Crunchyroll's catalog has tripled, but discovery hasn't kept pace. Users show up for new releases and then leave — there's a library full of shows they'd love, but no path to find them. Standard fixes (better algorithms, editorial lists, more filtering) help users who already know what they want. They don't help the mid-to-power user who's watched 20–200 shows and hit a wall.

So the design question became: how do you turn "I don't know what to watch" into confident exploration — without just throwing more recommendations at people?

🧭

Expertise Over Algorithms

Atlas connects shows through thematic relationships — tone, narrative style, character dynamics — so users build real genre literacy, not just a longer watch history.

🗺️

Fewer Choices, Clearer Paths

Atlas maps about 107 shows per genre, but a new explorer starts with roughly 25. Scoping it down turns browsing into a guided journey — discovery that feels like exploration, not a catalog dump.

📌

Rewards That Shape a Taste Profile

Pins, titles, and frames map to your exploration history — which genres you've gone deep in, which hidden gems you've found. Your collection tells people what kind of fan you are.

Three Scenarios to Explore

Each episode demonstrates a different stage of the discovery journey. Use the episode selector in the prototype to switch between them.

EP. 1

Pilot

Sora — New user, no watch history

First encounter with Anime Atlas. The tutorial introduces the concept, then you browse shows on the Home screen, "watch" your first anime, and see the first discovery path unlock.

Happy Path
  1. Tap a show in Hero or rows
  2. Tap "Simulate Watch"
  3. Notice pip on My Lists
  4. Tap Discovery Card → Atlas
  5. Tap "Chart This Show" 🎉
EP. 2

Previously On...

Ren — Returning fan, 19 shows already watched

Simulates the launch experience for an existing Crunchyroll subscriber. A batch claim ceremony lets you chart all previously-watched shows at once, instantly unlocking pins and exploration paths.

Happy Path
  1. Complete or skip the tutorial
  2. Navigate to My Lists tab
  3. Tap "Chart All" in ceremony
  4. View your earned pins
  5. Explore connections in Atlas
EP. 3

Post-Credits

Ryuu — Power user, 107/108 Action shows charted

One show away from Action Legend status. Chart the final show to trigger the Legend completion ceremony — earning the Legend pin, frame, and background. Explore a fully-built profile and deep pin collection.

Happy Path
  1. Go to My Lists tab
  2. Tap "Chart in Atlas" on Discovery Card
  3. Chart Flame of Recca 🎉
  4. Tap "View Rewards" → Legend tab
  5. Customize your taste profile card

Caveats & Context

  • Crunchyroll streaming availability verified November 2025. Some titles may have shifted since due to licensing changes.
  • Prototype scope covers 2 of 6 planned genres (Action with 108 shows, Comedy with 42). System architecture designed to scale to all 6.
  • Show images sourced from official promotional materials for prototype demonstration purposes only.