Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: The Future of Read-it-Later Apps

Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: The Future of Read-it-Later Apps

Reading online has become a multi-step process that involves deciding what to read, the act of reading itself, and what you do with the knowledge afterward. As avid users of read-it-later apps, my co-founder Rob Mackenzie and I recognized the limitations of the first generation of these apps. They lacked smart features such as prioritization, resurfacing, and decay. This led us to create Matter, a read-it-later app that aims to revolutionize the reading experience.

One of the key principles we embraced while designing Matter was the concept of focusing on needs that won't change. This idea, championed by Jeff Bezos, reminded us that customers will always crave faster delivery, and similarly, the supply of great content will continue to rise. With attention remaining a scarce resource, the ability to make informed decisions about what to read will become increasingly valuable over time.

Trust plays a crucial role in the reading experience, and people tend to trust other people. Recognizing this, we made the conscious decision to elevate writers as first-class citizens in our system. Good curation is incredibly valuable, especially for uncovering hidden gems that engagement-based algorithms often overlook. By prioritizing writers and their work, we aim to provide readers with a more trustworthy and curated selection of content.

While there is a natural bias towards consuming new information, it's vital to acknowledge that some of the best content ever produced was not written in the past week. Matter seeks to counter this bias by ensuring that older, but still relevant, content receives the attention it deserves. We believe that finding the right balance between new and timeless content is crucial in creating a better reading experience.

In addition to addressing the needs of readers, we also recognize the challenges faced by writers. Traditional platforms often fail to provide adequate tools for writers to showcase their work effectively. This is where the golden age of newsletters comes into play. Newsletters have gained popularity as a means for writers to connect directly with their audience. However, the traditional email inbox is not an ideal reading environment. It prioritizes speed over immersion and lacks features like highlighting and annotation.

At Matter, we are committed to improving the reading experience for both readers and writers. To achieve this, we focus on highly reliable parsing techniques, incorporating advanced technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and computer vision. These techniques enhance the accuracy of our platform, ensuring that readers receive a seamless and immersive reading experience.

Furthermore, we understand that audio has become an increasingly popular mode of content consumption. To cater to this trend, we introduced a feature called "audio highlights." This feature allows users to highlight key points while listening, eliminating the need to open their phones. By leveraging technology, we aim to enhance the accessibility and convenience of our platform.

In terms of user experience, we also introduced a feature called "minimaps." By simply tapping an article with two fingers, users can access a miniaturized version of the content. This allows for quick scanning of headers and easy navigation. Inspired by video games and code editors, this feature enhances the reading experience on mobile devices and holds promise for desktop web usage as well.

Our core users, whom we refer to as "active" readers, are intentional about what they read and actively curate their information diets. They have favorite writers and often subscribe to newsletters or visit niche blogs. Our goal at Matter is to increase the return on investment (ROI) of reading for these active readers. We aim to provide them with more insights, knowledge, and even a thrill when they invest their time in reading.

In conclusion, designing a better reading experience is an ongoing endeavor. By addressing the limitations of traditional read-it-later apps, embracing the importance of trust and curation, and incorporating innovative features like audio highlights and minimaps, Matter strives to revolutionize the way we consume content. To further enhance the reading experience, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the power of curation: As readers, seek out platforms that prioritize good curation to discover hidden gems and overlooked content.

2. Explore alternative modes of content consumption: Consider incorporating audio content into your routine to make the most of your "ear time."

3. Support decentralized platforms: Look for platforms that empower writers and allow for direct engagement between creators and their audience. Consider the potential of blockchain and cryptocurrencies to revolutionize the monetization of creative work.

As the world of reading continues to evolve, it's essential to adapt and leverage technology to create a more immersive and rewarding experience. With the right tools and platforms, we can truly unlock the full potential of our reading habits.