HELP! Research Project

[Sodium.dia]

Hi all! If you have a moment to spare, I need some feedback from readers such as yourselves

For a class I'm doing an information and people project on Goodreads. As a user if you can give any insights into these questions, it would be invaluable to me:

1. What do you think of the UX (design, user flow, appearance) of Goodreads? What is bad? Good?

2. How does Goodreads contribute to the bookish community? Is it effective at making a community or does it promote groupthink? Does it promote conformity? Is it problematic, and if so how?

3. Overall any features you would like to see added or improved on Goodreads

Thank you so much and I appreciate the time! If you have any other thoughts on the UX, IA, or social media aspects of Goodreads I'd love to hear them too

[Mary]

1. I've noticed that it is not mobile device friendly. I have to use my computer for it to work properly. The design and appearance is kind of bland and boring. It can be difficult to navigate.

2. I think that it's ok at creating community. The groups I'm in are not super active when it comes to discussions on BOTMs. I haven't experienced anything problematic since many of the groups have clear rules of conduct.

3. I'll be honest, I have switched to Fable. It's way more user friendly. I love that there are reading schedules and each chapter is its own discussion board. I also love that you can post about what you're reading. Goodreads is just bland.

[Sodium.dia]

Mary wrote: "1. I've noticed that it is not mobile device friendly. I have to use my computer for it to work properly. The design and appearance is kind of bland and boring. It can be difficult to navigate.


Love the insight, definitely will take a look into Fable and compare the two platforms. If you don't mind I'd love to hear more about your experiences with inactive groups- if there are any reasons they fall into silence or if there are any ideas of how Goodreads could be better or easier for cultivating active book groups?

[°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Kat Reads °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･]

1. I mainly use the mobile version, and it does not compare to using an actual computer. Some things don’t show up and I have noticed in general there are issues with my book count (some books disappearing). As far as groups go, I mainly get notifications for books I am not nor have ever read, so I can’t really attest to group activity.

2. I like how Goodreads recommends books based off of books I have either read or are in my tbr. However, I don’t really get the feeling of “community” from Goodreads. I wouldn’t say it promotes conformity; depending on your likes, it offers different experiences for everyone.

3. I would like the book count to be accurate and for the mobile version to be more user-friendly.

[Sarah]

Wow that is so exciting! Good Luck! Happy to share my responses.
1. What do you think of the UX (design, user flow, appearance) of Goodreads? What is bad? Good?
I use a combination of mobile app and computer app. Like hte other responses, the mobile app isn't very user friendly and crashes frequently vs. the computer app has a more user friendly experience both in terms of stability and appearance. That being said it is a bit out-dated compared to other applications. I think this is especially true around the Community Board which feels antiquated next to other social media apps. I do find searching on Goodreads for books extremely easy and I do like that they showcase book themes and new releases.

2. How does Goodreads contribute to the bookish community? Is it effective at making a community or does it promote groupthink? Does it promote conformity? Is it problematic, and if so how?
I have heard someone say the Goodreads is the 'regression to the mean' and I do think that is fairly accurate. That isn't necessarily a criticism as they have to use some type of algorithm due the amount of books available and the amount of subscribers. And I would be the first to say I do absolutely love taking part in the Goodreads Choice Awards - I think it is fun way to engage. And although I have seen some improvement around diversity, Goodreads caters to what is popular, and there are probably a large number of books that never get seen because they are published by small, independent companies and these can get lost amongst the bigger publishers.
I think the biggest hurdle they would have to overcome is the fact that they are a conformist reading app. That however, is only an issue for people who are wanting to expose themselves to diversity and greater variety- there will be a great number of readers who only want that experience.

3. Overall any features you would like to see added or improved on Goodreads

I primarily use Goodreads to track the books I want to read, and for that I think it is the best application going. I have tried a few others but I always come back to Goodreads.
I can't speak for others but I think the recommendation function on the application is awful. More often than note it seems to be recommending similar books that really aren't that similar. I could make a better recommendation without any mathematical equation.
I also think the Community functionality needs to be overhauled. It is just so outdated and not user friendly. It is the one feature I use the least.

Hope my response help!