List of Book Clubs Based on Genre
Kindle Bookclubs
Conceptual Project
Duration:
2 Weeks
Team Members:
Type:
Mobile Application
Tools:
• Figma • Adobe Photoshop •
Being an avid reader I always been intrigued by the notion of book clubs. Through discussion my team and I discovered a demand that lacked supply. We wanted to created something that catered to people who are both loyal book clubbers and busy leisure readers alike. Using the pre-existing Kindle app for this conceptual feature, the Kindle Book Clubs was born.
On the current version of the app, users are able to track their own reading progress, bookmark pages they want to revisit, make highlights, and take notes, however, the idea of a book clubs using ebooks with synced annotations/comments is not available on the market.
INTRO
Our Approach
Discover
We conducted 7 user interviews researched the current Kindle app. Synthesized the data from the user interviews by creating an affinity map. Completed this process in the span of 4 days.
Define
Synthesized the data and founded 2 types of reading habits. Analyzed the data and created personas. Defined the primary problem and hypothesized a solution.
Design
Brainstormed as a group and I then combined the ideas and created user flows to allow the screens to flow seamless into each other while being cognizant of Kindle's current flow. We conducted a design studio and decided the amount of screens were needed.
Develop
Using the user flows and Kindle's style guide I created, we split the work on creating the screens. When presenting our work we created a shared folder with our notes to allow others to see our design process.
Users
We found 2 types of users that shaped the design of this app:
The user has a busy schedule so reads whenever they have time to. They like their independence, so a preselected book and deadlines on chapters to read do not appeal to them.
Primary
Secondary
The user prioritizes book club. They love the social aspect of it and want people who are as committed to the club as they are. Prefer small groups to hear everyone's perspective.
DEFINE
Problem
"I need a way to be part of a flexible book club that fits around my demanding work schedule so that he can interact and share insights with fellow readers and maintain the freedom to read what I want whenever I want"
The reoccurring hesitation for the users who were not in book clubs was not having autonomy. They disliked the idea of not being able to choose what book to read next and the pace in which they would have to read.
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Hypothesis
If we allowed users to find book clubs that suited their wants, users who want a regimented book club and those to read at their leisure, the app would be inclusive to both of their lifestyles.
DESIGN
How did we include both reading type's in our design?
Analyzing the data from the user interviews and the layout of the current Kindle app, I mapped out logical flows that would seamlessly integrated into the current app.
Discover & Join a Pre-Existing Book Club
Testing
DEVELOP
Goal & Tasks
The goal for the users participating in the test was to successfully navigate through the new Amazon Kindle BookClubs feature by discovering, joining, reading, and interacting in a book club in under 10 minutes with only 3 errors.
Task 1
Discover the book club feature.
Task 2
Find Sci-Fi related book clubs
Task 3
Join a specific club
Task 4
Vote for the August 2022 Book of th eMonth Month book.
Task 5
View other members' comments on the book club's current book
Redesign & Iterations
We did 2 rounds of usability testing. We changed the interface based on some feedback from the interviewees. Here are the iterations:
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Round 1
Made the Kindle BookClub section easier to find
Clarified what month of the book the club is reading
Changed wording to make it clearer for the user what to do and what month they are voting for
Changed the calendar to make if clear what today's date is and when there will be an event or meeting
Made the underlined section clickable and allow users to make individual notes or public comments
Round 2
Options were confusing to the users so we changed the wording under the banner
Added a new page to allow users to see genre specific book clubs
For both changed the wording and spacing
My Screens
List of Book Clubs Based on Genre
Based off the usability tests, it was found users preferred searching from a singular page dedicated to book clubs based on genre rather than picking from the main page
Sci-Fi Specific Book Clubs
If the user decides to click on a particular genre they would be direct here. The layout focuses on the book the club is currently reading and gives a brief description/blurb about the club.
Book Home Page (Not as a Member)
This page gives information to the user to see their past books, times they meet, and the next queued up book. Mirroring how Kindle's "Thank You" page, I recreated what it would look like for someone to join a club.
Book Club Home Page (Joined)
The difference between the join and non-joined home pages is the user's ability to contribute to the club. The user has the ability to vote what book to read next and push what books should be offered in the next voting cycle.
Conclusion
To answer the question from earlier, my team and I created an app that would allow the user to see the amount of times the clubs meet, next books, the ability to vote, and the ability to interact with their club members' comments while reading. The user has the option to join as many or as few book clubs they desire. The comment feature allows them to ability to interact with others as much or as little as they want and read at their own pace.
Next Steps
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Clearer communication for users to see benefits of joining club (i.e. commenting within club, location info, chapters to read)
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Profile page for Kindle BookClubs user
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Page that lists all book clubs that a user belongs to
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Aggregate members’ schedule availability
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Hamburger menu for each book club
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Messaging feature
Key Takeaways
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As it was my first time working in a group, it was important to iron out expectations and what our specialties are
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Due to our tight deadline, it was important to stay on schedule and communicate when one of our team members had a roadblock
If I Could Do Again...
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If I were able to do this again, I would expand my user interviews
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Include an aspect for private book clubs and public book clubs
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Move some of the text/titles to give it cleaner look