Context and Problem

The 7Schläfer app is a subscription-based product offering a scientifically guided sleep course, routines, a journal, and a library of sleep aids.
User interviews in early 2021 showed: bedtime stories were particularly popular, but many users felt the library was too small, monotonous, and confusing. They wished for longer and more diverse content, as well as improved navigation.

Our goal was to expand the library, improve the user experience, and thereby increase both willingness to pay and subscription retention.

Process and Role

The project started at the end of 2021 and was released in early 2022.
Working closely with a product manager and a content strategist, I supported the entire process as product designer – from concept and user testing through iteration and design QA.

I began with desk research and competitive analysis to identify best practices from comparable audio and content apps. Based on this, we redesigned the library and tested the approach with a prototype.

Design Solutions

• New structure:
  The categories bedtime stories, meditations, soundscapes, progressive muscle relaxation and body journeys were reorganized into three main themes: 7Schläfer Stories, Relaxation & Mindfulness, and Soundscapes. These themes were further divided into subcategories.
  Structuring content into clear main and subcategories reduces cognitive load and makes navigation easier.
• Improved orientation:
  Previously, audio units within each category were simply listed vertically. As the library grew, this led to long scrolling and difficulties finding content. We introduced individual covers for each audio unit and created distinct color and imagery worlds for the categories.
  Visual differentiation improves recognizability and consistency, supporting both orientation and recall.
• Horizontal recommendation sections:
  On the top level we added horizontally scrollable sections for New, Recently played, and Popular. Subcategories were also made horizontally scrollable.
  This pattern, familiar from media apps like Netflix or Spotify, helps present content in clear clusters rather than overwhelming users with long lists.
• Clearer distinction & better visibility: On category subpages we visually separated introductory and explanatory audios from the sleep aids themselves. We also made the download option more prominent – a frequent user request.
• Optimized player:
  In the audio player we added an option to switch narrators where available. In addition, the player interface now fades out after a few seconds, reducing visual distraction.
  This is a common pattern in audio and video players, helping users stay focused on the content and experience fewer interruptions.

Testing & Iteration

We tested the new structure with users using a prototype of the redesigned library.
The results:

• Many users reported they could navigate more easily.
• The new covers and imagery were highlighted positively.
• Most feedback focused on wishes for specific types of sleep aids.
• Additionally, users expressed a desire for a tag system to filter content by personal preferences.

We then implemented the tag system and released the feature in the app.