Streamlining Pratt Libraries’ A-Z Databases to Improve its Function and Navigation
TEAM
Smridhi Gupta
Marko Stanisic
Indrani Thool
WHAT I DID
Conducted 8 usability tests & audited the platform to solve usability issues.
DURATION
March - May 2024 / 6 weeks
SKILLS
Usability Testing / User Research / UX Design / Content Strategy
What is A-Z Databases? 🤔
A database of databases that helps students find the best online research tools
The Pratt Libraries A-Z Databases is a research tool that provides students at Pratt Institute access to a wide range of databases. The interface offers functions to browse, search, and filter its database collection to find content related to students’ research interests.
The challenge
Students have high engagement with library resources, but overlook A-Z Databases
Pratt Libraries received feedback that students struggled to use the A-Z Database functions, resulting in low engagement, retention, and returning users. Despite its potential as a powerful research tool, the database was underutilized.
To address this, my team led the design process, working closely with the Pratt Libraries staff to resolve the 2 key pain points driving the issue:
01
Users often misunderstand the purpose and features of the A-Z Databases website
02
Users lack search refinement options and felt overwhelmed by the search and filter design
The solution 🪄
Introducing the refined Pratt Libraries A-Z Database!
We made a huge impact 🎉
The new features have now launched and successfully rolled out to all existing users!
Pratt Libraries were excited about our recommendations, mentioning that our research proposed some new ideas and validated older ones. Our project has encouraged them to hire a UX Librarian and explore improvements to the A-Z Databases website.
Note: As of 2025, Pratt Libraries were able to implement our improvements on their A-Z Databases interface!
So how did I do it? Let’s start from the beginning!
Understanding the problem
What could be limiting students' engagement with A-Z Databases?
Pratt Libraries sought to test its beta version, focusing on improving usability for novice users and increasing student engagement. Through discussions with the client and their understanding of how students use A-Z Databases, we identified key areas to address in the usability study:
01
Browse, search, and filter features for navigation
02
Access to and use of subject resources
03
Exploration through curated lists of databases
04
Discoverability of relevant databases
Who are our target users?
Through the process, there was an emergence of 2 distinct users groups
We interviewed Pratt Institute graduate students, all comfortable with digital tools and familiar with the Pratt Libraries website. Four identified as seasoned users. Participants were split evenly between the Information Experience Design and Library and Information Science programs, forming two distinct characteristics of user groups in our study.
NOVICE USERS
EXPERT USERS
Library science students
Have intimate knowledge and perspective of academic research from a resource management POV
Frequent users of complex and content heady infrastructures
Experiences with library and research websites
User research
Digging into why students are not using A-Z Databases
We wanted to understand why many students were not utilizing the A-Z Databases resource. Therefore, we recruited and conducted user interviews with 8+ students that were existing users of the Pratt Libraries systems.
100%
of the novice users misunderstood or were confused about the purpose & function of the A-Z Databases website & its features
87%
of the users were overwhelmed with design of the search & filter features & unsure how to proceed
50%
of the users thought there was not enough information/options to narrow their search to find relevant databases
Analyzing the System Usability Scale (SUS)
Addressing the usability gap between novice and expert users
Using the System Usability Scale (SUS) in post-testing, we assessed the website's efficiency, intuitiveness, ease, and satisfaction. Novice users scored low at 57.5%, while expert users rated it higher at 80.6%, with an average of 69.1%, bordering between needing improvement and good. This suggests prioritizing changes for novice users before implementing expert recommendations.
The solution
We identified and prioritized several critical issues
After research, we identified 26 usability issues, and prioritized usability issues based on severity and frequency. 5 key issues were selected for further examination. Our recommendations address multiple problems, providing clear guidance for Pratt Libraries to enhance their database website’s usability and user experience.
01
Add additional descriptions to clarify various functions and features of the website
02
Optimize the search & filter functions of the website for enhanced performance & results
03
Restructure website’s side panel to prioritize access to Subject Resources
04
Update search results continuously when using filters to streamline the search function
05
Implement a tagging system by adding relevant information tags on individual databases to improve discoverability
And here they are... our final recommendations! 📣
Meet the refined A-Z Databases – your go-to research tool for seamless, stress-free academic discovery! 📚
01: Provide additional context for functions to build user trust
Adding description and context for the function of A-Z Databases was key in providing clarification and alleviating confusion in users.
We also recommend providing rationales for curated database lists to increase trust between users and the interface.
02: Optimize search and filter options for a seamless user experience
Streamlining search by separating A-Z and Pratt units, adding context to categories, and improving clarity. We also recommend checkboxes for selections, categorized filter inputs, and a Clear Filter option.
03: Priority access to additional resources for research support
We reorganized the website by moving Subject Resources to the top for visibility and reinstating Subject Guides for easy access.
To reduce cognitive load, we streamlined the side panel with an expandable/collapsible feature for curated lists.
04: Enhancing discovery of databases using a tagging system
Implement a tagging system to provide more information about each database, allowing users to effectively evaluate relevant databases.
Moreover, database tags would enable users to retrace their database searches to relevant topics.
05: Real-Time Search Updates for a Smoother Experience
Users expected search results to dynamically update when applying or removing filters without the need for further clicks.
This will provide users with instantaneous and dynamic feedback as results update and make the search process more efficient.
Reflecting on what I learned
Trust the process and dig deep to understand research results 🤝🏽
During our research, we uncovered unexpected findings, including the emergence of two distinct user groups. This project provided valuable insight into how users with different experience levels interact with an interface. I gained a deeper understanding of the System Usability Scale and learned to use it effectively to analyze and communicate key differences between Novice and Expert Users.
Working within the constraints of a CMS 📦
Working within the constraints of the Springshare-based CMS for A-Z Databases required a shift in mindset, as design changes were limited. However, these constraints pushed us to think more creatively in our research and recommendations. This experience deepened my understanding of designing within system limitations and reinforced the importance of adaptable, user-centered solutions for future projects.
Appendix
Usability Report
As part of the project, our team wrote a usability report that details our strategy, process, findings, and recommendations thoroughly, as a reference
for Pratt Libraries.
Project Presentation
At the end of our usability study, we presented our process and findings to Pratt Libraries, and held an open session for brainstorming or answering any questions they had.