Guelph Public Library Website UX Study

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