Riveted Reading

Role
Research
UX Design
Visual Design

Setting
40-hour UX Design Course at General Assembly

Introduction

This project was inspired by Goodreads - an app I’ve used for many years. I enjoy keeping track of what I’m reading but I’ve always felt that the social media aspect of the app was unrelated to the other features and that the feed simply caused me to get distracted. I wondered what a different reading app might look like and how it might help people passively track their reading history in a motivating way without creating another distraction.

A mobile app designed for people who want to read consistently and intentionally. It helps readers set aside their phones, track what books they’ve read, and see visual proof of their reading habits.

User Interviews

INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED

Conclusion

Problem Statement

Solution Hypothesis

7

Key Quotes

“I just enjoy the feeling of being engrossed in a really good book, and I don’t really get that with any other thing in my mind. I don’t get that same feeling even if I’m watching a really good TV show or a movie or anything like that.”

“Reading is a longer term project, it allows you to get way deeper into characters or plot or that sort of thing, and that deeper experience is more rewarding.”

AVERAGE CONVERSATION LENGTH

25 min

“I really like the feeling of wanting to know what’s going to happen and being immersed in this alternative world, especially in Sci-Fi. I really like exploring ideas about how the world works, or exploring different ways in which the world could work. Also, it’s just very relaxing. I think it’s a form of escapism to be able to focus on this thing that you know doesn’t really affect you, but evokes human emotions.”

“Having a reading habit is just kind of satisfying and fosters a feeling of accomplishment.”


WHAT TO IMPROVE

  • Vocabularly adjustments: For example, users were not that interested or did not understand ‘See Results’ after their reading session was done - change to ‘See Reading History’

  • Users suggested adding a Pause button to the timer

  • Remove “Finished this book” and “not planning to finish” action from this flow

Providing an app that helps readers define their reading goals, track their reading goals, and makes them feel good about their progress will help them feel more satisfied with their reading habits.

Usability Testing

/// DISCUSSION GUIDE & WIREFRAMES ///
TASK 1

Prompt user to start reading their book & to record their reading session

For my first round of usability testing I wanted to test the idea of a timer that the user starts and stops for their reading session. I’ve found this construct helpful within focus and productivity apps in the past and I thought it might help distracted readers. It could also serve the dual purpose of giving the reader a little bit more data about their reading habits and perhaps even a ritual to start and end the reading session. 

TASK 2

Prompt user to continue the user flow to record their reading & check in on expectations before each click

Takeaways

WHAT WENT WELL

  • All users understood the basic premise of using the reading timer (‘Start’, selecting the book, and ‘Done’)

  • Users offered a lot of ideas about features and content they thought could be added to the current experience showing that the concept is coherent enough that they can ‘fill-in-the-blank’

Next project: The M Dash

Past & present reading habits
Genre preferences
Future reading goals
Reading motivations
Leisure habits & desires
Work/life balance
& more

TOPICS COVERED

“I think it’s a good form of escapism and a form of entertainment that feels a little bit more enriching and peaceful than sitting in front of a television or computer to watch Netflix.”


“I would like to read more consistently. I think it’s a nice way of ending your day, in particular, I like the break from the screen before you go to bed. It’s a really nice way to transition into relaxation and sleep mode.

TASK 3

Ask user to imagine they are done reading after 25 min & to complete the reading session in the app. Ask user for any concluding thoughts or questions.

Using the insights from the first round of user testing, I made several changes to the experience and developed a visual identity to create a high-fidelity prototype. This flow shows the usage of the reading timer.

Readers are unmotivated and forgetful about their goals to make reading a more regular part of their routine. They want to read more consistently because they know they enjoy it and feel that reading enriches their lives in a way other forms of entertainment, like TV and social media, do not.