Kuma Books App
Kuma Books App
Kuma Books App
2024-Current
2024-Current
2024-Current
Designing a cozy mobile library for all of your book-related needs
Designing a cozy mobile library for all of your book-related needs
Designing a cozy mobile library for all of your book-related needs
✨ Overview
✨ Overview
✨ Overview
ROLE
ROLE
ROLE
Passion Project
Passion Project
Passion Project
Product & Brand Designer
Product & Brand Designer
Product & Brand Designer
Lead UI Design, Lead UX Design, Research, Rapid Prototyping, User Flows, Logo Design
Lead UI Design, Lead UX Design, Research, Rapid Prototyping, User Flows, Logo Design
Lead UI Design, Lead UX Design, Research, Rapid Prototyping, User Flows, Logo Design
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
iOS
iOS
iOS
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
2024 - Current
2024 - Current
2024 - Current
STATUS
STATUS
STATUS
In Development
In Development
In Development
DELIVERABLES
DELIVERABLES
DELIVERABLES
Design
Design
Design
User Flow, Wireframes, High-Fidelity Prototype, Design System, Branding, Visual Design, Logo
User Flow, Wireframes, High-Fidelity Prototype, Design System, Branding, Visual Design, Logo
User Flow, Wireframes, High-Fidelity Prototype, Design System, Branding, Visual Design, Logo
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
I wanted a book app that is simple, intuitive, and enjoyable to use – a comfort space that functions as a mobile library for all things book-related. The app is inclusive of all genres and readers, creating a safe space that can be as customizable, private, or public as the user wants.
The idea originated when my friend and I realized we were always reading the same books at different times and recommending them to each other. We needed a better way to keep track of all of our recommended books and book-related memes.
I named the app Kuma because it is one of the many nickname’s for my dog, Luna. Kuma also means bear in Japanese, which I envisioned as fitting mascot. I wanted the app to be cozy just like a cute brown bear, which influenced my color and branding choices to maintain the theme of coziness.
I wanted a book app that is simple, intuitive, and enjoyable to use – a comfort space that functions as a mobile library for all things book-related. The app is inclusive of all genres and readers, creating a safe space that can be as customizable, private, or public as the user wants.
The idea originated when my friend and I realized we were always reading the same books at different times and recommending them to each other. We needed a better way to keep track of all of our recommended books and book-related memes.
I named the app Kuma because it is one of the many nickname’s for my dog, Luna. Kuma also means bear in Japanese, which I envisioned as fitting mascot. I wanted the app to be cozy just like a cute brown bear, which influenced my color and branding choices to maintain the theme of coziness.
I wanted a book app that is simple, intuitive, and enjoyable to use – a comfort space that functions as a mobile library for all things book-related. The app is inclusive of all genres and readers, creating a safe space that can be as customizable, private, or public as the user wants.
The idea originated when my friend and I realized we were always reading the same books at different times and recommending them to each other. We needed a better way to keep track of all of our recommended books and book-related memes.
I named the app Kuma because it is one of the many nickname’s for my dog, Luna. Kuma also means bear in Japanese, which I envisioned as fitting mascot. I wanted the app to be cozy just like a cute brown bear, which influenced my color and branding choices to maintain the theme of coziness.
✨ Highlights
✨ Highlights
✨ Highlights
✨ The Challenge
✨ The Challenge
✨ The Challenge
Problem Framing
Problem Framing
Most existing book apps fail to create a cohesive experience that balances personal library management with social interactions. Users are forced to use multiple apps - one for tracking their reading, another for reviews, and various messaging platforms for discussing books with friends.
Additionally, these apps often feel clinical and algorithmic rather than warm and inviting. There's a clear gap in the market for an app that provides both utility and comfort - a space that feels like curling up with a good book while offering powerful tools to enhance the reading experience.
