Project Overview
Libra is a revolutionary book reading app designed specifically for Iranian users, offering a seamless and engaging reading experience. With a focus on user experience, Libra combines intuitive design, a diverse library of PDF and Audio books, and customizable features to cater to the unique preferences and needs of Iranian readers. By breaking down barriers to access and enhancing convenience, Libra has transformed the way Iranians engage with literature, fostering a vibrant reading culture.
We aimed to create a user-centric design that would cater to the diverse tastes and interests of Iranian readers. Through a carefully crafted user interface, we prioritized simplicity and ease of use, ensuring that even users with varying levels of technical proficiency could navigate the app effortlessly. By incorporating intuitive navigation, clear visual hierarchy, and seamless interactions, we designed an interface that is both visually appealing and highly functional.
Challenge
Solution
To tackle this multifaceted challenges, we chose the Double Diamond methodology. This structured yet flexible approach allowed us to explore the problem space deeply, diverging to gather insights and converging to define the core challenges. By employing this method, we could iteratively test ideas, refine solutions, and deliver a final product that aligned with both user needs and project objectives. Its clear stages of Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver ensured that the complexities of the problem were met with a comprehensive, user-centric solution.
research attempts to understand user behavior by gathering and synthesizing data and hence help and perspective other than mine.
Competitive Analysis: I conducted a thorough evaluation of our competitors to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses in comparison to our product. This analysis played a crucial role in shaping our business strategy by identifying areas where we could improve. I downloaded and extensively examined several apps, including three direct competitors in Iran and others operating in the international market. To assess the user experience, I compared each competitor’s app from the perspective of both new and returning users. Additionally, I analyzed negative feedback from users on platforms like the App Store and Android Play Store to understand the common challenges and aspects that users were less satisfied with.
Survey: I surveyed 100 introduced people/users who were highly engaged with the products as they had read online about their daily activities. The questions of the survey were simplified with general questions. The aim was to explore all use cases, understand their ideology, and know how the existing circumstances could refine another focus in this stage.
Problem Statement: The problem statement, also known as point of view, which I came across from the insights from user research, User persona, and Empathy mapping. To find out the solution, I synthesized the data and information I collected to define the statement. For Problem statement i used template like [User] [Need] & [Insights]
Users will experience the service by using a mobile app. I need to make sure that my designed digital experience is friendly, usable, desirable, credible, and accessible. Few Offering solutions based on user behavior, attitude, lifestyle, and insights from the research I’ve offered on this project are:
Ideation: Using the above information, here is the team ideates solutions. There are no silly or wrong ideas! Everything must be expressed and documented.
One step further from the definition is the Ideation phase, where the key is forming real concepts and solution, not just abstract definitions.
In design thinking terms “Ideation” is “the process where you generate ideas and solutions through sessions such as Sketching, Prototyping, Brainstorming, Brain writing, Worst Possible Idea, and a wealth of other ideation techniques.”
Results
The introduction of Libra has significantly impacted the reading landscape in Iran, empowering Iranian readers with a convenient and accessible platform. The app’s success is evident from the positive feedback and growing user base.
User flow: Based on findings from my research phase, to outline all the necessary functionality, I created a simple flow diagram of the main tasks the user can do. Here is the main user flow of MVP.
High-fidelity UI Design (prototypes): Once the initial flow was completed and wireframes were ready, I started creating a couple of the main screens of the app. Choosing a typeface and set of colours were two most important things. I created a simple UI Style Guide to maintain consistency.
Validation: Once the prototype was completed, it was time to test it with the widest possible audience and check with them how effectively it met their needs, understand their perception, and know if it accomplished their goals.
The testing phase specifically included a walkthrough prototype where users could see the new workflow and perform actions, along with a few sessions where the team directly observed users while tracking their responses. A simple questionnaire was used to collect conversion rates across specific features in the platform, where users were asked to score the process from 1-10.
The testing phase was later extended to the whole team and even to some individuals outside the organization (customers and users) who, during the earlier sessions, had willingly consented to give their feedback on the implementation of the system.
The results of this testing were encouraging. The stakeholders of the Company were able not only to see the mockups but to try out and “touch” the product for the very first time. The extended team had the opportunity to test and verify their assumptions and correct them within two weeks.
Now the final result was waiting: opening it to users and understanding what would happen next.