Libby App Redesign
Libby App
I love using virtual library apps. The convenience of renting media straight to your phone for free is a feature that is unmatched. However, this convenience could use an improvement for user experience. See the changes I would make for the product “Libby” below.
Original Home Page
Libby technically does not have a home page. What is shown here is the Library Page navigated by the bottom tab bar. This tab bar is made up of icons unique to Libby which are initially unfamiliar to users. The colors throughout the app are inconsistent with the main branding of the product. I realized the top of the pages were missing an app logo to help remind the user which app the user is utilizing.
New Home Page
I added a logo to the top of the page to remind users which app they are navigating. The new home page now has calls to action to help users know where to click to get to their desired results. The icons used in the new, condensed tab navigation and the search feature in the top right corner are more familiar to what a user would be used to. I limited the colors for branding and created a landing page for popular genres with a filtering feature which are common to find in media apps. I added a new feature of viewing the ratings for the user to decide which items are most desirable to rent.
Original Search Page
Libby currently has a search feature. However, this search page is overwhelming with clickable options and visually unappealing. The branding colors are inconsistent with main branding of the app.
New Search Page
I limited the tags shown and created consistent branding on the Search Page. I made the tag buttons round and shadowed for a softer look. I also added a new user feature to rate their experience in the app on a less “busy” page.
Original Book Description Page
Libby currently has limited information on the main page for individual books. The user must scroll to read more about the book they’ve selected. On this page, there is another unfamiliar icon that users may be confused of the feature it leads to. This page has the word “Borrow” but this button does not indicate that it is clickable.
New Book Description Page
I added all book information on one comprehensive page. I made sure the user had a clear button to indicate next action steps to rent the selected media. I added a ratings & reviews page for users to view desirability for the book selected which is a common feature in other media apps.
Old Profile Page
Libby has a profile page that leads to confusion when compared to profile pages in familiar apps users utilize frequently. Typically, the page to view previous purchases/rentals would be found in the profile section, but Libby created a whole tab devoted to this feature.
New Profile Page
I created a profile page users would find more familiar for easier navigation. I also added the “Past Rentals” page in this section after condensing the bottom tab menu.
Reflection
I use this app often in my daily life and consistently recognize my frustrations in the unfamiliar patterns Libby uses compared to other popular media apps. I wanted to design the app as I would like to use it as a common user and target audience member. Redesigning the Libby app was therapeutic for me to feel seen and heard in my frustrations. This reflection makes me realize how important User Experience Research & Discovery is to the success of user retention and identifying with end users as individuals in their experience.