Most existing book apps fail to create a cohesive experience that balances personal library management with social interactions. Users are forced to use multiple apps - one for tracking their reading, another for reviews, and various messaging platforms for discussing books with friends.
Additionally, these apps often feel clinical and algorithmic rather than warm and inviting. There's a clear gap in the market for an app that provides both utility and comfort - a space that feels like curling up with a good book while offering powerful tools to enhance the reading experience.
Most existing book apps fail to create a cohesive experience that balances personal library management with social interactions. Users are forced to use multiple apps - one for tracking their reading, another for reviews, and various messaging platforms for discussing books with friends.
Additionally, these apps often feel clinical and algorithmic rather than warm and inviting. There's a clear gap in the market for an app that provides both utility and comfort - a space that feels like curling up with a good book while offering powerful tools to enhance the reading experience.
Pinpointing Issues
Pinpointing Issues
Fragmented Experiences: Readers juggle multiple apps for tracking, socializing, and discovering books
Fragmented Experiences: Readers juggle multiple apps for tracking, socializing, and discovering books
Fragmented Experiences: Readers juggle multiple apps for tracking, socializing, and discovering books
Privacy Concerns: Insufficient control over what reading information is shared publicly
Privacy Concerns: Insufficient control over what reading information is shared publicly
Privacy Concerns: Insufficient control over what reading information is shared publicly
Lack of Personalization: Limited options for users to customize their reading space to their preferences
Lack of Personalization: Limited options for users to customize their reading space to their preferences
Lack of Personalization: Limited options for users to customize their reading space to their preferences
Missing Social Dimension: Difficulty sharing reading experiences with friends in meaningful ways
Missing Social Dimension: Difficulty sharing reading experiences with friends in meaningful ways
Missing Social Dimension: Difficulty sharing reading experiences with friends in meaningful ways
Algorithmic Recommendations: Impersonal book suggestions that don't account for friend recommendations
Algorithmic Recommendations: Impersonal book suggestions that don't account for friend recommendations
Algorithmic Recommendations: Impersonal book suggestions that don't account for friend recommendations
Complex Interfaces: Overly complicated designs that detract from the reading experience
Complex Interfaces: Overly complicated designs that detract from the reading experience
Complex Interfaces: Overly complicated designs that detract from the reading experience
✨ The Solution
✨ The Solution
✨ The Solution
Our Goals
Our Goals
Our solution is a book app that seamlessly integrates personal library management with meaningful social interactions. Kuma creates a cozy digital space where readers can:
Our solution is a book app that seamlessly integrates personal library management with meaningful social interactions. Kuma creates a cozy digital space where readers can:
Our solution is a book app that seamlessly integrates personal library management with meaningful social interactions. Kuma creates a cozy digital space where readers can:
All wrapped in a warm, intuitive interface that prioritizes comfort and simplicity.
All wrapped in a warm, intuitive interface that prioritizes comfort and simplicity.
All wrapped in a warm, intuitive interface that prioritizes comfort and simplicity.
High Level Goals
High Level Goals
Create a unified platform for all book-related activities
Create a unified platform for all book-related activities
Create a unified platform for all book-related activities
Design a warm, inviting user experience that feels like a comfortable reading nook
Design a warm, inviting user experience that feels like a comfortable reading nook
Design a warm, inviting user experience that feels like a comfortable reading nook
Balance private and social features with privacy controls
Balance private and social features with privacy controls
Balance private and social features with privacy controls
Implement an intuitive discovery system powered by friend recommendations
Implement an intuitive discovery system powered by friend recommendations
Implement an intuitive discovery system powered by friend recommendations
Develop thoughtful social features that respect reading progress (spoiler protection)
Develop thoughtful social features that respect reading progress (spoiler protection)
Develop thoughtful social features that respect reading progress (spoiler protection)
Establish a design system that prioritizes coziness and readability
Establish a design system that prioritizes coziness and readability
Establish a design system that prioritizes coziness and readability
✨ Research Summary
✨ Research Summary
✨ Research Summary
Market Insights & Competitor Analysis
Market Insights & Competitor Analysis
I conducted an in-depth analysis of the current book app market, focusing on both direct competitors (book tracking apps) and indirect competitors (social media platforms where book discussions happen).
