Library Search App

- Case study and design development -

Overview of the project:
The current app for the Broward County Library system was not on brand compared to the desktop/mobile site. The desktop/mobile site is a facet of the larger county government website. The library needed an updated app that carried a cohesive brand style as well as all functionality that the desktop/mobile app offered. There were also too many directions for menus that took you in different directions; the app takes you to get information through the card catalog interface, the WOWbrary in a browser environment, and sometimes it dumps you on the governmental website. There are too many twists and turns and it all feels like a disjointed experience. Not people friendly at all.

Role in the project:
I'm designing the UX/UI design as well as working out the research and testing.

Challenge

Branding

Realign the UI to match the branding styling of the web/mobile county government. More open and friendly.

Menu Options

Rework the paths so that menu options and quick links are better grouped. Keep the user with the familiar app environment instead of leading them outside of this environment.

Use of app

Setup navigation that is both friendly to adults and children. The navigation should be forgiving to first-time users.

Research

I researched the people that use the library daily as well
as people that would be first time users and are new to the app. Most were the following:

• Mothers with children looking for inexpensive ways to
bring their children into a safe learning environment.

• Students that are researching school or college.

• Adults looking to learn a new skill through one of the libraries' programs.

Persona:
Grettel
Age: 49
Full-time mother with two children.
She looks for positive activities that could benefit her children's education. She enjoys cooking, socializing with other parents, and learning something new from the unexpected. She does not view new tech in a positive light unless it can save her time in her very busy schedule.

Persona:
Miranda
Age: 19
College Student
She enjoys researching at the library because it places her in a space that disconnects her from other distractions. Views the library as a positive because her mother started taking there as a child. She is very tech-savvy.

Design Development

I gathered the information and research to bring together design and search in a way that would work more cohesively as well as create a friendly environment for users at all levels.

I began with the idea that the flow should be easy to work through for people at all levels of comfort with technology.

The process of the "search" is the most basic of functions within any component of a library app. So I started with the idea that anyone should be able to pick it up and perform the search.

I didn't want to leave out the ability to review the programs the library offers so I added the "Quick links" tab. For others that want to customize the app a bit more deeply, I added a menu at the top right.

Compiling these ideas together I worked towards a UI that was simple to navigate and a UX logic that allowed for a more seasoned user.

User Flow Chart

Using my notes I wireframed and used a slow step approach so that each step could build onto the next. Slowly it could narrow down the media that the user would be looking for but at the same time be very forgiving to new users. Keeping the user in a singular environment was important so that they stay within a format that they've become comfortable in.

Login/Create Account

The first screen would be the login/create account. Once the client logs in or create an account they are directed to the home screen.

Home Screen

The home screen allows the user to navigate through either the menus, quick links, or begin their search. The home screen allows the library to feature classes or events they have going on.

Search

The search for media is similar to many other searches, this is done purposely so that the search process is familiar and more comfortable.

Search Results

The results of the search are returned in a vertical menu and the user is allowed to filter the search results. The user can also place a hold, email, or add the media to a list.

Narrowed Results

When you choose the specific media you get more detailed information and you can apply the same functions as the screen before, hold, email or add to a larger list.

Slide out menus and Quicklinks

I added slide down for the branch locations maps at the top.
Quicklinks is a tab of common links that can be needed more often and pinned it to the home screen.
There is also a more detailed app menu that allows you to make more detailed adjustments that the user would consoder long term adjustments. i.e. linking their childrens library card, setting language, changes to card accounts.

Testing

Once I moved on from the wireframe stage to the high-fidelity prototype I tested the app design with a couple of users that could benefit from the app.

Person 1: Had a bit of apprehension using the app but was able to successfully navigate through the search. She had some concerns and added good feedback from a key demographic.

Person 2: He worked through the app with no issues. His only concern was a location since it took a while to get to the location and led to good feedback.

Feedback / Suggestions:

1. The first person wanted to see the ability to lock out her children to only "children friendly" media but wanted to keep her ability to search for anything. This led to a filter setting for specific library cards that her children use.

2. The second person wanted to see a map added to the app so that they can identify the closest location to where ever they are.