In September 2017, the UX Team explored user perception of the newly redesigned Guelph Public Library (GPL) website.
Research Questions
- How do users experience the newly designed GPL website?
- What issues are there with the new website?
Methods
- We conducted in-person interviews and usability tests with 25 participants (8 Older Adults and 17 Adults) at 5 different GPL branches.
What did we Learn?
- Users found the new design aesthetically pleasing but more difficult to navigate
- Users were confused by library jargon
- Most participants navigated the website by reading through the persistent navigation menu and missed important buttons below the fold
- Users could not find the search bar, and found search menu options confusing
- The events calendar was difficult to use
Our Recommendations
- Ensure important information is displayed above the fold
- Improve colour contrast between text and background
- Avoid using library jargon like ‘eLibrary’ and ‘eResources’
- Improve structure of the persistent navigation menu by making mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories
- Explain the difference between ‘catalogue,’ ‘resources’, and ‘website’ on the search drop-down menu
- Include the word ‘Search’, or a search bar, on the homepage. Not all users associate a magnifying glass symbol with the option to search
- For the events calendar, include a complete list of program titles, place the legend in a more visible location, and include the option to filter events by type
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