Ux Researcher
Ux Designer
Booktel
Discover new books and join a community of readers
Discover new books and join a community of readers
Booktel is a digital platform dedicated to promoting reading and fostering interaction among readers. It offers personalized book recommendations through the use of artificial intelligence and questionnaires. Users can connect with like-minded individuals to form book clubs and participate in challenges, whether online or offline. The platform aims to create a sense of community and belonging through an engaging and user-friendly design, facilitating meaningful relationships within its digital space.
Ux Researcher & Ux Designer
To understand the current landscape of applications dedicated to promoting reading and books, I conducted research to identify the most widely used platforms. Subsequently, I installed each of these applications on my mobile device to conduct a comprehensive review of their design, functionality, and overall structure.
The applications analyzed included: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Bookshelf, Bookmory, Basmo and Luna.
Once the applications were installed, I extensively utilized them for several days to explore the range of actions available to users. Additionally, leveraging comments and reviews, I identified the key features that resonated most with the app users.
In the initial stage of user research, the survey tool served the following purposes:
In the second phase of user research, the Diary Study tool was employed with participants who consented to further engagement. Moreover, the document outlined the logistical details of the daily activities scheduled over the course of the 5-6 day study period.
In the final stage of user research, interviews were conducted with participants to delve deeper into the survey responses and study diary entries. The aim was to glean further insights into the rationale behind their preferences and behaviors, their utilization of applications, and potential interactions of interest.
Our research focuses on individuals who are avid readers or have an interest in exploring literature across various genres. These users range from casual readers to book enthusiasts who actively seek new stories and perspectives. By employing the empathy map tool, we aim to gain a nuanced understanding of their reading habits, preferences, and behaviors. This tool enables us to delve into their thought processes, emotional responses, and interactions with books and reading-related content. Through this research, we uncover valuable insights that inform the design and development of a digital platform tailored to their needs and preferences.
Introducing Mariana, our persona for the book app, a 21-year-old university student residing in Guadalajara. As an avid reader with a passion for storytelling, Mariana finds solace in discovering new narratives and authors, particularly those that explore diverse perspectives and LGBTQ+ themes. Influenced by animated films and series, Japanese and Korean stories, as well as the works of authors like Edgar Allan Poe, she is drawn to genres ranging from drama and mystery to horror and romance. Despite her enthusiasm, Mariana faces frustrations such as limited availability of books, a lack of time to indulge in her reading pursuits, and difficulty in finding like-minded readers to engage with. With goals to read 20 books this year, reach a lifetime total of 200 books, and pursue a career in animation, Mariana seeks a book app that can cater to her diverse reading interests, offer personalized recommendations, and provide a sense of community to connect with fellow book enthusiasts.
By compiling a list of features currently offered by existing apps, along with user suggestions gathered from reviews and interviews, we created an affinity diagram. This diagram categorizes all the features and separates them into sections within the app based on their functionality. Additionally, features not found in current offerings are highlighted in yellow for further attention.
To craft an innovative app proposal, we conducted a brainstorming session to outline the functions that users mentioned as missing in current offerings. Additionally, we analyzed how similar applications from different categories, such as music apps, execute these functions in terms of design and navigation. Drawing inspiration from these insights, we defined the proposal for the initial MVP of the application.
In order to develop an application more centered on fostering connections and user interaction, we conducted research on apps dedicated solely to facilitating new connections and relationships. Screenshots were taken to capture the functionalities that could be integrated or adapted, along with pertinent notes on their value proposition and business model.
Given the complexity of the application and the multitude of user actions it encompasses, prioritization was essential for the initial development phase. We focused on identifying key functions that differentiate our app from existing offerings while fostering user interaction and community building. These 'must-have' features emphasize user engagement and discovering new reads to enrich our community's reading experience.
News feed of my friends or people I follow, where I can view updates, posts, and activities shared by them.
Activity feed of the book clubs I am a part of, displaying updates, discussions, and events organized by the clubs.
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Stay informed about the latest activities, discussions, and interactions within your reading clubs. Receive notifications about new posts, comments, or interactions on your contributions, keeping you engaged and connected with fellow book enthusiasts.
Receive and manage friend requests from other users who share your reading interests. Accept or decline requests, and expand your network of book-loving friends within the app.
The list of specific functions for the initial application deliverable led to the creation of various sitemap proposals. These proposals delineate how these functions would be arranged on the main screen. The accompanying image displays the final proposal, showcasing the organized presentation of information and actions. Utilizing this tool proved invaluable during the wireframing phase, providing a clear layout and serving as a checklist to ensure comprehensive design coverage.
The sitemap being prepared with the positioning of each function, I then proceeded to create user flows to outline the steps users would take based on the available actions in each section of the application. Some of the flows proved to be slightly more intricate as I aimed to make them as functional as possible within the prototype to effectively convey their operation and significance within the value proposition. These user flows also aided in assessing the correctness of the organization and identifying any necessary adjustments.
During the sketches phase of the project, the primary aim was to delve into the arrangement of features to ensure they were intuitive for users to locate and interact with. These initial sketches served as a starting point, showcasing the first proposal for feature placement. Through iterative exploration and refinement, several revisions were made, leading to the development of a final design – the third proposal. Along the way, the second proposal was also discarded during the wireframe creation process. The sketches not only allowed for experimentation but also paved the way for a more structured approach to wireframing, ensuring that the final design would effectively meet the needs and expectations of users.
Before proceeding with the design of wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes, the brand design was established to provide a clear framework for the elements that would convey the essence of the brand. This involved creating a logo and name to breathe life into the application, along with defining its color palette, typography, patterns, and iconography.
With the list of requirements provided by the company and users, along with the internal technological elements essential for its operation, our team embarked on the exploration of the machine's design. This involved experimenting with various shapes, colors, finishes, and the arrangement of elements. The team meticulously considered different design aspects to ensure a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
With a steadfast commitment to preserving brand aesthetics, each screen embodies the essence of the app's identity while ensuring seamless user experiences. Guided by the comprehensive style guide and wireframes, the design process unfolded rapidly, allowing for agile adjustments and consistent alignment with project objectives. These designs stand as a testament to the iterative nature of design, showcasing how components were crafted dynamically to meet evolving needs throughout the development journey.
During the prototyping process, I took a strategic approach by creating a separate file dedicated solely to the prototype, making it easier to share with stakeholders and collaborators. This not only streamlined the sharing process but also contributed to keeping the file size manageable. The prototype itself is organized into distinct flows, allowing users to explore specific features with ease. However, it's also interconnected, enabling seamless navigation between different sections without disrupting the overall flow. This approach ensures that users can seamlessly interact with the prototype while experiencing its full range of functionalities.
Improved technical skills: Throughout the project, I enhanced my proficiency in tools like Figma and various research and mapping techniques essential for the initial design stages.
Application of acquired knowledge: This project provided an opportunity to apply the new skills and knowledge gained from various courses, academic experiences, and professional endeavors. It was rewarding to see how these skills could be put into practice, especially in a project that began as a personal passion and hobby.
Focus on problem-solving: Working on this project helped me channel all efforts towards finding the best solutions to the problems uncovered through user interviews and needs analysis. It reinforced the importance of understanding user needs and iterating on designs to address them effectively.
Confidence in project execution: The experience reaffirmed my belief that with proper planning and structured execution, any idea can be transformed into a tangible outcome. It highlighted the value of persistence and dedication in bringing projects to fruition.
