READR- A mobile platform that turns independent reading into a social, experience for students in grades 6–12.

Reading... but make it social!

Role: Research · UX · UI · Prototyping Platform: Mobile app · iOS & Android Timeline: Jun 2026– Present

WELCOME TO READR

PROBLEM STATEMENT

2024

National 12th-grade reading scores hit their lowest recorded average, per NAEP — while text complexity keeps climbing from grades 6–12.

There is often a shift in voluntary student engagement with literature in secondary education. Many middle and high school students see reading as a requirement rather than a social activity. “READR” aims to bridge social interactivity with reading, and demonstrate how community, and digital engagement can increase motivation.

RESEARCH PLAN

Understanding how students find, choose, and abandon books.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

01 How do students currently discover books?

02 What motivates students to read?

03 How do students interact with reading communities?

04 What makes students abandon reading platforms?

METHODS

140

PARTICIPANTS

STUDENTS AGE 11-18

EDUCATORS & ADMINISTRATORS

RESEARCH FINDINGS

What students told us.

"If my friends were reading the same book, I'd probably be more interested in it."

Student, Grade 10

Finding: students want social accountability

"Sometimes I want to read something, but I don't know what book to pick. There are too many choices."

Student, Grade 7

Finding: discovery is overwhelming

"I wouldn't want to talk to random adults. I'd rather talk to people around my age."

Student, Grade 10

Finding: students want low-pressure, age-appropriate interaction

THE OPPORTUNITY

How might we make reading more engaging for middle and high school students by combining personalized book discovery, social connection, reading motivation, and safe digital communities?

BRAND VISION

PROTOTYPE 1-
ONBOARDING SCREEN USABILITY TESTING

The interactive READR onboarding prototype is designed to test how easily students understand, navigate, and complete the initial setup process, including account creation and reading preferences. Usability testing will identify confusion points, navigation friction, accessibility barriers, and abandonment risks while evaluating whether the onboarding experience feels clear, engaging, and age-appropriate for students in grades 6–12.

THE LOGO

LOGO ALTERNATIVE

THE ICON

The READR logo is designed to be fun, playful, and instantly recognizable, reflecting the excitement of sharing stories with friends. The bold, approachable typography and speech bubble-inspired iconography symbolize conversation, collaboration, and the social connections that make reading feel like a shared adventure rather than a solitary activity.