Wattpad
Wattpad is a popular online platform for digital storytelling, enabling users to publish and read stories from aspiring and established writers across genres, offering an interactive and immersive experience for a global community of millions of users.
Adding a Filtering/Sorting Feature in Wattpad
Adding a new filtering and sorting features enables users to easily filter stories based on different countries, regardless of their location.
Role
UX/UI Designer
Team
Individual
Tools
Figma, FigJam, OptimalWorkshop, Canva, and UsabilityHub
User Interviews, User Persona, Information Architecture (User Flow & Task Flow), Storyboarding, Wireframing, Visual Designing, Prototyping, and Usability Testing
What I did
Timeline
June 12, 2023 - June 2 (2 weeks = 80 HRs)
Background
Wattpad is a dynamic online platform that has revolutionized how people consume and create stories. As a vibrant digital storytelling community, it provides a space where aspiring and established writers can share their works with a global audience. With millions of users worldwide, Wattpad offers an extensive library of diverse genres and allows readers to explore an array of captivating narratives.
What sets Wattpad apart is its interactive and immersive experience. Readers can discover and enjoy stories and engage with the authors and fellow readers through comments, votes, and private messages. This direct connection between writers and readers fosters community and collaboration, creating a unique social reading experience. Furthermore, Wattpad has become a launching pad for many talented writers who have gained recognition and even secured book deals based on their success and popularity within the platform. Whether you're a passionate reader seeking new stories or an aspiring writer looking for a platform to share your creativity, Wattpad offers a vibrant and inclusive space to connect, engage, and be inspired.
What difference will this feature make?
With this feature, users from worldwide can effortlessly discover and arrange stories or books according to various regions, simplifying their access to content from their preferred locations.
Alongside the filtering feature, I am introducing several sorting options that enable users to refine their search and be more precise in finding the desired content. These sorting options will enhance their search experience and allow them to effectively narrow down their preferences.
Solution
By implementing the regional filtering and sorting feature, Wattpad will enhance the user experience by enabling users to discover and explore stories that cater to their preferred country or region, effortlessly. Including this feature will provide users with a seamless way to find and access stories tailored to their desired geographic context, resulting in a more personalized and satisfying reading experience.
Adding Filtering/Sorting in Search feature
New filtering options available for users
Search stories by countries, genres, and popularity made easy
Sort stories based on language preference, maturity ratings, backdrop, publication date, and highest rating
Users can save their specific search criteria
Refreshing the page displays stories tailored to their filtered and sorted preferences
Every time users access Wattpad, they need to apply filters.
Customize search (Adding a Filtering/Sorting Feature in the users profile)
New filtering and sorting feature in the user’s profile
Users can save preferences; no, need to reapply filters upon accessing Wattpad
Saves time and ensures preferred content presentation
How have I achieved these results?
Understanding the Problem Space
To better understand user needs, I created a research plan that involved conducting user interviews, surveys, and analyzing competitors in the market. Based on this research, I developed user personas that provide valuable insights into our target audience's preferences and requirements, helping us enhance the product's usability.
Research Goals
The study aimed to examine the impact of introducing a regional filtering and sorting feature on the user experience of Wattpad. Specifically, the research sought to determine weather this feature enabled users to discover and explore stories pertinent to their desired country or region, effortlessly.
The study also evaluated the effectiveness of regional filtering and sorting in facilitating a seamless way for users to find and access region-specific stories.
Ultimately, the aim was to assess whether these enhancements contributed to a more personalized and satisfying reading experience for Wattpad users.
Empathize
Research Methodologies
User Interview Insights
Survey
Competitive Analysis
Affinity Mapping
Personas
Research Methodologies
Now, let's delve into the outcomes of the research process, beginning with the insights gathered from User Interviews, then an analysis of survey responses, and concluding with the findings from the competitive analysis.
User Interviews
I interviewed 3-5 individuals, including contacts from my network and members from relevant Discord communities. The purpose was to gather insights and perspectives on the topic under investigation. By engaging a diverse group of participants, I aimed to understand their experiences and opinions comprehensively.
“When I search for stories on Wattpad, I encounter difficulties due to the tagging system's lack of accuracy. Specifically, when I look for a story set in France, the tagging system offers options, but whether those stories are truly from France or take place in the country is uncertain. This uncertainty is challenging when finding authentic stories specifically tied to certain locations.”
- Ayushi’37
“I would highly value having the option to filter stories according to specific countries and multiple languages. Furthermore, it would be immensely beneficial if Wattpad could personalize my search results by sorting them based on the types of stories I have been reading. This personalized approach would significantly enhance my ability to easily find and enjoy my preferred stories.”
- Shaman’26
“As someone who has specific preferences and knows exactly what I'm looking for, I would greatly appreciate receiving suggestions on Wattpad based on genres and, more specifically, the trending and popular stories. Additionally, it would be fantastic to discover fellow readers who share similar interests and are also engaged in reading similar books as me.”
