Reimagining Content Discovery with Audible Shorts
A UX case study on how I designed a more seamless and engaging browsing experience for Audible users.
Project
App
Role
Product Designer
Year
2023 - 2024
Problem: Too Many Clicks, Limited Discovery
Despite Audible’s extensive collection, users often feel overwhelmed when choosing what to listen to next. Many abandon searches or struggle with decision fatigue due to the lack of interactive discovery tools.
Common User Pain Points:
❌ Lack of efficient preview options – Users must click into the book detail page before they can listen to a sample/snippet, adding unnecessary friction.
❌ Overwhelming choices – The library is vast but lacks effective browsing tools, leading to decision fatigue.
❌ Inconsistent recommendations – Users see the same suggestions repeatedly, even after refreshing the homepage.
❌ Too many clicks – Users have to navigate multiple screens before deciding whether they like a book.
📌 User Feedback:
"I love audiobooks, but I never know what to listen to next. The recommendations don’t always match my taste, and I wish I could quickly sample new content."
The Solution: Audible Shorts Carousel
Projected Impact: A Smoother Content Discovery Experience
The Audible Shorts feature is designed to streamline content discovery, making it easier for users to find and sample new audiobooks with fewer clicks. By reducing friction and improving navigation, this solution aims to enhance user engagement and retention.
Expected Outcomes & Benefits:
✅ Increased audiobook previews per user – With instant samples available from the homepage, users are more likely to explore new content.
✅ Faster decision-making – By reducing the number of clicks needed to listen to a sample, users can find books that interest them more efficiently.
✅ Higher engagement and retention – A more interactive discovery experience can encourage repeat visits and longer browsing sessions.
What I Learned & Next Steps
This project reinforced the importance of reducing friction in content discovery and creating engaging interaction design for digital experiences.
🔹 Challenge: Users had to click too many times to preview content, making browsing frustrating.
🔹 Solution: Introduced instant audio previews directly on the homepage with dynamic recommendations.
🔹 Next Steps: Testing additional filtering options for personalized recommendations and voice-activated search features.
What I Learned
This project deepened my understanding of interaction design’s role in reducing cognitive load. By designing a frictionless browsing experience, I discovered how micro-interactions and intuitive UI elements can simplify complex decision-making processes.
Key Takeaways:
Small design changes can have a massive impact on user engagement.
Personalized discovery enhances retention and user satisfaction.
Seamless integration with existing design systems is key to scalable solutions.