Designing a better reading experience with Matter: Why We Should Learn in Public

Designing a better reading experience with Matter: Why We Should Learn in Public

In today's digital age, reading online has become a complex and multi-faceted activity. It involves deciding what to read, the act of reading itself, and what we do with the knowledge we acquire. With the rise of read-it-later apps, such as Pocket, the first generation of these apps lacked the necessary smarts to enhance the reading experience. They didn't prioritize content, resurface articles, or account for decay.

However, as we look towards the future, it's vital to focus on needs that won't change. Customers will always desire faster delivery, and the supply of great content will continue to rise. Attention will remain scarce, and making good decisions about what to read will become even more crucial. Trust plays a significant role in deciding what to read, and people inherently trust other people. This is why at Matter, we prioritize and elevate writers as first-class citizens in our system.

Curation is an invaluable tool in discovering hidden gems that may otherwise be overlooked by engagement-based algorithms. While the bias towards new content is understandable, it's important to recognize that some of the best literature and productions were not created in the past week. Matter aims to serve as a counterweight to this bias, ensuring that older, timeless pieces receive the attention they deserve.

In our pursuit of a better reading experience, we also address the limitations of email inboxes. While newsletters have gained popularity, the traditional email inbox isn't conducive to an optimal reading environment. Most people aim to get through their inbox quickly, rather than spending more time there. Additionally, email inboxes lack the ability to highlight or annotate content. At Matter, we're working on solutions such as highly reliable parsing and incorporating sophisticated techniques like NLP and computer vision to enhance the user experience.

In terms of consumer behavior, audio has emerged as a significant mode of consumption. With the convenience of hardware that makes listening easier, more people are embracing audio content. Matter has introduced a feature called "audio highlights" that allows users to highlight content while listening without needing to open their phones. By triple-tapping Airpods or pressing both volume buttons simultaneously, users can create audio highlights seamlessly.

To further improve the reading experience, Matter has introduced features like minimaps, inspired by video games and code editors. These minimaps allow users to scan headers and navigate articles quickly, enhancing the overall reading experience. Whether on mobile or desktop web, these features are designed to cater to active readers who carefully curate their information diets and actively seek out valuable content.

While Matter focuses on creating a better reading experience, it's also crucial to explore the concept of learning in public. Learning in public offers numerous benefits, including building and projecting your identity throughout your life. By sharing your learning journey online, you attract like-minded individuals who share your interests, creating a sense of belonging and fostering connections.

When you publish ideas and share your learning process online, you open yourself up to feedback from a wide range of individuals. This feedback accelerates your learning and opens doors to unexpected opportunities. Your online profile becomes a lifelong asset, allowing you to look back at your progress and share your knowledge with others limitlessly.

Learning in public not only benefits the individual but also contributes to human society as a whole. By sharing your unique experiences and knowledge, you add value to the collective pool of information. Accessible and searchable content ensures that valuable insights are not lost and can be utilized by others in the future. Democratizing access to other people's learning and experiences is a utilitarian legacy that benefits society as a whole.

In conclusion, to enhance the reading experience, platforms like Matter are continuously striving to improve features such as prioritization, resurfacing, and decay. By putting trust in writers and elevating them as first-class citizens, curated content becomes a valuable tool for discovering hidden gems. Additionally, incorporating features like audio highlights and minimaps further enhances the reading experience for active readers.

Learning in public is not only personally fulfilling but also contributes to society's growth and progress. By sharing your learning journey online, you attract like-minded individuals, receive valuable feedback, and create a lifelong asset that can be accessed and shared indefinitely. Learning in public is an investment in both your future and the future of human society.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize curation: Seek out curated content to discover hidden gems that may not be surfaced by engagement-based algorithms. Explore newsletters, obscure blogs, and trusted writers to enhance your reading experience.
2. Embrace audio consumption: Take advantage of the rise in audio content by incorporating it into your learning routine. Use features like audio highlights to enhance your listening experience and retain valuable information.
3. Share your learning journey: Consider learning in public by sharing your process and insights online. By doing so, you not only accelerate your own learning but also contribute to the collective knowledge and help others on a similar path.

By combining the efforts of platforms like Matter in designing a better reading experience and embracing the concept of learning in public, we can create a more enriching and fulfilling online environment for all.