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Entertainment
Entertainment
Entertainment
Patreon
Patreon helps creators receive direct support, but its current discovery process limits exploration beyond known names. The “Find Creators” feature relies on a basic search, making it harder for patrons to discover new creatives.This project aims to redesign the discovery experience, introducing a more engaging and personalized approach. By improving creator visibility, the goal is to increase patron engagement, expand support for diverse creators, and drive platform growth while enhancing user experience.
Problem Statement
Patreon’s current discovery system makes it difficult for users to find new creators beyond those they already know. The “Find Creators” feature relies on a basic search input, offering limited personalization and exploration. This lack of effective discovery tools reduces engagement, making it harder for emerging creators to grow their audience. Without an improved way to connect patrons with creators based on their interests, users may struggle to explore diverse content, leading to missed engagement opportunities and lower creator visibility on the platform.
How I Solved It
To improve Patreon’s creator discovery experience, I introduced a personalized recommendation system that suggests creators based on user preferences and engagement. I also developed the “Ideal Creator” feature, a quiz-style tool that helps users find creators aligned with their interests. Additionally, advanced search filters were implemented, allowing patrons to refine their search by categories, tags, and content types. These solutions make it easier for users to discover and support a diverse range of creators.
Target Users
EXISTING PATREON USERS
Who enjoy supporting creators but struggle to discover new ones beyond those they already follow will benefit from this solution. Many rely on external recommendations or social media to find fresh content, as Patreon’s current discovery system offers limited ways to explore creators organically. Additionally, new patrons who join the platform without a specific creator in mind need a more intuitive way to browse and connect with content that matches their interests. By improving discoverability, this solution enhances engagement and makes it easier for users to explore and support a diverse range of creatives.
User Pain Points
• Limited Discovery Tools: Users struggle to find new creators unless they already know who they are looking for.
• Over-Reliance on External Platforms: Many users find creators through social media rather than Patreon itself.
• Lack of Personalization: The discovery system does not suggest relevant creators based on user interests.
• Basic Search & Filtering: Users want more refined search options, such as filtering by category, niche, or content type.
Findings from Research
After conducting primary online research, along with six user interviews and a survey, I found that Patreon’s current discovery process does not fully support users in exploring new creators. Many patrons rely on external platforms like Tiktok, YouTube, and Instagram to discover creators, indicating that Patreon’s existing tools are not their primary source for discovery. Interviews revealed that even active patrons struggle to browse beyond their existing interests, often finding the search function too limited and lacking clear pathways to explore new content. New users, on the other hand, expressed frustration with the lack of guidance when trying to find creators aligned with their interests. Survey responses also highlighted that search functionality felt restrictive, with users wanting more ways to refine and navigate the results. Overall, research indicates that discoverability on Patreon is not intuitive, leaving users without a clear way to explore and connect with a diverse range of creators directly through the platform.
Key Outcomes
• Users need a personalized recommendation system that suggests creators based on their engagement and preferences.
• Implementing advanced search filters will make it easier for patrons to explore creators by category, niche, and content type.
• A more engaging discovery experience will reduce reliance on external platforms and encourage more in-platform creator support.
Competitor Analysis
Understanding how other platforms facilitate content discovery provides insights into improving Patreon’s approach. By analyzing Twitch, Ko-fi, and Netflix, I examined different methods of surfacing creators and engaging users, identifying key strengths and gaps that informed the redesign.
Ko-fi
• Relies on direct creator promotion, meaning users primarily find creators through external links rather than internal search.
• The Explore section categorizes creators but lacks deep personalization, making browsing less intuitive.
Twitch
• Uses a live content discovery model, where users browse through recommended or trending streamers based on real-time engagement.
• The category-based navigation helps users explore content by game or topic, but discovery heavily favors already popular streamers.
Netflix
• Uses personalized recommendations combined with category-based browsing to surface relevant content.
• A mix of algorithmic curation and editorial selections ensures a balance between popular and niche content.
Key takeaways
• Personalization is essential – Platforms like Twitch and Netflix keep users engaged by recommending content based on behavior and preferences.
• Structured browsing enhances discovery – Ko-fi’s category-based system helps users explore, but lacks deeper personalization.
• Algorithm-driven discovery has limits – While Netflix and Twitch rely on algorithms, they can restrict exposure to new or niche content.
Challenges
Balancing Personalization & Exploration
• Challenge: Users need relevant recommendations but also want the freedom to explore different creators manually.
