  position: relative;
-  overflow-x: hidden;
-}
-
-/* Animated background particles */
-body::before {
-  content: '';
-  position: fixed;
-  top: 0;
-  left: 0;
-  width: 100%;
-  height: 100%;
-  background-image: 
-    radial-gradient(circle at 20% 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) 0%, transparent 50%),
-    radial-gradient(circle at 80% 80%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) 0%, transparent 50%),
-    radial-gradient(circle at 40% 20%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) 0%, transparent 50%);
-  animation: float 20s ease-in-out infinite;
-  pointer-events: none;
-  z-index: 0;
-}
-
-@keyframes float {
-  0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0px); }
-  50% { transform: translateY(-20px); }
-}
-
-@keyframes pulse-glow {
-  0%, 100% { box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4), 0 0 40px rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.2); }
-  50% { box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.6), 0 0 60px rgba(118, 75, 162, 0.3); }
-}
-
-@keyframes shimmer {
-  0% { background-position: -1000px 0; }
-  100% { background-position: 1000px 0; }
+  background: #f8f9fa;
 }
 
 @layer utilities {
-  .glass-effect {
-    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.98);
-    backdrop-filter: blur(20px) saturate(180%);
-    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px) saturate(180%);
-    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
+  .card-modern {
+    background: white;
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
+    border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
+    transition: all 0.2s ease;
   }
   
-  .gradient-text {
-    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);
-    -webkit-background-clip: text;
-    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
-    background-clip: text;
+  .card-modern:hover {
+    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
+    transform: translateY(-2px);
   }
   
-  .gradient-text-animated {
-    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #667eea, #764ba2, #667eea);
-    background-size: 200% auto;
-    -webkit-background-clip: text;
-    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
-    background-clip: text;
-    animation: shimmer 3s linear infinite;
+  .btn-primary {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #6366f1 0%, #8b5cf6 100%);
+    color: white;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    padding: 12px 32px;
+    border-radius: 12px;
+    border: none;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    transition: all 0.2s ease;
+    box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.3);
   }
   
-  .shadow-glow {
-    box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3), 0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+  .btn-primary:hover:not(:disabled) {
+    transform: translateY(-2px);
+    box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.4);
   }
   
-  .shadow-glow-strong {
-    animation: pulse-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;
-  }
-  
-  .card-hover {
-    transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
-  }
-  
-  .card-hover:hover {
-    transform: translateY(-8px) scale(1.02);
-    box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4);
+  .btn-primary:disabled {
+    opacity: 0.5;
+    cursor: not-allowed;
   }
 }