I created Inkwell as a rebrand of the Goodreads app. It offers a streamlined task flow for easier book logging and new features such as reading status options like “currently reading,” “did not finish,” and 1/2 star ratings to thoughtfully accommodate different user experiences.

SKIP TO THE FINAL DESIGN?

EMPATHIZE

Understanding Goodreads

The current Goodreads app allows users to track books, write reviews, and interact with fellow readers. However, as a user of Goodreads myself, I noticed several flaws in its design and functionality and decided to help solve them.

DEFINE

The pain points

First, I analyzed user reviews on the App Store and identified common criticisms of Goodreads. This feedback highlighted three distinct pain points.

The user persona

Using the insights from App Store reviews, I created a user persona to guide the design process. This persona represents a typical Goodreads user who is frustrated by the app's limitations and seeks a better user experience.

IDEATE

Logging a book, made easy

Focusing on the primary task of logging a book, I designed wireframes that reduced the number of screens involved in this process and implemented an overlay where users can change their reading status, rate the book, and write a review—all in one screen.

Before

After

A playful rebrand

Using Procreate, I designed squid characters to engage users and create a memorable user experience.

PROTOTYPE

Keeping interactions simple

My goal was to create an intuitive, effortless experience while still incorporating a bit of personality. I designed playful interactions that enhance, rather than distract, the user. For example, 'Ink it' buttons on book pages reveal a themed squid Easter egg, while the navigation bar animates to mimic ink flow.

The final IX flow

After iterating my original wire flow, I created a final IX flow with high-fidelity UI to guide the final animation/prototype.

TEST

A group critique

Since the final deliverable was an animation, I couldn’t conduct user testing. Instead, I participated in a group critique, which provided valuable insights on my design.

100%

believed the playful branding and mascot added a fun element to the app

100%

believed the new reading statuses and task flow enhanced the user experience

EXECUTION

Check out the final animation!

New features

Enhanced reading status options

Users can now select from nuanced reading statuses such as "Currently Reading," "Paused," and "Did Not Finish," for more detailed tracking.

1/2 star ratings

Unlike the Goodreads full-star rating system, Inkwell introduces 1/2 star ratings, allowing for more precise feedback on the books they've read.

Friend activity

Users can now easily connect with friends through activity labels that display updates on what others are reading and reviewing, inspired by the design flow of Letterboxd.

VIEW THE PROJECT IN FIGMA?

REFLECTION

Always consider the user

I realized that designing for a social app like Inkwell requires a focus on user experience. The new reading status options directly respond to users' desires for nuanced tracking. And by keeping interactions simple and feedback clear, I was able to seamlessly integrate these features to the app.

Conducting usability tests

Because the final prototype is an animation, I couldn’t conduct real user testing. In the future, I’d like to adapt this prototype in Figma and allow users to test the interactions themselves!

Expanding other app features

While this project focused specifically on the task flow of book logging, I’m excited about the potential for expanding into other features within the app, such as yearly reading goals, found on the home screen. Exploring how users can set and track their goals could add engagement and motivation, enhancing the overall Inkwell experience.