I conducted an in-depth analysis of the current book app market, focusing on both direct competitors (book tracking apps) and indirect competitors (social media platforms where book discussions happen).
I conducted an in-depth analysis of the current book app market, focusing on both direct competitors (book tracking apps) and indirect competitors (social media platforms where book discussions happen).
This analysis revealed opportunities to combine the strongest elements of each platform while addressing their limitations to create a more cohesive experience.
This analysis revealed opportunities to combine the strongest elements of each platform while addressing their limitations to create a more cohesive experience.
This analysis revealed opportunities to combine the strongest elements of each platform while addressing their limitations to create a more cohesive experience.
Usability Interviews
Usability Interviews
While the app is still in development, I've planned a comprehensive testing strategy for when we have a beta version. Feedback from these interviews will inform iterations before the official launch. These interviews will focus on:
While the app is still in development, I've planned a comprehensive testing strategy for when we have a beta version. Feedback from these interviews will inform iterations before the official launch. These interviews will focus on:
While the app is still in development, I've planned a comprehensive testing strategy for when we have a beta version. Feedback from these interviews will inform iterations before the official launch. These interviews will focus on:
Overall usability and intuitiveness of the interface
Overall usability and intuitiveness of the interface
Overall usability and intuitiveness of the interface
Effectiveness of the social features in connecting readers
Effectiveness of the social features in connecting readers
Effectiveness of the social features in connecting readers
User satisfaction with privacy controls and customization options
User satisfaction with privacy controls and customization options
User satisfaction with privacy controls and customization options
Book discovery and recommendation effectiveness
Book discovery and recommendation effectiveness
Book discovery and recommendation effectiveness
General sentiment about the app's aesthetic and feel
General sentiment about the app's aesthetic and feel
General sentiment about the app's aesthetic and feel
✨ Design Process
✨ Design Process
✨ Design Process
Tools
Tools
Design Review
Design Review
I created extensive mood boards to establish the visual direction for Kuma. I wanted the app to feel cozy and inviting while remaining clean and functional. Using Mobbin, I studied successful UI patterns from both book apps and social platforms with exceptional user experiences.
For visual inspiration, I looked at warm color palettes, comfortable reading environments, and book-related imagery. The aesthetic goal was to create a digital space that feels as inviting as a favorite reading nook. The color palette was inspired by warm sunset tones, creating a sense of comfort and calm that aligns with the feeling of getting lost in a good book.
I created extensive mood boards to establish the visual direction for Kuma. I wanted the app to feel cozy and inviting while remaining clean and functional. Using Mobbin, I studied successful UI patterns from both book apps and social platforms with exceptional user experiences.
For visual inspiration, I looked at warm color palettes, comfortable reading environments, and book-related imagery. The aesthetic goal was to create a digital space that feels as inviting as a favorite reading nook. The color palette was inspired by warm sunset tones, creating a sense of comfort and calm that aligns with the feeling of getting lost in a good book.
I created extensive mood boards to establish the visual direction for Kuma. I wanted the app to feel cozy and inviting while remaining clean and functional. Using Mobbin, I studied successful UI patterns from both book apps and social platforms with exceptional user experiences.
For visual inspiration, I looked at warm color palettes, comfortable reading environments, and book-related imagery. The aesthetic goal was to create a digital space that feels as inviting as a favorite reading nook. The color palette was inspired by warm sunset tones, creating a sense of comfort and calm that aligns with the feeling of getting lost in a good book.
