<aside> <img src="/icons/briefcase_gray.svg" alt="/icons/briefcase_gray.svg" width="40px" /> THE BRIEF In Winter 2024, as part of a UX studio class, my team of 3 was tasked with generating innovative product concepts for a previously successful brand that is now struggling.

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Goodreads Isn’t Growing

A variety of up-and-coming competitors are chipping away at the large user base of the dominant book cataloging platform. These new networks market themselves as direct alternatives to Goodreads.

Getting More Out Of Reading

Goodreads has several key advantages over their cataloging competitors, such as a large audience, vast review backlog, and pre-built literary network.

It’s not enough. Readers want more out of Goodreads: a unique social connection and a motivator to read.

The Solution

Strengthening social engagement between friends on Goodreads and motivating increased reading and logging through refreshing core experiences that encourage users to spend more time on the platform.

What We Learned

The primary threat to Goodreads is users migrating to competitors platforms. So, we reached out to active Goodreads users to understand what they love about the platform and what may cause them to switch to a competitor.

Key Insights

<aside> <img src="/icons/earthquake_green.svg" alt="/icons/earthquake_green.svg" width="40px" /> Readers prefer Goodreads because of the large existing userbase connecting them to their friends and the large review backlog, but it’s very difficult to tap into those networks.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/checklist_green.svg" alt="/icons/checklist_green.svg" width="40px" /> Readers feel Goodreads only indirectly contributes to reading (such as through logging) and wish there were more direct motivators to build habits and read more.

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Desired Outcomes

Users

• Keep track of their reading history
• Get motivated to read more and meet their personal reading goals
• Build a closer connection with their friends through Goodreads

Business

• Increase the amount of app visits per user
• Maximize the time spent in-app per user visit
• Modernize interfaces while maintaining Goodreads’ brand image

Key Updates

Increasing Engagement With A Homepage Refresh

• Streamlines updates from friends by highlighting ratings, reviews, and recommendations
• Encourages reading through seeing when friends are actively reading with a CTA to join along, as well as making reading challenge progress prominent

Strengthening Friend Activity Through Challenges

• Creates interactivity in reading by participating with friends
• Strengthens reading habits through a sense of accountability