Jiahao Chen

Here are some UX improvement ideas that came to me when using Notability.

Auto Subject Detection

When the user imports a file, the default Subject is set to the last used subject. But very often, a filename contains the subject name. It feels extra work to change the subject myself. Notability could have recognize the Subject from the filename. This doesn’t require any rocket science — simple string matching will do. Yet it could save user’s tons of time manually choose Subjects.

Blank Paper on Side

Writing on slides is easy — there are plenty of space there. But when it comes to docs, there is usually very limited blank space available. For example: It’s almost impossible to writes on a problem set that is already jammed with words. Unlike OneNote, Notability does not have infinite canvas.

The solution I use is create another doc and write there. But this is far from an elegant, convenient solution. I had to

• exit the problem set
• create a new blank doc
• type file name
• swipe left for the Note Switcher
• find the problem set
• drag it to enter multitasking view
• …

I propose a feature that allows the user to “add a side page”. Place the button somewhere convenient like this:

Some possible implementations are:

• Still creates a new doc. But sets the filename automatically, such as [currentFile] + “Comments”. Also Opens the doc in multitasking view automatically.
• Converts the current vertical doc to a large, horizontal doc. (For example: A4 to A3). Leave half of the page blank for user to write on.

Note Linking

To add on the first implementation of “Blank Paper on Side”. A user shall be able to “Link” two notes, so that whenever the users opens one file, the other file simultaneously opens in multitasking view. This feature would be super useful in various use scenarios.

Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear about how you think about my feature ideas. What are some things you wish Notability had? Comment below and let’s discuss & design!