Ideation
Ideation
The ideation process began with defining our core features and target users. I focused on balancing the app's dual nature as both a personal library and social platform. Key considerations included:
The ideation process began with defining our core features and target users. I focused on balancing the app's dual nature as both a personal library and social platform. Key considerations included:
The ideation process began with defining our core features and target users. I focused on balancing the app's dual nature as both a personal library and social platform. Key considerations included:
How to organize books in a way that feels intuitive and personal
How to organize books in a way that feels intuitive and personal
How to organize books in a way that feels intuitive and personal
Creating meaningful social interactions without overwhelming the user
Creating meaningful social interactions without overwhelming the user
Creating meaningful social interactions without overwhelming the user
Implementing privacy controls that are powerful yet simple to use
Implementing privacy controls that are powerful yet simple to use
Implementing privacy controls that are powerful yet simple to use
Designing a discovery system that balances algorithmic suggestions with friend recommendations
Designing a discovery system that balances algorithmic suggestions with friend recommendations
Designing a discovery system that balances algorithmic suggestions with friend recommendations
Developing a visual language that communicates comfort and coziness
Developing a visual language that communicates comfort and coziness
Developing a visual language that communicates comfort and coziness
Wireframing
Wireframing
I created wireframes to establish the core user flows before diving into visual design:
I created wireframes to establish the core user flows before diving into visual design:
I created wireframes to establish the core user flows before diving into visual design:
These wireframes helped identify potential usability issues early and establish a solid foundation for the UI design.
These wireframes helped identify potential usability issues early and establish a solid foundation for the UI design.
These wireframes helped identify potential usability issues early and establish a solid foundation for the UI design.
Explorations
Explorations
✨ Key Features
✨ Key Features
✨ Key Features
Your Books
Your Books
The Books section serves as your personal library, with thoughtfully designed features:
🌱 Currently Reading shelf with privacy options
🌱 Custom collections that can be private or shared
🌱 Friend recommendation tracking
🌱 Rating system with custom tags and notes
The Books section serves as your personal library, with thoughtfully designed features:
🌱 Currently Reading shelf with privacy options
🌱 Custom collections that can be private or shared
🌱 Friend recommendation tracking
🌱 Rating system with custom tags and notes
The Books section serves as your personal library, with thoughtfully designed features:
🌱 Currently Reading shelf with privacy options
🌱 Custom collections that can be private or shared
🌱 Friend recommendation tracking
🌱 Rating system with custom tags and notes
Your Feed
Your Feed
The social feed brings readers together:
🌱 Clubs for topic-focused discussions
🌱 Posts from friends and groups you've joined
🌱 Support for text, images, GIFs, and memes
🌱 Built-in spoiler protection
🌱 Ability to bookmark posts into collections
The social feed brings readers together:
🌱 Clubs for topic-focused discussions
🌱 Posts from friends and groups you've joined
🌱 Support for text, images, GIFs, and memes
🌱 Built-in spoiler protection
🌱 Ability to bookmark posts into collections
The social feed brings readers together:
🌱 Clubs for topic-focused discussions
🌱 Posts from friends and groups you've joined
🌱 Support for text, images, GIFs, and memes
🌱 Built-in spoiler protection
🌱 Ability to bookmark posts into collections
Your Profile
Your Profile
The profile section helps users track their reading journey:
🌱 Reading statistics and habits visualization
🌱 Collection, post history, and bookmarked content
🌱 Privacy controls for what others can see
🌱 Custom tags for exploring
The profile section helps users track their reading journey:
🌱 Reading statistics and habits visualization
🌱 Collection, post history, and bookmarked content
🌱 Privacy controls for what others can see
🌱 Custom tags for exploring
The profile section helps users track their reading journey:
🌱 Reading statistics and habits visualization
🌱 Collection, post history, and bookmarked content
🌱 Privacy controls for what others can see
🌱 Custom tags for exploring
Discovery & Exploration
Discovery & Exploration
The discovery features make finding your next read simple:
🌱 Curated recommendations based on your history
🌱 Friend-sourced suggestions highlighted
🌱 Mood-based filters for finding the perfect book
🌱 Similar book suggestions based on your favorites
🌱 Book club current reads and discussions
The discovery features make finding your next read simple:
🌱 Curated recommendations based on your history
🌱 Friend-sourced suggestions highlighted
🌱 Mood-based filters for finding the perfect book
🌱 Similar book suggestions based on your favorites
🌱 Book club current reads and discussions
The discovery features make finding your next read simple:
🌱 Curated recommendations based on your history
🌱 Friend-sourced suggestions highlighted
🌱 Mood-based filters for finding the perfect book
🌱 Similar book suggestions based on your favorites
🌱 Book club current reads and discussions
✨ Visual Design
✨ Visual Design
✨ Visual Design
Design System
Design System
I developed a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency throughout the app and streamline the development process.
