The Problem
Patreon has established itself as a vital platform for creatives to receive support and funding directly from their fans. However, the current discovery process for potential patrons primarily relies on a basic search input field, which can be limiting in terms of exposing the diversity and breadth of talent on the platform.
The Solution
Our solution aims to maintain the integrity of the current Patreon user flow while promoting early sign-up/log-in actions, facilitating user differentiation and discovery. By redesigning the explore page with intuitive cards and tags, and integrating social media connections, we enhance user-curated creator discovery experiences.
Usability Review
User frustrations
Patreon seems primarily designed for creators, rarely for patrons (those searching for creative work). It lacks features such as a discovery page or similar.
The “find creator” search function lacks helpful features such as filters. There are no options for a casual, exploratory user
The current explore page simply showcases arrays of authors with limited information.
Competitor Benchmarking
We looked at two indirect competitors that offer great solutions for similar problems. Gumroad has a great discover section with good filter options for aligning user preferences with creators. Kickstarter offers a great human element by incorporating staff picks and recommendations based off a users taste.
Problem Space
The problems lie in enhancing user engagement through better recommendation systems for new creators based on interests and optimizing the landing page usability for both creators and patrons seeking new artists.
How might we enhance user experience and engagement by implementing a recommendation system that suggests new creators based on user interests?
How might we improve the usability of our landing page to facilitate the discovery of new artists for both creators and patrons, thereby fostering differentiation and satisfaction among users on both sides of the platform?
Ideation
We used the crazy 8 technique to come up with ideas outside of the box.
What can we add
Adding an explore section with better filters to make it easier for users to find new creators based on their interests.
What can we improve
Leveraging APIs to a users social media profiles to learn about interests and if they might be already following a Patreon creator on another platform.
User Flows
We've created a flow allowing users to find relevant creators with minimal effort.
Rapid Prototyping
High Fidelity Prototype
We've built a system that complies with Patreon's current signup process and design framework.
Key learnings
Not every solution has to reinvent the wheel, using social media APIs to learn about user interests saved a lot of time.
Talking to creators and patrons gave valuable insights from different perspectives.
Next steps
During the bootcamp period when we created this solution, there wasn't sufficient time for usability test and further design iteration. These tasks remain impending.