Feb 1, 2024
As a UX designer, I've seen lots of fancy upgrades for apps - Netflix, dog food, you name it. But there's one thing that hasn't gotten much attention: the Bible app. Let's talk about why that matters today.
Here is the thing: We all know the Bible is full of wisdom, but sometimes it feels a bit distant, like it's talking to a crowd, not you personally. Wouldn't it be powerful if you could see your name right there in those divine promises? Or if the words felt like a warm embrace, tailored to your needs when you're seeking solace?

Now, before some might be alarmed about tinkering with the Bible, let me be clear: this isn't about changing the essence of the text; it's about making it speak directly to you. For example, "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; personalized to you "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Lord bless me and keep me; the Lord make his face shine on me and be gracious to me;" I am sure reading this will give you a sense of affirmation.
While Bible apps works and does a good job, I can’t help but think, in an era of constant app iterations, so many UX designer, why not extend the courtesy to the Holy Book itself? Open-source it, let creativity flourish! Just because something works, as Shuri in Black Panther wisely reminds us, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.

It's not about changing the Bible; it's about making it speak directly to you. And guess what? The tech is already here!
This isn't just about technology; it's about a more personal connection with the Bible. Imagine verses reflecting your hopes and fears, like a mirror showing your story. This isn't changing the essence; it's unlocking its potential for your growth and connection.

Now, you might be wondering: how can this be possible? Just like any app that uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand grammar and meaning, personalized scripture apps could leverage powerful tools like large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Bard. These AI models can analyze vast amounts of text data, allowing them to seamlessly weave the name and pronouns into verses, generating natural-sounding personalized versions while upholding the sacred essence of the original text.