Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: Incorporating Social Learning Theory for Optimal Knowledge Acquisition

Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: Incorporating Social Learning Theory for Optimal Knowledge Acquisition

Introduction:

When it comes to reading online, there are various behaviors involved, including deciding what to read, the act of reading itself, and what one does with the acquired knowledge. As avid users of read-it-later apps, my co-founder Rob Mackenzie and I recognized the need for a better reading experience, which led us to create Matter. In this article, we will explore how the principles of social learning theory, as proposed by Albert Bandura, can be incorporated into the design of Matter to enhance knowledge acquisition and improve the overall reading experience.

Prioritization, Resurfacing, and Decay:

The first generation of read-it-later apps lacked intelligent features such as prioritization, resurfacing, or decay. However, as highlighted by Jeff Bezos, focusing on needs that won't change is crucial. In the case of reading online, the supply of great content will continue to rise, and attention will always be scarce. Therefore, integrating algorithms that assist in prioritizing and resurfacing relevant articles can greatly improve the reading experience. By taking into account user preferences, interests, and past reading habits, Matter can ensure that users are presented with the most valuable and timely content.

Elevating Writers and Curation:

Trust plays a significant role in determining what to read. People trust other people, which is why at Matter, we have made the conscious decision to elevate writers as first-class citizens within our system. Good curation, especially when it uncovers hidden gems from the vast sea of content, adds immense value to the reading experience. By incorporating curated recommendations from trusted sources and experts, Matter ensures that users have access to high-quality and often overlooked articles.

Balancing New and Evergreen Content:

While the appeal of new content is undeniable, it is essential to recognize that the majority of valuable content is not generated in the past week. Matter aims to strike a balance between providing users with the latest news and surfacing timeless articles that are still relevant and insightful. By curating a diverse range of content, including both new and evergreen pieces, Matter encourages users to explore beyond the immediate and discover articles that have stood the test of time.

Improving the Newsletter Experience:

Newsletters have seen a resurgence in popularity, offering curated content delivered directly to users' inboxes. However, traditional email inboxes are not designed for an optimal reading experience. To address this, Matter focuses on improving the readability of newsletters by implementing features such as highly reliable parsing. By utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision techniques, Matter ensures accurate parsing and enhances the overall user experience. Additionally, the incorporation of audio highlights allows users to engage with newsletters even while on the go, further expanding the possibilities of information consumption.

Enhancing User Interaction and Navigation:

In order to facilitate efficient information consumption, Matter incorporates features inspired by video games and code editors. For instance, the implementation of minimaps allows users to quickly scan headers and navigate through articles. This feature proves to be particularly useful in mobile devices and holds promise for an even more seamless experience on desktop web platforms. By prioritizing user interaction and navigation, Matter ensures that readers can easily access and engage with the content that interests them the most.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Be intentional and proactive in curating your information diet. Actively seek out articles from various sources, including obscure blogs and newsletters. By expanding your horizons, you increase the chances of discovering valuable and insightful content.

• 2. Prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of succumbing to the overwhelming amount of new content, take the time to delve into evergreen articles that have stood the test of time. By focusing on timeless pieces, you can gain deeper insights and knowledge.

• 3. Embrace multi-modal learning. With the rise of audio consumption, explore options that allow you to engage with content through listening. Utilize features like audio highlights to make the most of your "ear time" and enhance your overall reading experience.

Conclusion:

Incorporating the principles of social learning theory, as proposed by Albert Bandura, into the design of Matter can greatly enhance the reading experience. By prioritizing user preferences, elevating writers, and providing a balance between new and evergreen content, Matter aims to increase the ROI of reading. Through features such as minimaps, audio highlights, and improved newsletter readability, Matter ensures that users can actively curate their information diets and gain more insight, knowledge, and thrill from their reading endeavors.