Problem:
Despite Goodreads’ intention to create the ultimate tool for readers, there has been a surge of recent complaints regarding its user interface being difficult to use; Customers are demanding an update.
Solution:
In response to user feedback and competitive analysis, we recommended enhancing the Goodreads app by prioritizing the integration of Mood Ratings, AI Recommendations, and Private Book Lists. These features align with user preferences and market trends, improving the app's functionality in book discovery and customization, as confirmed but usability tests.
Next steps involve adding Mood Ratings in the short-term, conducting additional studies on AI Recommendations in the mid-term, and revisiting other features for future implementation in the long-term to further optimize user experience and market positioning.
PROCESS
We began by conducting a heuristic evaluation using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics, identifying key usability issues that hinder the user experience in the Goodreads app. This revealed challenges such as unclear action cues, irreversible actions, and inconsistent visual language. To further understand Goodreads’ market positioning, we conducted a competitive evaluation, benchmarking the app against eight key competitors. This provided insights into areas for growth, including improved discovery features, increased customization, and the addition of unique offerings to differentiate the platform.
To refine the feature set, we used a closed card sort with 34 respondents, identifying user preferences for Mood Ratings, AI Recommendations, and Private Book Lists. Qualitative usability testing then focused on tasks like mood rating, receiving book recommendations, and creating private shelves. Quantitative testing confirmed the success of these features, with a significant increase in customer satisfaction from 73% to 90%. Based on these insights, we prioritized the integration of Mood Ratings, and identified next steps for further feature testing and onboarding improvements.
