Collaborators:
Timeline:
Tools:
Tom McCluskey, Hannah Zhao
Sept 2023 - Dec 2023
Figma, UX Rsearch
Project Overview
For our semester-long UX project, we were tasked with designing a library app, applying the full range of UX skills we developed throughout the course. From user research and competitive analysis to wireframing and prototyping, we worked through each stage of the design process. Toward the end, feedback from a design coach helped us refine and polish our final product. As avid readers, our team set out to solve a modern challenge: Capturing and sustaining attention in a fast-paced world.
Problem
As avid readers, our team set out to solve a modern challenge: Capturing and sustaining attention in a fast-paced world.
One notable quote from a fellow reader highlighted a common frustration when reading on the subway:
"I don’t even bother trying to read because of all the distractions."
This insight shaped our approach moving forward.
“How might we create a reading app that keeps commuters engaged and makes it easy to enjoy reading during their daily subway rides?”
1. Kindle
2. Libby
3. Wattpad
4. SerialReader
1. several had overly complex or distracting user interfaces, making it difficult for users to stay focused on their reading.
2. Kindle, while a well-known platform, stood out as the most expensive option, which could deter casual readers or those looking for a more affordable solution.
Specific Additions Added:
- Easy Online Library Checkout: An integrated system that connects directly to users’ Google accounts, eliminating the hassle of using or setting up a library card.
- Reading Summaries for Retention:Added summaries at the end of each reading session to boost retention and comprehension.
- Focus Mode: A distraction-free mode designed to help readers stay engaged and immersed in their reading for set periods of time.
- Reward System: A gamified system to encourage more reading, offering coin incentives for completing books, meeting reading goals, or staying consistent. Coins can be exchanged for shortened or skipped wait times for books.
We chose a calming color palette of turquoise and yellow for a fresh, engaging look, paired with simple, modern typefaces for readability. After multiple iterations of our menu bar, we refined it to feature just three icons to maintain a clean and straightforward user experience.
- To enhance user engagement, we plan to add more personalization features, such as in-depth reading recommendations based on user history, customizable reading lists, and tailored content for different time constraints (e.g., short reads for commutes). This will help ensure that the app adapts to individual reading preferences.
Focus Mode and Reward System:
- We will refine our Focus Mode, allowing users to set distraction-free reading sessions, with options to tailor it to their needs. Additionally, we plan to enhance the reward system to encourage consistent reading habits by offering achievements for completed books, reaching reading milestones, and maintaining streaks. This will promote long-term engagement and motivate users to read more.