OVERVIEW
Libra is a website whose primary goal is to simplify the process of buying and selling used books. Libra aims to make an experience that can be overwhelming and frustrating become seamless and accessible.
Libra is a website whose primary goal is to simplify the process of buying and selling used books. Libra aims to make an experience that can be overwhelming and frustrating become seamless and accessible.
People from all backgrounds express a desire to read more, but may not have time to go to physical new or used bookstores. In turn, websites such as Amazon and Ebay may charge exorbitant or inaccessible prices for books. Some express a desire to have physical books rather than ebooks, which can lead to eye strain after extended use. Websites such as Thriftbooks have difficult and overcomplicated infrastructures, and do not offer user-to-user interfacing or the ability to list one’s own books for sale.
Libra is a solution to these problems and hopes to reinvigorate users with a love of reading, with an interface that is sleek, straightforward, and pleasant to use.
RESEARCH
I conducted both general surveys and individual interviews with a wide demographic to represent my potential user base. In this case, I was interested in hearing about the needs and difficulties of middle-class individuals living or working in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, specifically who enjoy reading or would like to get back into the hobby. I surveyed 25 people via a digital survey link, and conducted 10 interviews both in-person and over zoom. The age range of my interviewees was 21-47, and they came from a variety of socioeconomic and racial backgrounds.
Going into this research, I made a few assumptions about the types of people who would be utilizing this website. One of these assumptions was that their primary needs would surround book pricing and the diversity of the selection. However, I learned that ease of purchasing and accessibility were just as if not more significant for the individuals I surveyed.
Being aware of any accessibility needs of users is the most notable thing I realized during this research. However, this process was also helpful in learning more about the general lifestyles, goals, and frustrations of the potential user base.
STYLE GUIDE
User Journey
USER JOURNEY AND PAIN POINTS
1. Users with limited vision or sensory processing disorders often feel overwhelmed by overly busy websites such as Amazon, Ebay, and Thriftbooks. We will prevent an overload of information by implementing simplistic and ADA accessible web design.
2. Users with lower income would like cheaper options for purchasing books, especially with the rise of living costs. Books should not be intimidating to purchase. We will create an interface that focuses on cost sorting and "lowest price" options as a primary feature.
3. Users would like to read more books, but express feelings of guilt about books that they already own collecting dust. Simply donating or throwing them away feels wasteful. Libra will allow users to easily self-list and sell used books of their own, stimulating a more robust book economy.
4. Users express a difficulty finding new books to read on non book-focused marketplace websites. Libra will implement detailed and comprehensive search, sorting, and custom recommendation functions to allow users to find related books, books within highly specified genres, and more.
WIREFRAMES (CREATED IN FIGMA)
