Recent Information
I’m pleased that I’ve managed to add a few more features to Escape with a Good Book over the past couple of weeks. I’ve been working on introducing a new messaging feature and added some much needed information about the use of the platform. The list of Featured Books has also been moved to its own page and I’ve replaced it on the home page with a Recent Additions list showing the last few books that were added to the site.
Introducing User Messaging
When I approached initial users of the Escape site, one of the earliest pieces of feedback was that it should be possible for users to message one another on the system. We’ve moved one step closer to that with the introduction of a new messaging feature. It’s not yet possible for users to message one another but the system can now send messages to users when key events occur. For example, when a user’s book is claimed or when a book is ready to be sent.
The messages are accessed from the user’s profile menu, found to the right-hand side of the main navigation bar. A little red dot indicates that the user has at least one unopened message. The Messages menu entry shows how many unopened messages there are and takes us to the new messages view.
The messages view shows our messages, both read and unread. Where messages have yet to be opened, they are highlighted with a little green dot.
Better Information
In my rush to get something up and running, I have to admit that I’ve neglected to add much information to the Escape site. Hopefully I’ve rectified that to some degree now, having added information covering how to offer a book, how to claim a book and some details about using inPost. This information has been placed in a set of ‘help’ pages that can now be accessed from the site’s Help menu or from the new information panel that I’ve added to the home page.
New information panel on the home page with links to the new help pages.
I’ve also expanded the “How It Works" page with comprehensive content explaining the platform's core functionality, giving visitors a clearer picture of what Escape with a Good Book offers.
Recent Additions
Up until now I’ve had to do some fiddling behind the scenes whenever someone added a book to the site. This includes when I’ve added books myself! This is due to how the Featured Books section works and it’s something that I’ve been meaning to address for a while. While I’m trying to decide exactly how the Featured Books section should be used, I’ve moved it from the home page to a page of its own. I’ve replaced it on the home page with a Recent Additions section which looks and behaves in exactly the same way, however it now only shows the most recent additions to the site.
This should save me having to meddle and will mean that someone’s book is shown on the home page as soon as they list it as being on offer.
What This Means for the User
These changes directly address user feedback I received during earlier testing phases. The messaging system enables messages to be sent to the user within the Escape platform rather than relying on email all of the time. It also lays the foundation for a wider messaging experience. Expanding on the help resources will perhaps mean fewer confused users and more successful first exchanges.
Whether you're new to the platform or a seasoned book sharer, these updates are designed to give you a better experience. Ready to give it a try?
