Images via: http://placeit.breezi.com/
Let's be everywhere
One of the tricky things about inspiration is that it can happen anywhere at anytime. As librarians, the faster we allow that spark of creativity to translate into obtaining rich library resources, the better we serve our patrons and the better we enable the university to accomplish its mission.
A guiding principle of our redesign effort has been to pursue a responsive design -- something that will enable patrons using any media device to access our resources. In the images above, you can see how people may interact with the new design on a phone, a tablet and a laptop computer. However a user comes to our website, we'll provide them the same great services, resources and online features they would find at a desktop computer within Wilson Library. After all, who knows where the next great U of M invention will take place? Wherever it happens, the libraries need to be present, too.
The prototype homepage
I know I'm burying the prototype link, but that's only because I want to over-emphasize how the site needs to be evaluated across all types of devices. Please, pretty please, take out your phones, your Kindles, your iPads, your Xboxes, etc. and take a few moments to imagine interacting with this design anywhere you use the internet. Okok, with that mindset in place, here's the link to our first prototype.
Features/Flaws
FYI, in this first design iteration, we've mocked up the interface as if the user was signed into their library account. Future versions will allow you to toggle between unauthenticated and authenticated views of the homepage.
Search: The prototype includes a working MNCAT Discovery blended search box (catalog + Primo Central). It's very important to note this form points to the Primo Implementation Group's staging server and that the catalog data is over one year old! The staging environment is the sandbox for us to test our future search engine configuration. Please be aware the staging environment is subject to change, and is only meant for evaluative use. Don't forget to try out the advanced search, too.
Boxy Main: The main panel contains responsive "feature boxes". This is where the design is least complete, but contains the greatest potential. The intention is to provide an array of content that is personalized and strategically placed to promote speed of access to our resources. I can imagine boxes to advertise new services or collections here.
Collection Highlight: WPMG will work to create an editorial oversight committee to draw attention to highlights of our collection. The Stephen King covers only illustrate the potential of this space. It's worth noting that the carousel here is touch-enabled, so trying giving it a flick of your finger.
Continuum: This section is for library news and special events, allowing the audience access to the new Continuum site and methods for Friends of the Libraries to engage with the homepage. Needless to say, we'll be working closely with Mark on ideas for this area of the page
Exaggerated Footer: It might look large, but it adds a nice foundation to the page and allows people to use the old CTRL+F command to quickly find links to services and resources. It's meant to be an omnipresent site map. We'll be closely watching how it is used and what items can be edited or improved here.
Flaws: We're still working to fully implement all our ideas here. There are browser issues, incomplete features, and authentication isn't baked yet. You can expect additional work to go into rounding out this prototype soon. We have tested the site in many browsers and operating systems, and things look pretty good until you hit WinXP/IE8 (you knew I'd say that, right?). Additional labor will be spent making IE8 use acceptable. If you notice something that looks particularly wrong, please let us know by providing us with...
Feedback
We need and love feedback.
Anything from a short reaction to a detailed response will be greatly appreciated. I personally think it's a nice first step towards the future, but it's also certainly far from complete. There is a lot of work left here, but there is also a lot of good direction here, too.
We'll next be working through some accessibility and user testing, which will drive considerable improvements to the design, so please do not expect this look and feel to stand still until January. We'll work carefully to resolve issues and incorporate feedback from everyone, so do not be shy about voicing your opinion.
Please take some time to think the design over and let us know where we stand by completing our short survey.
Thanks everyone!
- Eric
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