Ever wanted more out of an app? Had ideas how it could improve? These are my ideas for how Amazon could improve the kindle features, possibly winning over loyal hardcover book readers.
I have used a kindle in some form since 2013. I have seen the progression, though I have not seen the updates in the parts of the program I have been hoping for. I hope in the future Amazon can address some of these essential principles to a reading app. In present time I have the kindle app on all my devices.
A Book's Spine:
Today's Organization
This is not a integral change, but I thought it was important to mention none the less. There is something about the kindle organization that is clunky, making it hard to find books. Even with options of collections and the ability to list the books in different ways.
The Idea
I had an idea after looking at my book shelf in my house and asking: "why can I find books faster when I have books spread across the room?" In the end I thought an option for books to be displaying the spine just as you would on a book shelf.
This option should allow you to arrange the books in sections, create breaks in the bookcases and allow user to pick vertical or horizontal on the shelf.
To me this is very appealing, it would create more of an illusion of having a bookshelf you can access anytime anywhere.
So Many Collections:
Color Coding
Continuing with appearances, the way collections are displayed feels outdated; although I believe it has been updated in the past. My idea for future updates is the ability to change the color of the collection. This would help people who organize through color coding.
Sub-collections
Sub collections might be helpful for those readers who have a large digital library. I struggle with broad subjects as collections, or I have too many collections. But separating genres into sub genres or by author would be helpful.
Track My Reading:
(But Not In A Creepy Way)
Reading Insights As it is Now
The Reading Insights feature is probably my favorite feature when reading on a kindle or the kindle app. I like that you can set an annual book goal, and the books you read are tracked. There is a calendar marking which days I read followed by a bar graph showing how many days per month a book was opened. The most recent feature (as of January of 2021) is the kindle challenges. I have mixed feelings about this feature. On one hand, I think it is a great way for a reader to be motivated to read more. But I think it is also a cash grab for Amazon because kindle users feel pressure or motivated (one and the same) to buy and read more books.
Page Counting
One way I think reading insights could be updated even more is to track the number of pages read a day. This could be graphed just like the days per month, or it could be a line graph. The number of pages reads could motivate the reader to read more possibly paired with the challenges. This feature would be great for those who log this information in a journal. Possibly taking a step out of the reading process for some.
Time
Another option for tracking is time spent reading. This could be a helpful tool for many types of people. This option could be used as a log feature or it could be used as a time management feature. This could be helpful to people with ADHD (who like to read or have to read for school).
Please Give Us More Annotating Options:
I have used a kindle and the kindle app as a student and outside of school. In both occupations, I have wished there were more options to make annotations. I do understand that it could be overwhelming to the user, but there could be an option for advanced or basic features.
I have mentioned a couple of times already "this might be the reason someone switches over to digital or this might", and I am going to repeat myself. I have watched YouTube videos of people walking through their annotation process, all of which talk about items that are not included on the kindle. Such as marking up the book or using numerous colored tabs and highlights.
Mark it Up
As a student, I take notes on documents and annotate textbooks quite often. But in the past when I have had English courses and novels are required, it would be nice to annotate my book on kindle. I understand that you can make "notes" by highlighting and typing thoughts in a text box. I wish there was an option where I could write my thoughts and associate them with the text. Another reason to have the right option is to draw, draw out thought processes, draw out scenes; maybe you decided to get a workbook on kindle, and now you can fill out the questions on the page. As a writer I often look at the skeleton of the story, I would like to be able to cross things out draw arrows, and ask my questions in the margins.
Highlighter Colors
More highlighter options and underline options would create a clearer key when students are annotating. It could also be helpful to reading enthusiasts. Many times people color code for reference and easy recall through the pages. I will give it to Amazon, within the notebook you can divide your highlights by color, and chapter. Another feature I will give a nod to is the star feature, though I have never personally needed it. There are people who learn better through color code and visual "representation".
Bookmark Colors
To add to the new colors of highlighters I believe there should be more bookmark colors. Many readers use post-it tabs to access pages easier and faster. While kindle has tabs many readers use different colors tabs and a key for different elements of the story/ book. Between these two elements, I believe there might be a new demographic attached to these new elements of annotating.