MSU Library
role
UX Researcher, Designer
Tools
Figma, Excel
year
2022
Problem Statement
Michigan State University Library navigation/Touch-Boards are experiencing accessibility and user interface issues. The screens usage has decreased due to its user interface and its lack of ability to gravitate potential users to interact with it.
Client Project Questions
Link to questions used to understand the needs of both the client, users, and potential design constraints.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to improve the user experience of the Michigan State University Library community by designing and implementing a solution that addresses the issues faced by the Touch-Boards. Through increased visibility, interactivity, and accessibility, our goal is to make the Touch-Boards a more effective resource for students, staff, and community members. We will accomplish this by implementing strategies such as signage, digital displays, and interactive features to promote the use of the boards. Additionally, we will design the user interface and experience to be intuitive and inclusive, with features such as touch gestures, and accessibility features that improve usability for all users. Our mission is to create a solution that enhances the usability, visibility, and accessibility of the Touch-Boards, ultimately improving the experience of library users and increasing the impact of the boards on the intended audience.
Objective
The objective of this project is to conduct research and design a new Touch Board screen solution for the Michigan State University Library that is inclusive, welcoming, and aligned with the university's brand identity. The project will involve effective team collaboration to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and that the final solution meets their needs. The new Touch Board screens will be designed to improve usability, interactivity, and accessibility for all users, regardless of their abilities or needs. The objective is to create a solution that enhances the user experience, promotes the use of the Touch Boards, and aligns with MSU's brand identity.
What I've Done
1. Strategic Discovery
2. Field Study
3. User Testing
4. Touch Board Redesign
5. Deliverable
Creative Process
1. Research:
To initiate the research process for the project, the first step was to develop a set of questions that would help gain insight into the product, its users, stakeholders, and any major design constraints. This involved defining the scope of the research, identifying key stakeholders, and determining the research methodology to be used.
The research methodology involved conducting a competitive analysis, heuristic analysis, and field study. The competitive analysis involved gathering information on similar products in the market to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The heuristic analysis involved evaluating the existing Touch Board screens against a set of established usability principles to identify areas for improvement. The field study involved observing and interviewing users of the existing Touch Boards in the Michigan State University Library to gain insights into their experiences, needs, and pain points.
By conducting these research activities, the team was able to gather a significant amount of information that helped to inform the design process. The competitive analysis provided insights into what worked well for other Touch Board products in the market and helped to identify opportunities for innovation. The heuristic analysis helped to identify key areas where the existing Touch Boards could be improved from a usability standpoint. The field study provided a deep understanding of the user experience, highlighting pain points and areas for improvement.
Competitive Analysis Report
Report is based the Excel sheet(s) below.
Heuristic Analysis Report
Report is based on the Excel sheet below.
2. Field Study:
Field Study Report
Myself and the team conducted a field study that focused on users interacting with the screens interface. Through a series of given tasks such as
- Find the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” using the Touch Board.
- Find the Librarian focusing in the Philosophy major using the Touch Board.
- Find the room/location of the “Makerspace” in the library using the Touch Board.
Users were asked to think aloud to gain better insight on specific problem areas that helped us develop new design iterations.
3. User Testing:
During the user tests, it was discovered that users found it helpful when the navigation menu was clear and easy to understand. Users preferred navigation menus that were intuitive, with clear and concise labels that accurately represented the content of the page they were linked to. Users also expressed a preference for navigation menus that remained visible at all times, as this made it easier for them to navigate through the Touch Board screens.
Another key finding from the user tests was that users appreciated when the page they were on was clearly highlighted and defined. Users preferred designs that made it clear which page they were currently on, such as by using a bold font or a contrasting color scheme. This helped users to maintain their context and understand their location within the Touch Board screens.
4. Finalization:
The new design iteration was developed with a clear and intuitive navigation menu that allowed users to easily access the various resources provided by the Touch-Boards. The design also ensured that the page users were on was clearly highlighted and defined, allowing them to maintain their context and understand their location within the Touch-Board screens.
The team also incorporated a number of visual design elements that aligned with MSU's brand identity, such as the use of the university's colors and fonts. This ensured that the new design iteration remained consistent with the university's overall visual identity, while also improving the user experience and addressing the pain points identified through user testing.
Results
The new design of the Touch-Board screens in Michigan State Universities Library resulted in a successful solution that addressed the issues of accessibility, interactivity, and visibility of the boards.
Through a series of research activities, including competitive analysis, heuristic analysis, and field studies, the team was able to gain valuable insights into the needs and preferences of users when interacting with the Touch-Board screens. The team also conducted a series of user tests, which helped to validate the design solution and ensure that it met the needs of users.
The new design iteration included a clear and intuitive navigation menu, with clearly defined and highlighted pages, making it easy for users to access the resources provided by the Touch-Board screens. The design also included visual elements that aligned with MSU's brand identity, ensuring consistency with the university's overall visual identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the project to redesign the Touch-Board screens in the Michigan State University Library was a success. Through a user-centered design approach and a series of research activities and user tests, the team was able to develop a new design iteration that addressed the issues of accessibility, interactivity, and visibility, while also aligning with MSU's brand identity. The project demonstrated the importance of user-centered design and the value of conducting research and user testing in the design process.
