Richmond Public Library

problem

The current mobile app for the local library is based on a template that all library systems use. The current template is outdated and difficult to navigate for many users.

Searching for a title also meant an extra step was involved when you tap the icon at the bottom. The home page contains too many images and only a handful of options to choose from. The lack of options to explore the catalog limits a users ability to view other items and is a wasted opportunity to promote print and dvd collections. Bestsellers is a frequently viewed topic and this should be on the main navigation. Browsing titles can become frustrating and time consuming: once a title is selected to view the user is taken to another page and must navigate back to view other titles. 

target audience

The majority of users who use this app are tech savvy teens and adults ranging from 18-45. These individuals enjoy reading their material on their devices and in the physical form. Convenience and ease of navigation within an app are primary concerns.

information architecture

wireframes

Primary navigation was limited to 5 choices, focusing on featured items (home page), bestsellers, locations, browsing the catalog and user account.

Bestselling titles are easily accessible in the main navigation and a search bar was incorporated at the top of every page for easy access. A dedicated account login page gave users an opportunity to customize their account and profile image. Settings would allow them to select preferences and notifications of titles that interest them.

The main loading page contains only one banner that highlighted a specific event or program rather than cluttering the hero area with multiple images. Below it, shows a customized list of titles based off the user account preferences and previous read items.

Browsing the catalog would lead users to the full list of topics including print and physical titles rather than a limited selection. Each topic drilled down to the title list page, where each one could be expanded to reveal a summary without being pulled to another page.

The overall design of the new mobile app incorporated the new teal colour scheme and helps make it stand out from other library apps.