The project 

Kindle Create allows authors to easily transform their manuscripts into well-formatted Kindle eBooks. The PC/Mac app combines automatic improvements-- like generating an interactive table of contents and formatting chapter titles-- with the flexibility for authors to add their custom flair.

My role 

I took on Create after another designer had begun the foundational wireframes and visual design. From then on, I owned UX design and research, and collaborated on feature definition and project planning.

The process

To comply with my non-disclosure agreement, I have omitted and obfuscated confidential information in this case study. All information here is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of Amazon. 

1  | Understanding indie authors 

To build a tool that would really help authors prepare their books, we needed to better understand their process. 

Our first study focused on how authors think of the different elements of their books as well as their approach to formatting. Later, I planned, facilitated, and analyzed 10 interviews and usability sessions to shape the next steps in the product roadmap.

2  |  Designing for simplicity and flexibility

We wanted to make it easy for authors to get the core benefits of Kindle Create without learning a complicated tool or spending more than a few minutes... But we also wanted to unlock the creativity of those authors interested in getting into the details of customizing their books. 

3  |  Building guidance

After more research and testing, we learned that authors needed a little more guidance knowing how to format their books with Kindle Create. I added embedded help throughout the app, but also took advantage of the long document import process to show a tutorial. This was especially important because most Kindle Create users are likely to be first time users, or to use the app very infrequently (after all, it's not every day you finish a novel!).