The
Library
Challenge
The original mobile app had a lot of rarely used features and unsatisfying search and browsing functions. Accessing commonly used features, such as logging out, caused high cognitive load.
The task was to redesign an existing mobile app to improve usability.
Solution
Complex user flows were simplified. Design was streamlined making it easier for the user to complete each task. Users were given more control by always knowing where they’re located in the app and freedom was enhanced by functions such as quick redo actions.
User Story & Goal:
“As a citizen of Gothenburg I want to borrow and browse books from the city’s libraries in an efficient, digital way so that I can spend time on other things in my everyday life.”
User Research
In-depth research was made through user interviews, expert interviews with the library staff, app reviews, heuristic evaluation and user tests throughout all phases of the design process (existing app, wireframes and prototype).
Following users pain points were found for the existing app:
vague log in-process/status
limited search function when browsing for media
lack of efficient paths forcing the users to make a lot of clicks when using the app
feelings of frustration among users
Screenshot showing user flows on existing app. Detailed research was conducted on three main flows: (1) searching for media (2) managing book loans and reservations and (3) locating libraries.
Wireframes were made to make the team aligned on design goals regarding user flow and important functions.
Information architecture was redesigned, mainly for the profile page, to easier overview different functionalities.
The different flows and tasks were then carefully redesigned and streamlined to fulfil user needs and increase usability:
Adding a profile icon in the header to facilitate profile settings.
Navigation bar was redesigned with new page names and only showing most commonly used functions.
The search function was further developed, making it possible to filter by category/genre, types of media and language as well as a sorting function to sort search results.
Flow for managing book reservations and loans was improved by giving confirmation information after reservation was made and also by adding a quick undo button at that confirmation page to easily cancel reservation.
A like feature was initially designed to be able to save books for reading later on, but was never included in the final designs, due to time restrictions.
Colours of some CTA buttons were redesigned to clearer communicate what kind of functions it contains.
Screenshot of initial wireframes for the redesign.
Essential features was renamed and prioritized in the navigation bar to improve navigation
Log-in management was clarified by adding a profile icon in the header
A more satisfying search function to enable detailed searching
A streamlined flow for managing book reservations and loans, giving the user more freedom and control
A search function was added making it easier to find a specific library
Reflections
This project challenged me and my UX skills in many ways as it demanded a lot of work regarding both user research and interface design. Prioritizing to perform user tests, throughout all the phases of the design process, became a most valuable resource while making design iterations
If I’d been given more time to work on the project I would work on iterating the categorization of media, solve informational architectural problems with focus on relocating the uncommonly used functions and also further develop the save-for-later feature that was initiated.
Distance from Users
The design team's distance from the end users limited direct feedback. However, regular meetings with the Data & Analytics team helped clarify key design questions. While user testing would have ensured the design met user needs, it wasn't feasible due to time constraints.
Tight Deadline for the Whole Web App
The project faced a demanding timeline, which put pressure on both design and development to deliver a fully functional web application in just 8-10 weeks. This constraint challenged the ability to balance quality with speed.