I developed a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency throughout the app and streamline the development process.
I developed a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency throughout the app and streamline the development process.
Typography
Typography
After careful consideration of many different fonts, I chose two complementary typefaces:
Crimson Pro: A classy serif font reminiscent of physical books, perfect for titles and headings.
Mulish: A clean sans-serif with more character than standard system fonts, ideal for body text and UI elements that maintains readability.
This combination balances readability with personality, creating a typographic system that feels both comfortable and distinctive.
After careful consideration of many different fonts, I chose two complementary typefaces:
Crimson Pro: A classy serif font reminiscent of physical books, perfect for titles and headings.
Mulish: A clean sans-serif with more character than standard system fonts, ideal for body text and UI elements that maintains readability.
This combination balances readability with personality, creating a typographic system that feels both comfortable and distinctive.
After careful consideration of many different fonts, I chose two complementary typefaces:
Crimson Pro: A classy serif font reminiscent of physical books, perfect for titles and headings.
Mulish: A clean sans-serif with more character than standard system fonts, ideal for body text and UI elements that maintains readability.
This combination balances readability with personality, creating a typographic system that feels both comfortable and distinctive.
Color Palette
Color Palette
The color choices reflect the cozy theme of the app. This palette creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages users to settle in and explore.
The color choices reflect the cozy theme of the app. This palette creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages users to settle in and explore.
The color choices reflect the cozy theme of the app. This palette creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages users to settle in and explore.
Components
Components
Branding & Illustrations
Branding & Illustrations
The Kuma brand identity centers around the bear motif, symbolizing comfort and coziness. I created both the logo and custom illustrations that appear throughout the app, reinforcing the warm, friendly personality of Kuma. I also utitilized AI for more logo and illustration explorations as well.
The Kuma brand identity centers around the bear motif, symbolizing comfort and coziness. I created both the logo and custom illustrations that appear throughout the app, reinforcing the warm, friendly personality of Kuma. I also utitilized AI for more logo and illustration explorations as well.
The Kuma brand identity centers around the bear motif, symbolizing comfort and coziness. I created both the logo and custom illustrations that appear throughout the app, reinforcing the warm, friendly personality of Kuma. I also utitilized AI for more logo and illustration explorations as well.
✨ Final Designs
✨ Final Designs
✨ Final Designs
Prototype
Prototype
✨ Developer Handoff
✨ Developer Handoff
✨ Developer Handoff
A friend and I are working on developing the app now. Our workflow will thankfully be faster with the help of vibe-coding and AI. Having both design and development perspectives on the team has allowed us to create practical solutions that balance aesthetic goals with technical feasibility.
The comprehensive design system we've established serves as a solid foundation for implementation, with components already mapped to their SwiftUI counterparts. We're excited to launch the beta version soon, so stay tuned for updates on our progress!
A friend and I are working on developing the app now. Our workflow will thankfully be faster with the help of vibe-coding and AI. Having both design and development perspectives on the team has allowed us to create practical solutions that balance aesthetic goals with technical feasibility.
