Book of the Month Club
Designed a prototype for a BOTM (Book of the Month) mobile application, strategically engineered to foster user engagement and cultivate a vibrant community hub for impassioned literary discussions.
Client + Problem
Since its inception in 1926, the Book of the Month Club has held a prominent position in literary circles. Despite its extensive reach through social media and the web, user interviews and research revealed a crucial missing element in the members' experience.
Process to Solution
The journey to finding a solution to assist members started by analyzing both direct and indirect competitors, conducting user interviews to identify consistent themes, frustrations, and benefits. Through these discussions, a project statement was established, leading to the identification of the brief.
Research
Interview Key Quotes:
“Talking about a book is half the fun of reading the book. Even if people aren’t reading it, I’ll just explain in detail what’s going on and then ask what they think.”
– Interview A | 30, Female
Competitive Analysis | Findings:
There is no direct competitor that hosts book clubs and ships the books directly to the user without using a third party - BOTM club does both.
User Persona:
Developed after conducting numerous BOTM member and non-member interviews
“I love books, but don’t have enough time to read all the ones I already have... I still keep buying them, but then wind up reading short stories or articles on my cell.”
– Interview B | BOTM Member | 40, Female
Research Findings Summary | Key Takeaways
Social engagement is a critical component of any club
Reading reviews and doing research is an important step before making a decision
BOTM members typically don’t engage with the website more than once or twice a month, one time being to pick their book selection
Website and brand engagement typically accessed/experienced by the users through mobile versus desktop
During and after reading (or other hobbies) users feel the need to talk about their experience
People enjoy having shared experiences, preferably with their friends
“My kindle gives me the instant gratification I love so much, but it can’t fully replace the comfort of a hard cover book, in my eyes.”
– Interview C | BOTM Member | 27, Female
“I spend a lot of time looking up reviews and talking with my friends before buying a
new game.”
– Interview D | 30, Male
Design Process
Project Statement:
The general patterns among BOTM club members reveal that they enjoy discussing and sharing their thoughts about the books their reading, almost as much as reading the books themselves.
However, the current monthly engagement with the BOTM website is minimal and members feel that the social component of the club, that they desire, is not being met.
Project Brief:
Create an easy access point (mobile application) for members to utilize club features, promote discussions and fulfill the need for social engagement within the club.
Initial Sketching
Card Sorting + Sketched Key Screens
Site Map
User Flows +
User Journeys
Screens + Wireframes
Lo-fidelity Wireframes:
Hi-fidelity Screens:
Hi-fidelity Screens:
Onboarding and User Journey to Discussion Boards
Prototype Link:
BOTM Mobile App
[Prototype for onboarding and User Journey to Discussion Board]