Reading is a cornerstone of intellectual growth and a vital skill for thriving in society. In the realm of design education, design-related books serve as crucial resources for novice designers, offering both in-depth knowledge and practical insights. However, in an era where information is increasingly consumed through digital channels like videos, podcasts, and social media, the traditional role of reading is under threat. Despite the wealth of information available online, the depth and credibility provided by books remain unparalleled. Yet, as research shows, many design students struggle with maintaining motivation to read, often finding the material daunting or unengaging. This raises a critical question: how can we motivate novice designers to engage with design books and sustain their reading habits in a digital age?

This project sought to address this challenge through comprehensive research, including literature reviews on reading motivation and gamification, as well as context mapping studies. The research identified several key obstacles faced by novice designers and pinpointed effective strategies to boost motivation. It became evident that while increasing engagement is crucial, fostering a sense of knowledge-building and self-growth significantly enhances the perceived value of reading, turning it into a more fulfilling activity.

The whole design process evolved through continuous iterations, culminating in the development of Milegrow, a unique concept that integrates physical milestones with a digital design growth map. Milegrow encourages readers to reflect, connect ideas, and track their progress, ultimately fostering a deeper engagement with the material.

Key features of Milegrow include:
1. Physical Milestones: These break the book into manageable sections, giving readers a sense of control and progress.
2. Reflective questions: Embedded within milestones, these prompts stimulate deep reflection, making the reading experience more engaging and thought-provoking.
3. Record thoughts and reflections: This helps deepen the understanding of the content, thereby maximizing the utility value of the book.
4. Design Growth Map: A digital tool that collect reflections and tracks intellectual growth across various design fields.

Final evaluations revealed that Milegrow effectively enhances the reading experience by making it more engaging, thought-provoking, and reflective. It also fosters a sense of knowledge-building and self-growth, thereby increasing motivation.