Designing a better reading experience with Matter: Improving the Way We Consume Information

Designing a better reading experience with Matter: Improving the Way We Consume Information

Introduction:
Reading online is a multi-step process that includes deciding what to read, the act of reading, and what we do with the knowledge afterward. As avid readers ourselves, we recognized the need for a better reading experience, which led us to create Matter. Throughout our journey, we have identified several key areas that can enhance the way we consume information online.

Prioritization and Resurfacing:
The first generation of read-it-later apps lacked smart features such as prioritization, resurfacing, and decay. We believe that these features are essential for a better reading experience. By incorporating algorithms that prioritize content based on relevance and recency, we can ensure that users are presented with the most valuable articles first. Additionally, resurfacing older, overlooked gems can provide users with a diverse range of content that they might have missed otherwise.

Trust and Curation:
When it comes to deciding what to read, trust plays a crucial role. People trust recommendations from other individuals, which is why we have elevated writers as first-class citizens in our system. By curating content from trusted sources and highlighting lesser-known but valuable articles, we aim to provide users with a more enriching reading experience. Good curation can help users discover hidden gems and expand their knowledge beyond what is currently trending.

Balancing New and Evergreen Content:
While staying updated with the latest news is important, we believe that the bias toward new content is too strong. The majority of the best-written and most insightful pieces were not created in the past week. By striking a balance between new and evergreen content, we can provide users with a more comprehensive and diverse range of articles to read. This approach ensures that users have access to timeless pieces that continue to offer value long after they are published.

Improving Reading Platforms:
Email inboxes are not optimized for reading, and most people want to get through their inbox quickly. To address this issue, we have implemented features that enhance the reading experience. For example, we have introduced audio highlights, allowing users to highlight important parts of an article while listening on their phones. Additionally, we have incorporated minimaps, inspired by video games and code editors, to help users navigate through articles more efficiently.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize content based on relevance and recency: Implement algorithms that analyze user preferences and prioritize articles accordingly. This will ensure that users are presented with the most valuable content first.

2. Curate content from trusted sources: Focus on building relationships with reputable writers and publications. Curate content that is often overlooked by engagement-based algorithms, providing users with a more diverse range of articles to read.

3. Enhance reading platforms: Continuously improve reading platforms by incorporating features that make reading easier and more enjoyable. Explore options such as audio highlights and minimaps to enhance the user experience.

Conclusion:
Designing a better reading experience requires a combination of smart features, trust in curation, and a balance between new and evergreen content. By prioritizing relevance, curating valuable articles, and improving reading platforms, we can help users make the most of their reading time. Incorporating these actionable pieces of advice will contribute to a more enriching and enjoyable online reading experience for users.