This platform aims to empower users to write comprehensive book reviews, explore emerging authors and influencers, and engage a unique community dedicated to their passion.
Oct 2023- April 2024
Visual Design
UX Design
UI Design
UX Researcher
Adobe
CCFigma
Dovetail
I started off my research by conducting user interviews to better understand user wants and needs as well as understanding user current experiences with the other book review apps. I interviewed 10 participants that ranged in the 19- 30 age range. As my app is more geared towards the younger generation as it has similar UX patterns to Instagram, but any age range can use it. However, in my research, I found the biggest spike in readers were in the age range of 18 to 25.
The insights I collected from these interviews I put in a Entities Position Map. I did this to see the different aspects entities and feelings that would be involved in this application.
This are the entities I uncovered:
Social media is crucial for participants who often use it to discover books. This presents a valuable opportunity for companies to gauge interest, leverage social media influencers, and promote specific books to drive sales.
This information is vital for companies to strategically display and promote books, aligning with consumer preferences for authors, titles, and genres.
Participants' interactions with social media and book review sites are essential for user engagement. It's crucial for users to enjoy their experience and feel compelled to return.
This is crucial for participants as it influences their reading preferences and favourite aspects of books.
I hosted an online card sorting session with eight participants to gauge their content preferences and preferred app sections. Insights from the activity led to adjustments in the content structure, with participants' input guiding the refinement process.
I utilized card sorting to understand users' content preferences and preferred locations within the app. Recognizing diverse preferences, I organized a closed sorting session where participants allocated content to specific pages. Insights from eight participants guided content structure refinement. Additionally, participants introduced their own ideas, enhancing our understanding of user expectations and refining the app's content layout.
I conducted three focus groups, inclusive of participants of all ages and genders, with group sizes ranging from 6 to 10 individuals. Each focus group utilized a questionnaire I created to gather insights.I organized sessions to align colour and imagery choices with user preferences for the app's design. Combining focus groups with questionnaires fostered open discussions and yielded valuable insights, influencing subsequent decisions.
I conducted observational research by going into Canada’s most popular bookstore, indigo. I observed the surroundings and behaviours within the store. I was there for about half an hour, and I walked around all the different departments in the store.I conducted observational research on books and bookstores to understand potential app users. This approach offered insights into user behaviour, preferences, store layouts, and promotional strategies, aiding future connections with bookstores. Understanding bookstore operations shaped the direction of my app, with observations helping me gauge ambiance, note featured items, and understand broader contexts.
I conducted a benchmark study of three prominent bookstores and services: Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and Audible. Indigo, a major player in Canada; Barnes & Noble, the largest American bookstore; and Audible, a leading audiobook company. To analyze their approaches, I created a Venn diagram of their homepages to understand their content priorities and features. This comparative analysis aimed to inform the design of my app, balancing familiarity with a unique approach to resonate with readers.
This app is intricately crafted to resonate with enthusiastic readers across diverse backgrounds. While its inclusive design caters to a wide demographic, the social media foundation distinctly tailors its appeal to a younger audience, ranging from Gen Z to Millennials.
The wireframes were redesigned based on insights from the card sorting activity to better align with user preferences.
To address user feedback, efforts focused on simplifying page complexity by condensing content and increasing spacing for improved readability and reduced information overload. A cleaner design was adopted to match the intended app vibe, maintaining a black-and-white colour scheme for clarity.
These wireframes laid the groundwork for prototypes intended for user testing, prioritizing basic functionality to prevent overwhelming users with unnecessary content at this stage of development.
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I tested with 7 potential users in the age range from 19 to 30. Each testing session lasted 20-30 minutes. Each user was given three scenarios and tasks to complete during the sessions.After my user testing sessions I focused on addressing identified issues with feasible solutions to tackle user challenges effectively. By explicitly presenting problems and outlining specific steps for resolution, I demonstrated dedication to fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly app.
I tested with 5 potential users in the age range from 19 to 30. Each testing session lasted 20-30 minutes. Each user was given three scenarios and tasks to complete during the sessions.After the user testing sessions, as able to take the feedback and suggestions given to me by the users and to implement them into my final prototype. As implementing the feedback would allow a synergy between the app and users.
Our merchandise endeavours to enrich user engagement and forge stronger bonds within our community. Introducing the "Oscar Wild Collection," a meticulously curated array of products designed to cater to the varied interests of book enthusiasts. From snug reading accessories to chic apparel featuring literary themes, each item is crafted to evoke a personal connection, celebrating the love of literature. Furthermore, our merchandise seamlessly aligns with our brand identity, reflecting the vibrant colours and aesthetics outlined in our guidelines, ensuring a cohesive and visually captivating experience for our users.