- Niti
“It's quite important to get a filtering/sorting feature based on different countries, it'd allow more exposure to the writers from that country, which would benefit them, and we as readers would also get a wider range of stories to select from…There are times when a lot of tropes are used again and again in different books, and it becomes quite boring after some time... So reading a different writer, with a different imagination, and a different backdrop of the story, would be a fresh reading experience…”
- Tanya
Survey
To assess the problem's scope, I conducted surveys to collect quantitative data. I shared the survey link with friends and family on Discord, aiming for 8-10 responses. Using Optimal Workshop as the survey platform, I created a comprehensive dataset. Additionally, I gathered user comments from Reddit to better understand their frustrations.
Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis to gain valuable market insights and evaluate our competitors’ offerings. This analysis focused on identifying whether our competitors provided filtering and sorting features that allowed users to search for stories from different regions. Furthermore, I assessed the impact of these features on user experience and engagement.
Each platform provides distinctive filtering and sorting capabilities to improve user experiences across diverse domains. While specific platforms concentrate on particular content types or services, others cater to a broader range of requirements. Familiarizing oneself with the specific filtering and sorting options offered by each platform can assist users in efficiently navigating and discovering pertinent content.
Based on the offerings of each platform, here are some updates that can be implemented.
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Wattpad
Wattpad's filtering options could be expanded to include more specific attributes like story length, completion status, or sub-genres. Adding a filtering/sorting feature would enhance customization for users with reading preferences.
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Libby
Libby could explore integrating social features such as book recommendations from friends or community reading clubs. Enhancements to the user interface and reading customization options would also be beneficial.
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New York Public Library
The New York Public Library's extensive collection of media items and, filtering and sorting features; provide users with a comprehensive resource for educational and recreational purposes. The availability filter enhances accessibility.
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YouTube
YouTube could further enhance its filtering and sorting features by incorporating user feedback, allowing users to prioritize specific attributes, or introducing advanced AI algorithms for even more accurate recommendations.
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Yelp
Yelp's focus on location-based filters and distance sorting distinguishes it, emphasizing the importance of proximity for users searching for local businesses.
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Etsy
Etsy could explore incorporating more personalized recommendations based on user preferences and purchase history. Enhanced attributes and customization filters would also improve the platform's filtering capabilities.
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Macy's
Macy's could explore integrating augmented reality (AR) technology for virtual try-ons or product visualization. AR would add a new dimension to its filtering and sorting features, allowing users to make more informed purchasing decisions.
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Target
Target could leverage machine learning algorithms and user data to provide more personalized recommendations. Expanding its filters to include user preferences and shopping history could enhance the platform's filtering and sorting capabilities.
Affinity Mapping
Many people who use Wattpad regularly face a common challenge – finding the specific books they're searching for. Despite their efforts, they struggle to locate the desired titles. These users long for a solution that caters to their preferences, providing personalized recommendations based on browsing history and profile settings. They hope for a system that understands their tastes and suggests relevant content. The results often fall short of their expectations even when they employ targeted keywords during their searches. Consequently, they express frustration and a desire for improved search functionality.
Defining a problem
Wattpad's current state is an advanced filtering and sorting feature that allows users to find books from various regions, irrespective of their location. This limitation restricts users from accessing books that cater to specific regional preferences, resulting in limited reading options and overall dissatisfaction with the platform. And based on these observations, I was able to develop my "How might we" statement."
How might we create a seamless functionality on Wattapd that allows users to effortlessly filter stories from different countries, regardless of their own location? Furthermore, how can we enable users to customize their sorting preferences, such as genres, release dates, upvotes, and more?
Defining the user’s personas
Through my research results, I have identified two user personas: Nadiya Hassan and Priya. Nadiya, an IT Specialist residing in Canada, actively explores Wattpad. However, she needs help discovering stories set in specific regions like South Asia due to the platform's limited filtering options. On the other hand, Priya, based in India but frequently traveling, has a strong inclination towards reading stories from various countries. Unfortunately, she expresses frustration with inaccurate search results even when using country-specific tags.
Ideation
StoryBoard
Information Architecture
User & Task Flow
Defining the Ideation Stage
After creating the user personas, I proceeded to create storyboards that aided me in understanding how to organize the features on Wattpad. These storyboards guided me in developing the user flow and task flows, providing a clear roadmap for how users would interact with the platform.
StoryBoard
Based on the user interviews, I gained valuable insights. The interviews highlighted that users strongly desire a filtering and sorting feature in Wattpad, enabling them to discover stories from various countries, irrespective of their location. Users also stressed the significance of having multiple categories for sorting, as it would provide more accurate search results that align with their specific preferences and requirements.