• Solution: Finding the right mix between algorithm-driven suggestions, the “Ideal Creator” quiz, and structured browsing options to ensure both discovery and user control.
Improving Discovery Without Overwhelming Users
• Challenge: Too much information or too many options can lead to decision fatigue, making users disengage.
• Solution: Designing a clear, intuitive UI with categorized discovery paths that guide users without overwhelming them.
Making Search More Effective
• Challenge: Users struggle to find creators due to limited filters and lack of intuitive browsing options.
• Solution: Implementing better search filtering, allowing users to refine results by category, content type, and creator niche.
Ensuring Equal Visibility for All Creators
• Challenge: Algorithm-driven recommendations can sometimes favor already popular creators, making it harder for smaller ones to gain visibility.
• Solution: Creating a balanced discovery system that highlights emerging creators while still providing personalized suggestions.
User Flow
Wireframes
I started with low-fidelity wireframes to explore layouts that improve search, recommendations, and structured browsing. The focus was on making discovery intuitive and engaging while integrating features like personalized recommendations, the “Ideal Creator” quiz, and advanced search filters. Iterations refined navigation clarity, leading to high-fidelity designs that enhance the user experience.
Concluding Remarks
Patreon connects creators with patrons, but discoverability remains a challenge, often pushing users to external platforms like Twitch and Ko-fi to find new creators. This project enhances Patreon’s discovery experience, making it easier for users to explore and support creators directly on the platform. The personalized recommendation system suggests relevant creators, while the “Ideal Creator” quiz helps users find matches based on their interests. Advanced search filters and structured browsing provide greater control over discovery, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. By improving creator visibility and patron engagement, this redesign strengthens Patreon’s role as a platform that fosters meaningful connections, boosting both creator success and platform growth.
Final Experience
Problem Statement
Patreon’s current discovery system makes it difficult for users to find new creators beyond those they already know. The “Find Creators” feature relies on a basic search input, offering limited personalization and exploration. This lack of effective discovery tools reduces engagement, making it harder for emerging creators to grow their audience. Without an improved way to connect patrons with creators based on their interests, users may struggle to explore diverse content, leading to missed engagement opportunities and lower creator visibility on the platform.
How I Solved It
To improve Patreon’s creator discovery experience, I introduced a personalized recommendation system that suggests creators based on user preferences and engagement. I also developed the “Ideal Creator” feature, a quiz-style tool that helps users find creators aligned with their interests. Additionally, advanced search filters were implemented, allowing patrons to refine their search by categories, tags, and content types. These solutions make it easier for users to discover and support a diverse range of creators.
Target Users
EXISTING PATREON USERS
Who enjoy supporting creators but struggle to discover new ones beyond those they already follow will benefit from this solution. Many rely on external recommendations or social media to find fresh content, as Patreon’s current discovery system offers limited ways to explore creators organically. Additionally, new patrons who join the platform without a specific creator in mind need a more intuitive way to browse and connect with content that matches their interests. By improving discoverability, this solution enhances engagement and makes it easier for users to explore and support a diverse range of creatives.
User Pain Points
• Limited Discovery Tools: Users struggle to find new creators unless they already know who they are looking for.
• Over-Reliance on External Platforms: Many users find creators through social media rather than Patreon itself.
• Lack of Personalization: The discovery system does not suggest relevant creators based on user interests.
• Basic Search & Filtering: Users want more refined search options, such as filtering by category, niche, or content type.
Findings from Research
After conducting primary online research, along with six user interviews and a survey, I found that Patreon’s current discovery process does not fully support users in exploring new creators. Many patrons rely on external platforms like Tiktok, YouTube, and Instagram to discover creators, indicating that Patreon’s existing tools are not their primary source for discovery. Interviews revealed that even active patrons struggle to browse beyond their existing interests, often finding the search function too limited and lacking clear pathways to explore new content. New users, on the other hand, expressed frustration with the lack of guidance when trying to find creators aligned with their interests. Survey responses also highlighted that search functionality felt restrictive, with users wanting more ways to refine and navigate the results. Overall, research indicates that discoverability on Patreon is not intuitive, leaving users without a clear way to explore and connect with a diverse range of creators directly through the platform.
Key Outcomes
• Users need a personalized recommendation system that suggests creators based on their engagement and preferences.
• Implementing advanced search filters will make it easier for patrons to explore creators by category, niche, and content type.
• A more engaging discovery experience will reduce reliance on external platforms and encourage more in-platform creator support.
