Redesigning Google’s NotebookLM: Bridging Usability Gaps for Seamless Productivity
A Case Study that motivated Google to enhance their application
A Case Study that motivated
Google to enhance their application
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
Project Overview
Project Overview
Google NotebookLM is an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help users synthesize and manage information. While the product has great potential, its current design presents usability challenges that affect navigation, adaptability, and feature discoverability.
Google NotebookLM is an innovative AI-powered tool designed to help users synthesize and manage information.
While the product has great potential, its current design presents usability challenges that affect navigation, adaptability, and feature discoverability.
Why This Redesign?
Why This Redesign?
As a UX designer passionate about solving real-world problems, I wanted to analyze and optimize NotebookLM’s interface by addressing the usability pain points that impact user experience. My goal was to make information organization smoother, improve adaptability, and enhance AI-assisted workflows.
As a UX designer passionate about solving real-world problems, I wanted to analyze and optimize NotebookLM’s interface by addressing the usability pain points that impact user experience. My goal was to make information organization smoother, improve adaptability, and enhance AI-assisted workflows.
As a UX designer passionate about solving real-world problems, I wanted to analyze and optimize NotebookLM’s interface by addressing the usability pain points that impact user experience.
My goal was to make information organization smoother, improve adaptability, and enhance AI-assisted workflows.
The Old Google NotebookLM Interface
The Old Google NotebookLM Interface
The Old Google
NotebookLM Interface
The Core Business Problem:
Google NotebookLM, despite its potential, faces low user retention and engagement due to inefficiencies in navigation, workflow, and feature accessibility. Users struggle to adapt quickly, leading to underutilization of key functionalities and an overall frustrating user experience.
The Core Business Problem:
Google NotebookLM, despite its potential, faces low user retention and engagement due to inefficiencies in navigation, workflow, and feature accessibility. Users struggle to adapt quickly, leading to underutilization of key functionalities and an overall frustrating user experience.
The Core
Business Problem:
Google NotebookLM, despite its potential, faces low user retention and engagement due to inefficiencies in navigation, workflow, and feature accessibility. Users struggle to adapt quickly, leading to underutilization of key functionalities and an overall frustrating user experience.
Key UX Challenges
Key UX Challenges
Key UX Challenges
Sustainable Monetization
Unlock new revenue streams by enhancing user engagement.
Effortless Tab Management
Organize, save, and access tabs without clutter.
Search Functionality Driven by AI
Get faster, smarter, and more relevant search results.
Sustainable Monetization
Unlock new revenue streams by enhancing user engagement.
Effortless Tab Management
Organize, save, and access tabs without clutter.
Search Functionality Driven by AI
Get faster, smarter, and more relevant search results.
Smarter Agent Decisions
Contextual data boosts confidence during customer interactions.
Streamlined Order Flow
Structured steps reduce confusion and eliminate guesswork in orders.
Clear EMI Communication
Auto-calculated schedules help agents explain payments effortlessly.
My Redesign – Enhancing User
Experience& Workflow
My Redesign – Enhancing User
Experience & Workflow
My Redesign –
Enhancing User
Experience & Workflow
1. Improving Navigation with a Clear 3-Section Layout
Problem: The original UI had an unstructured layout, making it hard to use.
Solution: Introduced a structured interface with:
- Left Panel: Sources (remains unchanged) + Notebook Guide repositioned for easy access.
- Center Panel: AI-powered Chat for seamless interaction.
- Right Panel: Notes section with improved readability and organization.
1. Improving Navigation with a Clear 3-Section Layout
Problem: The original UI had an unstructured layout, making it hard to use.
Solution: Introduced a structured interface with:
- Left Panel: Sources (remains unchanged) + Notebook Guide repositioned for easy access.
- Center Panel: AI-powered Chat for seamless interaction.
- Right Panel: Notes section with improved readability and organization.
2. Enhancing Adaptability with Example Notebooks
Problem: Many users didn’t know where to start.
Solution: Added Example Notebooks to show real-world use cases.
- Reduces onboarding time.
- Increases adoption by demonstrating NotebookLM’s full potential.
2. Enhancing Adaptability with Example Notebooks
Problem: Many users didn’t know where to start.
Solution: Added Example Notebooks to show real-world use cases.
- Reduces onboarding time.
- Increases adoption by demonstrating NotebookLM’s full potential.
3. Boosting Efficiency with AI-Powered Copyable Transcripts
Problem: Users relied on external transcription tools to convert AI-generated podcasts into text.
Solution:
- Introduced real-time, copyable transcripts for AI-generated audio.
- Saves users time and effort by eliminating manual transcription.
3. Boosting Efficiency with AI-Powered Copyable Transcripts
Problem: Users relied on external transcription tools to convert AI-generated podcasts into text.
Solution:
- Introduced real-time, copyable transcripts for AI-generated audio.
- Saves users time and effort by eliminating manual transcription.
4. Enhancing Workflow with AI-Powered Smart Actions
Problem: AI-powered actions were scattered, requiring users to navigate multiple menus, disrupting the workflow.
Solution:
- Introduced a parallel pop-up for AI-powered actions like Expand Highlighted, Ask AI, and Add to Note for quick access.
- Reduced friction in the user journey by making AI-driven features more intuitive and accessible.
4. Enhancing Workflow with AI-Powered Smart Actions
Problem: AI-powered actions were scattered, requiring users to navigate multiple menus, disrupting the workflow.
Solution:
- Introduced a parallel pop-up for AI-powered actions like Expand Highlighted, Ask AI, and Add to Note for quick access.
- Reduced friction in the user journey by making AI-driven features more intuitive and accessible.
The Unexpected Validation – Google’s New
Update Looks Like My Redesign
The Unexpected Validation –
Google’s New Update Looks
Like My Redesign
The Unexpected Validation – Google’s New Update Looks Like My Redesign
My Design vs. Google’s Update
My Design vs.