The comprehensive design system we've established serves as a solid foundation for implementation, with components already mapped to their SwiftUI counterparts. We're excited to launch the beta version soon, so stay tuned for updates on our progress!
A friend and I are working on developing the app now. Our workflow will thankfully be faster with the help of vibe-coding and AI. Having both design and development perspectives on the team has allowed us to create practical solutions that balance aesthetic goals with technical feasibility.
The comprehensive design system we've established serves as a solid foundation for implementation, with components already mapped to their SwiftUI counterparts. We're excited to launch the beta version soon, so stay tuned for updates on our progress!
✨ Reflections
✨ Reflections
✨ Reflections
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Balance is essential: Creating an app that serves both personal and social needs requires thoughtful design decisions
Balance is essential: Creating an app that serves both personal and social needs requires thoughtful design decisions
Balance is essential: Creating an app that serves both personal and social needs requires thoughtful design decisions
Cohesive design system: Investing time in a thorough design system pays dividends in consistency and development speed
Cohesive design system: Investing time in a thorough design system pays dividends in consistency and development speed
Cohesive design system: Investing time in a thorough design system pays dividends in consistency and development speed
Privacy matters: Readers appreciate granular control over what they share about their reading life
Privacy matters: Readers appreciate granular control over what they share about their reading life
Privacy matters: Readers appreciate granular control over what they share about their reading life
Design for delight: Small touches of personality transform a functional app into a beloved experience
Design for delight: Small touches of personality transform a functional app into a beloved experience
Design for delight: Small touches of personality transform a functional app into a beloved experience
Competitive analysis insights: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors shaped our unique offering
Competitive analysis insights: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors shaped our unique offering
Competitive analysis insights: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors shaped our unique offering
Simplicity wins: Despite the temptation to add features, keeping the core experience simple remains a priority
Simplicity wins: Despite the temptation to add features, keeping the core experience simple remains a priority
Simplicity wins: Despite the temptation to add features, keeping the core experience simple remains a priority
Next Steps
Next Steps
Our immediate next steps include:
🌱 Finalizing the development of our MVP features
🌱 Conducting usability testing with a small group of beta users
🌱 Refining the experience based on feedback
🌱 Expanding our custom illustrations for empty states and onboarding
🌱 Preparing for an App Store launch
🌱 Building a roadmap for future feature development based on user feedback
Looking further ahead, we're excited to grow our community features and explore additional customization options that make Kuma feel truly personal to each user.
Thank you for checking out this project! ❤️
Our immediate next steps include:
🌱 Finalizing the development of our MVP features
🌱 Conducting usability testing with a small group of beta users
🌱 Refining the experience based on feedback
🌱 Expanding our custom illustrations for empty states and onboarding
🌱 Preparing for an App Store launch
🌱 Building a roadmap for future feature development based on user feedback
Looking further ahead, we're excited to grow our community features and explore additional customization options that make Kuma feel truly personal to each user.
Thank you for checking out this project! ❤️
Our immediate next steps include:
🌱 Finalizing the development of our MVP features
🌱 Conducting usability testing with a small group of beta users
🌱 Refining the experience based on feedback
🌱 Expanding our custom illustrations for empty states and onboarding
🌱 Preparing for an App Store launch
🌱 Building a roadmap for future feature development based on user feedback
Looking further ahead, we're excited to grow our community features and explore additional customization options that make Kuma feel truly personal to each user.
Thank you for checking out this project! ❤️
💫 case studies
© 2025– Cecilia Yeji Kim
made with love and iced strawberry matcha lattes 🫶🏼🧊🍓🍵
💫 case studies
© 2025– Cecilia Yeji Kim
Made with love and
iced strawberry matcha lattes ✨🫶🏼🍓🍵
💫 case studies
© 2025– Cecilia Yeji Kim
Made with love and
iced strawberry matcha lattes ✨🫶🏼🍓🍵