The LA Central Library promotes knowledge and agency through book lending and other specialized services. A new website was designed to ensure its services are utilized.
SCOPE:
Responsive Web Design
GOAL:
Expand Service Access
DATE:
August 2024
ROLE
Designed a responsive website. User research, user flows, UI design, interaction design, and prototyping.
PROBLEM
Visitors are unable to access LA Central Library's specialized services because its website is disorganized and overwhelming.
OUTCOME
A modern website that makes it easier for the library's visitors to quickly grasp what services, events, and facilities are available.
The Problem
THE OLD WEBSITE WAS OVERWHELMING AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO FIND BASIC INFORMATION
Basic information about the library is lost in an overwhelming and disorganized website. Visitors can't find information about services such as free tutoring for students, literacy programs for adults, or its high tech creative lab. These services become underutilized and then defunded.
The Constraints
THE NEW WEBSITE FOCUSED ON THE LIBRARY'S HIGH-LEVEL FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The scope of work focused on presenting the high-level features and benefits of the library. The project would not tackle the complex online lending system. The goal was to design a website that repositioned LA Central Library as a culturally significant institution with important services for the community. Aesthetically, this needed to be brought to life with a modern aesthetic that honored the library's history, geography, and values.
User Research
RESEARCH HELPED TO FOCUS THE SOLUTION ON THREE TYPES OF LIBRARY VISITORS
Contextual inquiry identified user experience issues that needed addressing. The results were synthesized with interview insights and distilled into user archetypes. These user profiles helped narrow the focus of this project to ensure that the needs of the local community would be addressed.
These community members are the ones library services were created for but these users don't know they exist and can't find it.
Maria
These LA community members have heard about some Central Library services but are struggling to find and therefore use them.
JR
These members want to connect the public with library services but don't have a clear idea of what the services are and where to find them.
Claire
The Solution
THE NEW DESIGN WAS DRIVEN BY A FOCUS ON AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL ELEGANCE
The end result is a simple and modern website that makes it easier for the Central Library's patrons and visitors to quickly grasp what services, events, and facilities are available at the library.
Inspiration
THE NEW DESIGN DREW INSPIRATION FROM THE LIBRARY'S HISTORY AND THE CITY'S ECOLOGY
The library's new design needed to be friendly and dignified. The new layout was enhanced with typography and colors that reflected the aesthetics of the library building itself and the distinct ecology of LA. To lend the website a friendly and modern flare, the desert color palette was accented with select neon streaks. Together these elements would restore dignity to the Central Library while making it feel inviting to the public.
The Process
IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO BRING AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF INFORMATION UNDER CONTROL
The next order of business was bringing an overwhelming amount of information under control. This was accomplished by designing a front page that narrowed a visitor's focus to only the most crucial information. From there, individual service or event pages were made easier to navigate to. Overall, the website was designed to be more picture-forward in order to make it more intuitive to navigate.
The Metrics
THE DESIGN'S EFFECTIVENESS CAN BE MEASURED BY KEY SUCCESS METRICS
The success of this design must result in an increase in physical visits to the library and an improvement in the awareness and use of the its services and events. The following goals can be used to define the success of the new website and guide further enhancements.
Library Membership
Increase membership sign up through website by 20% within 6 months.
Service Engagement
Increase library service engagement by 25% within 6 months.
Event Attendance
Increase average event attendance by 30% within 6 months.
Lending Rates
Increase lending rates through website by 10% within 6 months.
Library Visits
Increase physical library visits by 25% within 6 months.
Event Awareness
Improve library event awareness by 20% within 6 months.
Reflection
THE NEW WEBSITE REFLECTS THE LIBRARY'S IMPORTANCE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
After trying the new website, users expressed surprised enthusiasm about the public library system in general and about the LA Central Library in particular. The simplified layout and controlled information density did wonders to help focus users on vital information. The finished website better communicates this library's importance to the community and closes the gap between the library's services and the public's needs.
