Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: Insights from a Top Pocket User

Designing a Better Reading Experience with Matter: Insights from a Top Pocket User

In today's digital age, reading online has become a multi-faceted experience. It involves not only the act of reading itself but also the decision-making process of choosing what to read and what to do with the knowledge gained afterwards. As someone who was in the top 1% of Pocket users for nearly a decade, I have always been a firm believer in the practice of saving articles to read later.

However, the first generation of read-it-later apps lacked certain features that could enhance the reading experience. They lacked the ability to help with prioritization, resurfacing, or decay. This realization led me and my co-founder, Rob Mackenzie, both avid Pocket users, to start Matter. We wanted to create a platform that would address these shortcomings and provide a better reading experience.

One of the key principles we adopted when designing Matter was to elevate writers as first-class citizens in our system. Trust is a crucial factor when deciding what to read, and people inherently trust other people. By curating and showcasing the work of talented writers, we aimed to provide users with a selection of high-quality content that may have been overlooked by engagement-based algorithms.

We also recognized the importance of balancing the consumption of new content with the exploration of older, timeless pieces. While the internet is dominated by the latest news and trends, we believe that the vast majority of exceptional written work lies beyond the past week's publications. Our goal with Matter is to serve as a counterweight to this bias towards newness, ensuring that readers have access to a diverse range of content that spans different time periods.

To enhance the reading experience further, we introduced features such as audio highlights and minimaps. Audio highlights allow users to highlight key passages or quotes while listening to an article, making it easier to engage with the content without the need to open their phones. Minimaps provide a condensed version of an article, allowing users to quickly scan headers and navigate through the text. These features were inspired by elements commonly found in video games and code editors, bringing a unique and interactive dimension to the reading experience.

At its core, Matter aims to cater to "active" readers who are intentional about what they read and actively curate their information diets. These readers often have favorite writers and subscribe to newsletters, seeking to maximize the return on their reading investment. Our mission is to help these readers get more from the time they spend reading by providing them with greater insight, knowledge, and even a sense of thrill.

Looking beyond the world of reading, we can draw inspiration from the success of fitness app Strava in building a passionate community of like-minded individuals. Strava initially targeted avid cyclists, offering them a platform to track their rides and compete with others through leaderboards and segments. The combination of competition and camaraderie propelled Strava to become a "religion" among fitness enthusiasts.

Similarly, Matter recognizes the power of community-led growth. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection among readers, we aim to create a vibrant community where users can share their reading experiences, recommend articles, and engage in meaningful discussions. This community-driven approach not only strengthens the user experience but also fosters loyalty and encourages users to expand their reading horizons.

To ensure the sustainability of our platform, we are exploring different avenues for monetization. Subscriptions, partnerships, and data monetization are all potential options to support the growth and development of Matter. However, we understand that maintaining goodwill within the community is vital. Our currency is not just effort but also the trust and satisfaction of our users.

In conclusion, designing a better reading experience requires a thoughtful approach that considers the needs and preferences of readers. By prioritizing the elevation of writers, providing diverse content, incorporating interactive features, and fostering a strong community, platforms like Matter can transform the way people consume information online.

Actionable Advice:

1. Be intentional about what you read: Curate your information diet by actively seeking out high-quality content and subscribing to newsletters or following favorite writers.
2. Explore beyond the latest trends: Don't limit yourself to the newest articles or publications. Delve into older, timeless pieces to gain a broader perspective and deeper insights.
3. Engage with the community: Join platforms or communities where you can share your reading experiences, recommend articles, and connect with like-minded individuals. This not only enhances the reading experience but also expands your knowledge and network.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the quest for a better reading experience continues. By embracing innovative technologies, fostering community engagement, and prioritizing user needs, platforms like Matter and Strava are paving the way for a more immersive and fulfilling online experience. Whether it's through the written word or physical activity, these platforms demonstrate the power of creating meaningful connections and maximizing the value of our time and efforts.