The Power of User Experience: Exploring the Connection between Substack and Mercari

The Power of User Experience: Exploring the Connection between Substack and Mercari

Introduction:
In today's digital age, user experience plays a crucial role in the success of any platform or service. Two platforms that have garnered significant attention recently are Substack and Mercari. While Substack has revolutionized the way writers and readers interact, Mercari has become a popular marketplace for buying and selling used goods. Although seemingly unrelated, these platforms share a common thread when it comes to user experience. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Mercari's unconventional UI design and explore how Substack has capitalized on the power of trust and payments.

The Impact of User Scale on Design Choices:
Mercari's UI design has often been criticized for its lack of aesthetic appeal. However, when we consider the sheer number of users on the platform, we realize that the design choices align with the goal of simplifying the selling experience. With millions of users and a vast array of products being listed, Mercari aims to lower the psychological barrier to selling. By adopting a less refined UI, Mercari eliminates the pressure for users to present their products in an overly sophisticated manner. This approach ensures that anyone can easily list an item for sale, regardless of their design skills.

The Connection between UI Design and User Expectations:
If Mercari had opted for a more visually refined UI similar to Instagram, users might perceive a higher expectation for product quality. The abundance of information in a sophisticated design often leads to a relative perception of dullness. Therefore, Mercari's decision to prioritize simplicity over elegance creates a level playing field for all users. It reduces the psychological hurdle of selling and encourages individuals to participate without feeling overwhelmed or inadequate.

Key Design Elements in Mercari:
Several design elements in Mercari contribute to its core selling experience. Firstly, the "New Listing" feature promotes a sense of urgency and reassurance. Users see the constant stream of new listings and feel confident that they too can successfully sell their items. This fosters a sense of trust and security within the platform. Secondly, the design of the "Like" button and the camera screen simplifies the listing process, allowing users to quickly capture images and express interest in products. Lastly, the label "出品" (meaning "listing" in Japanese) conveys the purpose of the platform concisely and aids in user comprehension.

The Rise of Substack and the Shift in Media Habits:
Shifting our focus to Substack, we witness a different approach to user experience. Substack has tapped into the power of trust, payments, and considered thought, challenging the traditional media landscape. With over one million paid subscriptions and millions of readers, Substack has created an alternate media universe based on different laws of physics. Instead of relying on the attention economy and engagement metrics, Substack emphasizes the importance of payments and trust. Readers are willing to pay for writers they trust, enabling new types of publications to flourish and neglected communities to be served.

Actionable Advice for Designers and Content Creators:

1. Prioritize user experience: When designing a platform or service, consider the scale of your user base and how the design choices can lower psychological barriers, fostering inclusivity and participation.

2. Embrace simplicity: While sophisticated designs may seem appealing, remember that an abundance of information can overwhelm users. Strive for simplicity to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience.

3. Cultivate trust and value: Building trust with your audience is essential. Focus on delivering high-quality content or products that resonate with your target audience. By prioritizing value over mere engagement, you can create a loyal community of supporters.

Conclusion:
The success of platforms like Substack and Mercari highlights the significance of user experience in today's digital landscape. While Mercari's unconventional UI design aims to simplify the selling experience for millions of users, Substack has revolutionized the media industry by placing trust and payments at the forefront. As designers and content creators, it is crucial to prioritize user experience, embrace simplicity, and cultivate trust to create platforms and services that resonate with our audiences. By doing so, we can contribute to a more inclusive and engaging digital world.