Designing a Better Reading Experience: Incorporating Matter and Big Decisions

Designing a Better Reading Experience: Incorporating Matter and Big Decisions

Introduction:

In today's digital age, the way we read online has evolved into a multi-step process. From deciding what to read to the act of reading itself and then utilizing the knowledge gained, each step plays a vital role in enhancing our reading experience. This article explores the importance of designing a better reading experience, with a focus on the innovative platform Matter and the insights gained from a few stories about big decisions.

Prioritization and Personalization:

The first generation of read-it-later apps lacked the necessary intelligence to assist users in prioritization, resurfacing, and decay. However, with the emergence of Matter, a platform founded by individuals who were top users of Pocket, a new approach to read-it-later apps has been introduced. Matter recognizes the need to focus on needs that won't change, as highlighted by Jeff Bezos. This means catering to the ongoing demand for faster delivery and acknowledging that the supply of great content will continue to rise. In this context, Matter aims to improve the reading experience by helping users make informed decisions about what to read.

Elevating Writers and Curation:

Trust plays a significant role in the decision-making process when it comes to selecting what to read. People trust people, and Matter understands this fundamental aspect. By elevating writers as first-class citizens within their system, Matter places a strong emphasis on good curation. This approach enables users to discover hidden gems that may have been overlooked by engagement-based algorithms. By prioritizing quality content and providing a curated reading experience, Matter offers a better and more trustworthy platform for users.

Balancing Newness and Timelessness:

In our fast-paced digital world, there is a natural bias towards consuming new content. However, Matter recognizes the importance of balancing newness with timelessness. While new information is undoubtedly valuable, it is essential not to overlook the vast wealth of knowledge that has been produced throughout history. Matter aims to serve as a counterweight to the overwhelming focus on new content by providing access to older, yet highly valuable, pieces of writing. By doing so, they offer users a more comprehensive and well-rounded reading experience.

Improving the Reading Mediums:

In addition to focusing on the content itself, Matter also aims to enhance the mediums through which we consume information. One significant aspect they address is the reading experience within email inboxes. While email is a common platform for newsletters and other written content, it is not optimized for reading. Matter recognizes this limitation and seeks to improve the email reading experience by incorporating features such as highlighting and annotation. By making the reading process more interactive and engaging, Matter ensures that users can make the most out of their time spent reading.

Embracing Audio and Enhancing Navigation:

With the increasing popularity of audio consumption, Matter acknowledges the importance of catering to this mode of information consumption. By incorporating audio highlights, users can now highlight and annotate content while listening, without the need to open their phones. This feature not only enhances the reading experience but also provides a more seamless transition between different mediums. Additionally, Matter introduces the concept of minimaps, inspired by video games and code editors. This feature allows users to scan headers and navigate quickly, improving overall user experience and accessibility.

Active Readers and Increasing ROI:

Matter identifies its core users as "active" readers who are intentional about what they read and proactively curate their information diets. These readers often have favorite writers, subscribe to newsletters, and frequent obscure blogs. By catering to the needs and preferences of these active readers, Matter aims to increase the ROI of reading. They strive to help users gain more insight, knowledge, and even a sense of thrill from the time they invest in reading.

Lessons from Big Decisions:

Drawing inspiration from a few stories about big decisions, we can gather valuable insights into the decision-making process. These stories highlight the importance of salesmanship, the significance of perception, and the need to stand out. Ford's decision to build a race car, despite having no interest in race cars, demonstrates the power of capturing attention and gaining trust. Gloria Swanson's rejection of a million-dollar movie contract emphasizes the value of individuality and going against the norm. Finally, George Marshall's belief in keeping people entertained reminds us of the role of leadership and the human element in decision-making.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize quality over quantity: When deciding what to read, focus on curated platforms like Matter that prioritize quality content and elevate writers.

2. Embrace different mediums: Expand your reading experience by embracing audio consumption and utilizing features like audio highlights to enhance engagement.

3. Proactively curate your information diet: Be an active reader by seeking out obscure blogs, subscribing to newsletters, and following your favorite writers. This will help increase the ROI of your reading and provide a more personalized experience.

Conclusion:

Designing a better reading experience is an ongoing endeavor that requires a deep understanding of user needs and preferences. Matter and its innovative approach to read-it-later apps, coupled with insights from stories about big decisions, offer valuable lessons and inspiration for creating a more engaging and personalized reading experience. By prioritizing quality content, embracing different mediums, and proactively curating our information diets, we can enhance the ROI of our reading and gain more insight, knowledge, and thrill from the time invested.