Competitor Analysis
Understanding how other platforms facilitate content discovery provides insights into improving Patreon’s approach. By analyzing Twitch, Ko-fi, and Netflix, I examined different methods of surfacing creators and engaging users, identifying key strengths and gaps that informed the redesign.
Ko-fi
• Relies on direct creator promotion, meaning users primarily find creators through external links rather than internal search.
• The Explore section categorizes creators but lacks deep personalization, making browsing less intuitive.
Twitch
• Uses a live content discovery model, where users browse through recommended or trending streamers based on real-time engagement.
• The category-based navigation helps users explore content by game or topic, but discovery heavily favors already popular streamers.
Netflix
• Uses personalized recommendations combined with category-based browsing to surface relevant content.
• A mix of algorithmic curation and editorial selections ensures a balance between popular and niche content.
Key takeaways
• Personalization is essential – Platforms like Twitch and Netflix keep users engaged by recommending content based on behavior and preferences.
• Structured browsing enhances discovery – Ko-fi’s category-based system helps users explore, but lacks deeper personalization.
• Algorithm-driven discovery has limits – While Netflix and Twitch rely on algorithms, they can restrict exposure to new or niche content.
Challenges
Balancing Personalization & Exploration
• Challenge: Users need relevant recommendations but also want the freedom to explore different creators manually.
• Solution: Finding the right mix between algorithm-driven suggestions, the “Ideal Creator” quiz, and structured browsing options to ensure both discovery and user control.
Improving Discovery Without Overwhelming Users
• Challenge: Too much information or too many options can lead to decision fatigue, making users disengage.
• Solution: Designing a clear, intuitive UI with categorized discovery paths that guide users without overwhelming them.
Making Search More Effective
• Challenge: Users struggle to find creators due to limited filters and lack of intuitive browsing options.
• Solution: Implementing better search filtering, allowing users to refine results by category, content type, and creator niche.
Ensuring Equal Visibility for All Creators
• Challenge: Algorithm-driven recommendations can sometimes favor already popular creators, making it harder for smaller ones to gain visibility.
• Solution: Creating a balanced discovery system that highlights emerging creators while still providing personalized suggestions.
User Flow
Wireframes
I started with low-fidelity wireframes to explore layouts that improve search, recommendations, and structured browsing. The focus was on making discovery intuitive and engaging while integrating features like personalized recommendations, the “Ideal Creator” quiz, and advanced search filters. Iterations refined navigation clarity, leading to high-fidelity designs that enhance the user experience.
Concluding Remarks
Patreon connects creators with patrons, but discoverability remains a challenge, often pushing users to external platforms like Twitch and Ko-fi to find new creators. This project enhances Patreon’s discovery experience, making it easier for users to explore and support creators directly on the platform. The personalized recommendation system suggests relevant creators, while the “Ideal Creator” quiz helps users find matches based on their interests. Advanced search filters and structured browsing provide greater control over discovery, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. By improving creator visibility and patron engagement, this redesign strengthens Patreon’s role as a platform that fosters meaningful connections, boosting both creator success and platform growth.
Final Experience
Problem Statement
Patreon’s current discovery system makes it difficult for users to find new creators beyond those they already know. The “Find Creators” feature relies on a basic search input, offering limited personalization and exploration. This lack of effective discovery tools reduces engagement, making it harder for emerging creators to grow their audience. Without an improved way to connect patrons with creators based on their interests, users may struggle to explore diverse content, leading to missed engagement opportunities and lower creator visibility on the platform.
How I Solved It
To improve Patreon’s creator discovery experience, I introduced a personalized recommendation system that suggests creators based on user preferences and engagement. I also developed the “Ideal Creator” feature, a quiz-style tool that helps users find creators aligned with their interests. Additionally, advanced search filters were implemented, allowing patrons to refine their search by categories, tags, and content types. These solutions make it easier for users to discover and support a diverse range of creators.
Target Users
EXISTING PATREON USERS
Who enjoy supporting creators but struggle to discover new ones beyond those they already follow will benefit from this solution. Many rely on external recommendations or social media to find fresh content, as Patreon’s current discovery system offers limited ways to explore creators organically. Additionally, new patrons who join the platform without a specific creator in mind need a more intuitive way to browse and connect with content that matches their interests. By improving discoverability, this solution enhances engagement and makes it easier for users to explore and support a diverse range of creatives.
