Softback

Softback is a reading app for people who want to read.

Softback reading app on three phones
Role
Design engineer
Team
Three founders and me
Built with
React Native, Reanimated
Year
2025

The problem

Reading apps had filled up with streaks, nudges and badges. The founders wanted the opposite and were worried it would feel empty.

Softback, main screen

What I built

A reader where the only motion is the page. Type settings change line length and leading together, so there is no bad combination to land on.

Softback, second screen

What changed

The median reading session went from eleven minutes to nineteen.

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