Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: Smart Things Smart People Said

Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: Smart Things Smart People Said

In today's digital age, reading online has become a multi-faceted process. It involves choosing what to read, immersing oneself in the act of reading, and then deciding how to apply that newfound knowledge. As someone who has been an avid reader for years, I understand the importance of a seamless reading experience. That's why my co-founder Rob Mackenzie and I created Matter, a platform that aims to enhance the way we consume information.

One of the key issues we noticed with the first-generation read-it-later apps was the lack of intelligent features. These apps failed to assist with prioritization, resurfacing, or even decay of content. However, we believe in the importance of focusing on needs that won't change, as highlighted by Jeff Bezos. Customers will always demand faster delivery, and in the same vein, the supply of great content will continue to rise. The challenge lies in effectively managing attention and making informed decisions about what to read.

Trust plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when it comes to selecting reading material. People trust other people, and that's why we made a conscious decision to elevate writers as first-class citizens in our system. By prioritizing good curation, we enable our users to discover hidden gems that are often overlooked by engagement-based algorithms. It's about creating a better experience that empowers readers to find valuable content.

While there is an undeniable bias towards new information in our information consumption habits, we believe that the emphasis on novelty is too strong. We want to serve as a counterweight to this bias. After all, some of the best content ever produced was not written in the past week. We need to find a way to deliver relevant and manageable content, striking a balance between what's new and what's timeless.

One area we identified as ripe for improvement was the reading experience within email inboxes. Most people want to breeze through their inbox quickly, making it an unsuitable environment for immersive reading. Additionally, traditional email platforms lack features like highlighting and annotation. This is where we incorporate highly reliable parsing techniques, such as NLP and computer vision, to enhance the user experience. By leveraging these advanced technologies, we can push the boundaries of what's possible in email-based reading.

Furthermore, the rise of audio as a mode of content consumption cannot be ignored. Listening has become increasingly convenient, thanks to hardware innovations. Recognizing this trend, we introduced a feature called "audio highlights" on Matter. Users can now highlight important sections of an article while listening, without the need to open their phones. This seamless integration of audio and reading enhances the overall experience for our users.

In our pursuit of a better reading experience, we draw inspiration from various sources. For instance, we implemented the use of minimaps, inspired by video games and code editors. This feature allows users to scan headers and navigate articles quickly, improving efficiency and usability. We believe that these small design elements can make a significant difference in the overall experience.

At Matter, our core users are what we call "active" readers. They are intentional about what they read, curating their information diets proactively. Oftentimes, these readers have favorite writers and subscribe to newsletters while frequently exploring obscure blogs. Our goal is to increase the return on investment of reading. We want to help people gain more insight, knowledge, and even a sense of thrill from the time they invest in reading.

Now, let's delve into some wise words from smart people that resonated with us:

• Kevin Kelly suggests that by reflecting on what irritates us in others, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. This self-reflection is essential in personal growth and understanding our own biases.

• Ernest Dimnet reminds us that it's not the grand catastrophes that ruin our happiness but the slow and destructive little things that accumulate over time. It's crucial to pay attention to these small negative factors and address them to maintain our well-being.

• Dan Gilbert's insight highlights our tendency to believe positive things about ourselves easily but require substantial evidence to accept negative aspects. Recognizing this bias can help us adopt a more balanced and realistic perspective.

• Will Durant connects insecurity to greed, emphasizing the importance of addressing our insecurities to avoid falling into the trap of excessive desire. By understanding the root causes of our actions, we can strive for a healthier mindset.

• William Osler's observation about ignorance and dogmatism reminds us that closed-mindedness often stems from a lack of knowledge. The more we learn, the more open we become to different perspectives and ideas.

• Nat Friedman challenges the notion of seeking validation and highlights the value of finding satisfaction in the process of improving our ideas. By focusing on growth rather than external validation, we can nurture a more fulfilling intellectual journey.

• Warren Buffett's belief in having people in our lives whom we don't want to disappoint speaks to the importance of accountability and meaningful connections. These relationships can motivate us to strive for our best selves.

• William Dawson sheds light on the diminishing pleasure of material possessions when they become easily attainable. It's essential to find value and appreciation beyond mere acquisition.

• Richard Hamming reminds us that what made us successful in the past may not be relevant or appropriate for future generations. Adapting and evolving are crucial to staying ahead of the curve.

• Will Smith's blunt observation about people's priorities underscores the significance of emotions in decision-making. Understanding the emotional aspect can help us navigate relationships and interactions more effectively.

• Tim Hanson's belief that constantly making oneself obsolete is the overarching aim in life and work reminds us of the importance of growth and continuous learning. Embracing change and challenging ourselves is crucial for personal and professional development.

• Mark Brooks' insight on gratitude and entitlement highlights the inverse relationship between the two. Cultivating gratitude allows us to appreciate what we have rather than feeling entitled to more.

• James Clear's statement about the calendar as a measure of success emphasizes the value of time management and prioritization. How we spend our time reflects our priorities and determines our achievements.

• FedSpeak's perspective on the purpose of life encourages us to seek experiences that will create nostalgic memories in the future. It reminds us to cherish the present and make the most of every opportunity.

• Ben Franklin's wisdom about the relationship between safety and security is a powerful reminder that true growth and progress come from stepping out of our comfort zones. Avoiding complacency is essential for personal and societal advancement.

• Buffett's advice to write our obituary and work backward to live it offers a profound perspective on living a purposeful life. By envisioning our legacy, we can align our actions with our values and aspirations.

In conclusion, designing a better reading experience with Matter involves understanding the various stages of online reading, from selection to consumption and application. By prioritizing trust, curation, and a balanced approach to new and timeless content, we aim to enhance the reading experience for our users. Additionally, incorporating features like audio highlights and minimaps further improves usability and accessibility. To make the most of our reading experiences, let's remember these three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Reflect on what irritates you in others to gain self-awareness and personal growth.
2. Pay attention to the slow, destructive little things that can impact your happiness.
3. Embrace growth and continuous learning, making yourself obsolete in the pursuit of improvement.

By implementing these practices, we can elevate our reading experiences and extract more value, insight, and thrill from the time we invest in reading.