User Pain Points
• Limited Discovery Tools: Users struggle to find new creators unless they already know who they are looking for.
• Over-Reliance on External Platforms: Many users find creators through social media rather than Patreon itself.
• Lack of Personalization: The discovery system does not suggest relevant creators based on user interests.
• Basic Search & Filtering: Users want more refined search options, such as filtering by category, niche, or content type.
Findings from Research
After conducting primary online research, along with six user interviews and a survey, I found that Patreon’s current discovery process does not fully support users in exploring new creators. Many patrons rely on external platforms like Tiktok, YouTube, and Instagram to discover creators, indicating that Patreon’s existing tools are not their primary source for discovery. Interviews revealed that even active patrons struggle to browse beyond their existing interests, often finding the search function too limited and lacking clear pathways to explore new content. New users, on the other hand, expressed frustration with the lack of guidance when trying to find creators aligned with their interests. Survey responses also highlighted that search functionality felt restrictive, with users wanting more ways to refine and navigate the results. Overall, research indicates that discoverability on Patreon is not intuitive, leaving users without a clear way to explore and connect with a diverse range of creators directly through the platform.
Key Outcomes
• Users need a personalized recommendation system that suggests creators based on their engagement and preferences.
• Implementing advanced search filters will make it easier for patrons to explore creators by category, niche, and content type.
• A more engaging discovery experience will reduce reliance on external platforms and encourage more in-platform creator support.
Competitor Analysis
Understanding how other platforms facilitate content discovery provides insights into improving Patreon’s approach. By analyzing Twitch, Ko-fi, and Netflix, I examined different methods of surfacing creators and engaging users, identifying key strengths and gaps that informed the redesign.
Ko-fi
• Relies on direct creator promotion, meaning users primarily find creators through external links rather than internal search.
• The Explore section categorizes creators but lacks deep personalization, making browsing less intuitive.
Twitch
• Uses a live content discovery model, where users browse through recommended or trending streamers based on real-time engagement.
• The category-based navigation helps users explore content by game or topic, but discovery heavily favors already popular streamers.
Netflix
• Uses personalized recommendations combined with category-based browsing to surface relevant content.
• A mix of algorithmic curation and editorial selections ensures a balance between popular and niche content.
Key takeaways
• Personalization is essential – Platforms like Twitch and Netflix keep users engaged by recommending content based on behavior and preferences.
• Structured browsing enhances discovery – Ko-fi’s category-based system helps users explore, but lacks deeper personalization.
• Algorithm-driven discovery has limits – While Netflix and Twitch rely on algorithms, they can restrict exposure to new or niche content.
Challenges
Balancing Personalization & Exploration
• Challenge: Users need relevant recommendations but also want the freedom to explore different creators manually.
• Solution: Finding the right mix between algorithm-driven suggestions, the “Ideal Creator” quiz, and structured browsing options to ensure both discovery and user control.
Improving Discovery Without Overwhelming Users
• Challenge: Too much information or too many options can lead to decision fatigue, making users disengage.
• Solution: Designing a clear, intuitive UI with categorized discovery paths that guide users without overwhelming them.
Making Search More Effective
• Challenge: Users struggle to find creators due to limited filters and lack of intuitive browsing options.
• Solution: Implementing better search filtering, allowing users to refine results by category, content type, and creator niche.
Ensuring Equal Visibility for All Creators
• Challenge: Algorithm-driven recommendations can sometimes favor already popular creators, making it harder for smaller ones to gain visibility.
• Solution: Creating a balanced discovery system that highlights emerging creators while still providing personalized suggestions.
User Flow
Wireframes
I started with low-fidelity wireframes to explore layouts that improve search, recommendations, and structured browsing. The focus was on making discovery intuitive and engaging while integrating features like personalized recommendations, the “Ideal Creator” quiz, and advanced search filters. Iterations refined navigation clarity, leading to high-fidelity designs that enhance the user experience.
Concluding Remarks
Patreon connects creators with patrons, but discoverability remains a challenge, often pushing users to external platforms like Twitch and Ko-fi to find new creators. This project enhances Patreon’s discovery experience, making it easier for users to explore and support creators directly on the platform. The personalized recommendation system suggests relevant creators, while the “Ideal Creator” quiz helps users find matches based on their interests. Advanced search filters and structured browsing provide greater control over discovery, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. By improving creator visibility and patron engagement, this redesign strengthens Patreon’s role as a platform that fosters meaningful connections, boosting both creator success and platform growth.