Google’s Update
After redesigning Google NotebookLM, I was surprised to see how closely Google's latest update aligned with my proposed changes. From restructured navigation to improved workflow efficiencies, the similarities reinforce the importance of solving real user pain points.
After redesigning Google NotebookLM, I was surprised to see how closely Google's latest update aligned with my proposed changes. From restructured navigation to improved workflow efficiencies, the similarities reinforce the importance of solving real user pain points.
Watch my breakdown here: LinkedIn Video
Watch my breakdown here: LinkedIn Video
Identifying the Problem: How I Conducted
My Research
Identifying the Problem: How I
Conducted My Research
Identifying the Problem
How I Conducted My Research
My Strategy to Discover Usability Gaps
My Strategy to Discover
Usability Gaps
My Strategy to
Discover
Usability Gaps
Redesign Goals for NotebookLM
Redesign Goals for NotebookLM
Redesign Goals for
NotebookLM
How AI Increased My Process Efficiency
How AI Increased My
Process Efficiency
How AI Increased My
Process Efficiency
AI-Powered Efficiency
AI-Powered
Efficiency
I actively leverage AI to accelerate my design process, from research to execution. By using AI-driven insights to analyze user feedback and automating repetitive design tasks, I was able to cut down the redesign time by at least 50%. This not only made the process faster but also ensured a more data-driven and user-centric approach.
I actively leverage AI to accelerate my design process, from research to execution. By using AI-driven insights to analyze user feedback and automating repetitive design tasks, I was able to cut down the redesign time by at least 50%. This not only made the process faster but also ensured a more data-driven and user-centric approach.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
This redesign journey wasn’t just about improving UI—it was about understanding real user behavior, leveraging AI for efficiency, and bridging the gap between potential and usability. By diving deep into user pain points, analyzing tech reviews, and implementing AI-driven solutions, I streamlined Google NotebookLM into a more intuitive and adaptable tool.
This redesign journey wasn’t just about improving UI—it was about understanding real user behavior, leveraging AI for efficiency, and bridging the gap between potential and usability. By diving deep into user pain points, analyzing tech reviews, and implementing AI-driven solutions, I streamlined Google NotebookLM into a more intuitive and adaptable tool.
What I Learned
What I Learned
- Observing real users (even via YouTube) reveals valuable insights that analytics might miss.
- Design should not only look good but also solve real problems effectively.
- AI can significantly enhance both user experience and the design process itself.
The biggest validation? Google’s recent update now reflects many of the optimizations I introduced. While design is always evolving, one thing remains constant: Empathy-driven, AI-optimized solutions can redefine how we interact with technology.
- Observing real users (even via YouTube) reveals valuable insights that analytics might miss.
- Design should not only look good but also solve real problems effectively.
- AI can significantly enhance both user experience and the design process itself.
The biggest validation? Google’s recent update now reflects many of the optimizations I introduced. While design is always evolving, one thing remains constant: Empathy-driven, AI-optimized solutions can redefine how we interact with technology.
- Observing real users (even via YouTube) reveals valuable insights that analytics might miss.
- Design should not only look good but also solve real problems effectively.
- AI can significantly enhance both user experience and the design process itself.
The biggest validation? Google’s recent update now reflects many of the optimizations I introduced. While design is always evolving, one thing remains constant: Empathy-driven, AI-optimized solutions can redefine how we interact with technology.
If I Were Leading the Google NotebookLM Team
If I Were Leading the Google
NotebookLM Team
If I Were Leading the Google NotebookLM
Team
While Google has made some improvements, there’s still huge untapped potential in enhancing the user experience. If I were leading the design and product strategy, here’s how I’d plan the next steps:
Make Audio Transcripts Copyable & Searchable – Currently, users can’t easily extract insights from AI-generated audio. A simple copyable transcript feature would massively improve usability.
Integrate AI-Generated Podcast Summaries – To boost engagement, I’d introduce short AI-generated summaries for each podcast, making information retrieval faster and more efficient.
Expand Note-Taking Capabilities – Features like AI-powered summaries, tagging, and smart highlights would transform NotebookLM into a powerful second brain for users.
With these refinements, NotebookLM could truly revolutionize the way people consume, organize, and interact with information.
While Google has made some improvements, there’s still huge untapped potential in enhancing the user experience. If I were leading the design and product strategy, here’s how I’d plan the next steps:
Make Audio Transcripts Copyable & Searchable – Currently, users can’t easily extract insights from AI-generated audio. A simple copyable transcript feature would massively improve usability.
Integrate AI-Generated Podcast Summaries – To boost engagement, I’d introduce short AI-generated summaries for each podcast, making information retrieval faster and more efficient.
Expand Note-Taking Capabilities – Features like AI-powered summaries, tagging, and smart highlights would transform NotebookLM into a powerful second brain for users.
With these refinements, NotebookLM could truly revolutionize the way people consume, organize, and interact with information.
While Google has made some improvements, there’s still huge untapped potential in enhancing the user experience. If I were leading the design and product strategy, here’s how I’d plan the next steps:
Make Audio Transcripts Copyable & Searchable – Currently, users can’t easily extract insights from AI-generated audio. A simple copyable transcript feature would massively improve usability.
Integrate AI-Generated Podcast Summaries – To boost engagement, I’d introduce short AI-generated summaries for each podcast, making information retrieval faster and more efficient.
Expand Note-Taking Capabilities – Features like AI-powered summaries, tagging, and smart highlights would transform NotebookLM into a powerful second brain for users.
With these refinements, NotebookLM could truly revolutionize the way people consume, organize, and interact with information.
Darshan Laljani
Google Notebook LM Redesign