uReader Mozilla RSS

UReader is a proposed Mozilla Firefox RSS reader that improves upon existing RSS readers that don't show content in context. Since RSS readers only consolidate text, this creates a disconnect between the user and the content as it was originally created to be seen. Our team took care to design the RSS reader for different types of users, employing personas to help us decide on specific features. Using sketches and paper prototypes to evaluate our design we were able to keep a simple design and avoid feature creep.

The design uses a toolbar at the top of the Firefox browser. Combining the functions of a RSS reader into the browser allows for content to be shown its original context. We also explored how the reader could be used on the iPhone, and the mobility opened up new opportunities while introducing new challenges. One of our personas, Cliff, actively conversates on blogs, and the iPhone would allow him to be quickly alerted to activity in the conversation. Since he likes to write lengthy replies, the iPhone uReader design allows him to tag posts to be commented on later at his computer with access to a full keyboard.