Information Architecture

Problem: For this project, we addressed the redesign and reorganization of the Moline Library website. It needed to be updated from a technological and organizational standpoint. Due to the amount of information and lack of organization on their current site, users sometimes have trouble locating the information they are looking for. This exercise was about researching user needs and reorganizing the information to better suit those needs.

Action: This process began with interviewing library employees and conducting online research to better understand how their website is being used. Research data was compiled and analyzed and submitted to the team. Personas were then created based on research data to represent three main types of users. From there, I conducted a content and sitemap analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the current information architecture, which was followed by a card sort to start the reorganization process. A purposed sitemap of an improved workflow was developed and tested by a group of participants using Optimal Workshop / Treejack. The results of the user testing sessions informed the necessary changes which were then implemented to the existing designs and retested.

Results: The second round of user testing on the taxonomy performed showed the improvements were successful. A final sitemap was then updated to reflect the findings from the testing sessions, and submitted as a final deliverable.

Learning: This project was a great experience in regards to performing an extensive site audit and reorganizing a large amount of information in a clear and logical way, while also balancing the user needs. Understanding what main tasks the user performed on this website were key in approaching the redesign. Because of this information collected during the research portion of the project, I was able to determine which tasks needed to be high level and have multiple entry points for findability.

After performing a card sort, I reorganized the website based on common users tasks that were discovered during the research and interview process. I sketched out workflows for three tasks, as shown below. I then developed a wireframe sketch of a proposed home page design. Common user tasks were kept high-level for findabilty. The last item shows the final deliverable: a proposed sitemap showing a redesign of the information architecture.

Task 1 Workflow: This workflow shows the process for event registration.

Task 2 Workflow: This workflow shows the process for downloading an item from the digital library. The process has multiple entry points.

Task 3 Workflow: This workflow shows the steps taken to renew books online.

Wireframe Sketch

Based on the research I conducted and examining the current architecture of the site, I sketched a proposed design to clarify and reorganize the size based on user needs. The tasks that users would go to the website for have been relocated in more prominent positions for ease of use. User testing was conducted using Optimal Workshop to test the taxonomy of the proposed redesign.