READ2TEXT
Reading Companion Platform for Enhancing Fluency
The Challenge
The purpose of the UX research is to identify strategies for monetizing the Read2Text platform.
Research Process
UX Audit of current website
Competitive Analysis
Interviews
User Testing
Gather Insights
Recommended Next Steps
Competitive Analysis
Ello
Users between kindergarten and 3rd grade
7 day free trial |$14.99 a month subscription
Asks about child's reading level and interests
Asks about type of device being used (tablet)
Ello coaches child as they read their paperback books
E-book option (has a waiting list to sign up to)
Asks permission to use the audio before continuing
Doesn't sell the child's data
Google Read Along
Geared towards children
Free to use
Offers to teach kids how to read in different languages
Offers stories to choose from
Corrects child as they struggle
Offers stars and badges to child as a reward as they read
Underlines missed words in red
Any mispronounced words are focused on after reading is completed
Pricing
Based on our research, users prefer a monthly subscription over paying for specific number of assignments.
Ello
Google Read Along
Currently in Beta
Free to use
Hundreds of stories to choose from
7 day free trial |$34.99 a month subscription
Access to exclusive e-books
User Persona
Brooke
Age: 5-8 years old
Grade Level: Kindergarten to 3rd grade
Location: Primarily in the United States
Background: Lives with parents or guardians who are invested in their child’s education and literacy development.
Highlights
Needs:
Reading Support: Assistance with reading aloud and understanding new words.
Engagement: Interactive and fun reading experiences to maintain interest and motivation.
Confidence Building: Encouragement and positive reinforcement to build reading confidence.
Wants:
Interactive Features: Engaging tools like read-along companions and interactive books.
Rewards: Incentives such as points or prizes for reading achievements.
Variety of Books: Access to a diverse range of books that match their reading level and interests.
Pain Points:
Frustration with Difficult Words: Struggles with pronouncing or understanding new words, leading to frustration.
Boredom: Losing interest if the reading material is not engaging or interactive enough.
Navigation Issues: Difficulty navigating digital platforms without adult assistance.
Interview Questions and Insights
Aesthetically, how does this website make you feel?
"It's inviting, but to what, I don't know."
"The colors are inviting. I like the different colors that are on the first page, but as far as ‘practice makes progress’, I'm not sure what I’m going to get into when I see that first page."
After saving an assignment, is it obvious where to go to record your assignment?
"I guess I would click on the bottom page? I don't know."
"I guess I go into completed?
By looking at the landing page, is it obvious what this website is about?
"There’s nothing telling me anything, I just see a robot.”
"I’m guessing it’s more of an interaction kind of thing. I don’t know what it’s about.”
Usability Test - Landing Page Confusion
Users has a hard time figuring out what the website is about.
Ello used a combination of imagery and a short summary to clearly describe the website.
Google Read Along made it clear from the very beginning the purpose of the platform.
Usability Test - Unnecessary Click
Users were expecting to see a list of assignments.
Consider using this page as a dashboard to track progress and achievements
“I will expect to see different assignments that I could choose from.” -User
Usability Test - Assignments Page
The user is confused about how it functions.
It’s not obvious nor have clear instructions about how it works.
Functionality forces the user to leave the platform and come back.
“What do I copy to paste?” -User
“Making users paste their own assignments is like making a child to produce their own homework. Also forces them to leave the platform.”
Make the platform functional and fun. That will encourage users to keep using it. Design around your users, not your limitations.
-The Inspire Agency
Summary
Our research reveals that existing apps offering similar services predominantly cater to children. The few targeting adults typically focus on non-English speakers aiming to improve workplace success through English proficiency.
Further research is necessary to assess the size and viability of a market specifically targeting adult readers. If deemed too niche, it may not attract sufficient investor interest.
Identifying the precise demographic—whether younger or older adults—and understanding their specific needs and preferences will be crucial. Crafting a user experience that is both enjoyable and engaging for this audience will be instrumental in achieving profitability."
Next Steps
Thorough UX Research
Gather data to learn more about the specific userbase and their needs to incorporate into the design.
Future State UI Redesign
To show investors the full potential of your platform with their help. Some ideas to keep in mind: clear copy, dashboard, prewritten assignments, gamification, Easy to redo assignments, and the ability to share results via email.
Immediate UI Redesign
Work within your limitations to improve the experience to continue to gain users to show investors.
Test Again
Test the UI again for additional feedback.