Information Architecture
After completing my storyboard and deciding on the next steps for my feature, I developed user and task flows to visualize how users would navigate and accomplish tasks. This process gave me an understanding of the user journey, enabling me to pinpoint any obstacles or opportunities for enhancement, and this led to the development of two user flows for Wattpad:
The first flow enables users to apply filters every time they access the platform manually.
In contrast, the second flow allows users to save their search preferences in their profiles. Consequently, whenever they open Wattpad, the page refreshes, and they will only view content based on their saved preferences.
Interaction Design
Wireframe Sketches
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Wireframe Sketches
Once I completed the user and task flows, I moved on to the interaction design stage, where I focused on creating sketches and low-fidelity wireframes. These initial sketches were vital in conceptualizing and visualizing the user interface ideas on paper. They provided a starting point for refining the design and allowed me to explore various layout and functionality possibilities.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
After finishing the initial sketches, I digitize them, converting them from paper to digital format. During this phase, I carefully considered the feedback I received and made necessary changes. I fine-tuned the design using an iterative approach, and adjusted it to enhance the overall user experience.
Design and Branding
UI Kit
High Fidelity Wireframes
UI Kit
Since Wattpad already offered pre-determined UI Kits, there was little need for modification. However, I needed help determining the exact typeface used by Wattpad, but I discovered that Noto Sans closely resembled their original typography. Additionally, I chose to implement a dark mode for Wattpad to differentiate it from another project I was working on, which had a similar color scheme. This decision ensured a clear distinction between the two projects.
High Fidelity Wireframes
After refining the mid-fidelity wireframes, I created high-fidelity wireframes. Once all the necessary improvements were implemented, I conducted usability testing to evaluate the user experience and collect valuable feedback.
Test and Iterations
Prototype
Usability Testing and it’s Outcomes
Screens of Before and After
Prototype
Following refining my high-fidelity wireframes, I proceeded to the last phase of prototype creation. After implementing all the necessary improvements, I conducted usability testing sessions. The final version of the prototype encompasses adjustments made based on the feedback collected during the usability testing. The specifics are outlined below.
Outcomes of Usability Testing
Users have had a seamless navigation experience on the platform without encountering any difficulties. They appreciate the wide range of filtering and sorting options, which enable them to search for stories with greater specificity. Including country, genre, language, and maturity ratings have greatly enhanced their reading experience. Users have also suggested adding a convenient feature to easily dismiss or cancel the filter page and placing personalized settings in a more prominent and visible location. A "+" symbol has been introduced to indicate the option of adding tags in the text field to improve the user’s understanding. Additionally, dropdown menus have been replaced with filter options, as per user feedback. I have considered all of this feedback, implemented these changes, and provided screenshots to illustrate the modifications made.
Iterations based on Usability Testing
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Before
In the initial design, I incorporated the city option to allow users the ability to conduct particular research. However, no additional filters were available to enhance the refinement of the search.
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After
Following user feedback, I eliminated the city option and introduced other filters that align better with users' preferences.
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Before
The original design, there needed to be a kebab menu and no options to save or edit personalized settings.
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After
After receiving feedback, I incorporated the Kebab menu option, allowing users to save their search preferences. Additionally, users can access settings to personalize their preferences more precisely.
Learning and Takeaways
As an avid user of Wattpad, I have often faced challenges when trying to discover stories from different countries. The sheer vastness of Wattpad can be overwhelming, leading to inconvenience and frustration for users. Motivated to address this issue, I investigated further and contacted other users who had encountered similar difficulties on Wattpad. Surprisingly, many users shared the same frustrations and had experienced similar challenges. To tackle this problem, I developed a feature enabling users to filter and sort their preferences, allowing for personalized searches that can be saved for future reference.
What Went Well?
Users enjoyed interacting with the prototype and found it easy to understand and navigate.
Valuable user feedback helped me improve the prototype and enhance accessibility.
Working on this project was a delightful experience, and I took pleasure in creating a solution that has the potential to enhance users' experience on Wattpad significantly.
The solution aims to facilitate personalized story searches, surpassing geographical limitations, and enabling exploration of diverse genres and languages from different regions.
What Needs Improvement?
There is considerable room for improvement on Wattpad.
The tagging and filtering system needs to be more organized and need significant growth and progress.
During my project, I implemented the dark mode feature and discovered several accessibility concerns.
One of the concerns was the use of grey on a black background, which could impact readability.
Another concern was the font size, which might pose challenges for visually impaired users or those who prefer larger text.
What’s Next?
To gauge the effectiveness of potential search option updates on Wattpad, it would be invaluable to gather user feedback and assess whether these changes genuinely improve the search experience for users. Additionally, users' input may yield further suggestions or recommendations for enhancing the search options on the platform.
Recommend enhancing accessibility to ensure users have a smoother and more seamless experience.