User Experience Projects
About this department: The User Experience (UX) department, part of the Libraries’ Student Success division, collaboratively develops the Libraries’ website and signage to help users navigate and understand the Libraries’ offerings. UX leads the Libraries’ assessment and analytics programs to understand, maximize, and measure the Libraries’ value and contributions to the university and the communities we serve. The department plays a key role in the Libraries’ annual reporting and strategic planning processes. UX coordinates the cross-departmental User Research Team to integrate the needs and voices of our users in the ongoing improvement of the Libraries. The department learns from the techniques and insights of the… More about User Experience
Projects on this page represent a selection of the work of this department.
Accessibility fix-a-thons
In 2026, we held two accessibility fix-a-thons for developers to collaborate on accessibility issues in real time.
Completed onFAQ Cleanup and Maintenance
We took a closer look at our frequently asked questions (FAQ) content on the Libraries' website. We set guidelines and reviewed each FAQ, resulting in the removal of over 200 of them, which created a better experience for users trying to find quick…
Completed on
Maker Studio: Survey + Tiny Café
User research suggests that students are excited about the Maker Studio’s mix of engineering tools and creative outlets. Awareness is growing, and staff support is a major strength.
Completed on
Implementing Dark Mode on the Libraries Website
We created a “dark mode” color scheme for the Libraries’ main website. In support of this effort, we conducted user research, in which participants responded positively to the look and feel of the website in dark mode. Participants who told us they…
Completed onDatabases usability study 2025
After launching a new set of features for our research databases discovery platform, we conducted a series of usability tests and interviews to evaluate user attitudes towards the new features. We received positive feedback about the new features…
Completed on
Collaboration with Collections & Research EngagementStudent perspectives on belonging in the NC State University Libraries and Community Centers
In the fall of 2024, Libraries staff interviewed students who use NC State’s Community Centers — the African American Cultural Center Library, the LGBTQ Pride Center, the Multicultural Student Affairs suite, and the Women’s Center — to…
Completed on
Collaboration with Access Services
Love or Breakup Letter Study
During the week of Valentine's Day 2025, we asked students at the Hill Library and the Hunt Library to write a love or breakup letter to the Libraries in exchange for Libraries-themed valentines and candy. We received an overwhelming amount of love…
Completed on
Collaboration with Acquisitions & Discovery, Learning Spaces & Services
Social media survey and talkback boards
Through an email survey and talkback boards (whiteboard surveys), we learned that Instagram is the most popular social media platform by a significant margin. We also learned that users check the Libraries website (not social media) for timely…
Completed onResource Discovery Basics + Tiny Café
We conducted a short usability study that focused on how users locate resources, given a title or topic. We asked participants to find a textbook, video game, article, and database.
Completed on
Collaboration with William Rand Kenan, Jr. Library of Veterinary Medicine, Collections & Research Engagement
Designing the Special Collections Research Center's homepage
The SCRC's homepage was collaboratively reimagined to highlight collections, use engaging visuals, and appeal to researchers and new users alike.
Completed on
Data Experience Lab (DXL) Discoverability Study + Tiny Café
The Data Experience Lab (DXL) is the NC State University Libraries’ community hub for data science support and learning, as well as advanced desktop computing. We conducted a multi-method study to understand how students discovered the DXL inside…
Completed on
Student Experience Survey: Fall 2023
Students rated our spaces highly and had positive things to say about Ask Us staff members.
Completed on
Collaboration with Access Services
Study Rooms Observational Study
We observed how patrons use the study rooms at the D. H. Hill Jr. Library and the James B. Hunt Jr. Library to inform future choices about technologies and the size of rooms.
Completed on
Explore Our Devices: User Interface
Our technology lending program is one of the Libraries' most-used services. Users can check out cameras, laptops, projectors, and even model skeletons. We created an interactive, attractive interface so users can find and browse the 200+ devices in…
Completed on
Collaboration with Access Services, Libraries CommunicationsHow we recruit participants for user research
Each year, 100+ students opt in to our user research participant pool. They are notified about surveys, interviews, and usability studies coordinated by our User Research Team.
Completed on
Homepage Redesign 2023: Surveys, Usability Testing, and Tiny Cafés
After a decade of roughly the same layout, we rebuilt the Libraries homepage from the ground up.
Completed on
Collaboration with Libraries CommunicationsDatabases usability study
After launching our updated discovery platform for research databases, we conducted a set of usability tests and interviews to evaluate the success of the new application and discover opportunities for improvement.
Completed on
Collaboration with Digital Library Initiatives (DLI)Annonatate Usability Study
Students provided feedback on Annonatate, a web app for annotating images. Their feedback focused on the appearance of the application and confusion regarding navigation and sharing their work.
Completed on
VML Diary Study
A diary study of veterinary medicine students that examined their reasons for doing academic work at the Veterinary Medicine Library or elsewhere.
Completed on
Collaboration with William Rand Kenan, Jr. Library of Veterinary Medicine
Readability Widget + Tiny Café
Participants gave us feedback on a pilot project—the Readability Widget. Overall, they had positive feedback. They especially liked the “Warm Background” option.
Completed onStudent Experience Survey, Spring 2022
Working to answer several questions regarding the Libraries and its operations, the User Research Team (URT) surveyed a group of 120 students who had agreed to volunteer in user research for the spring 2022 semester, with a total response rate of 49…
Completed on
Creating sensory friendly maps
We designed floor maps for users with sensory sensitivities who are looking for study spaces that fit their needs. These maps highlight spaces in the Hill and Hunt Libraries that have natural or warm lighting, tend to be quiet, or tend to be…
Completed on
Collaboration with Libraries CommunicationsQuickSearch + Drupal Usability Study
We conducted a usability test of how our custom search application shows results from our website, and interviewed participants to capture their thoughts on recently added QuickSearch (QS) features. Our results challenged several previously held…
Completed on
Collaboration with Digital Library Initiatives (DLI)
Innovation Studio Usability Study
The Innovation Studio is a new type of learning space for the Libraries that focuses on showcasing the innovative work of NC State’s students and faculty and teaching innovation methods to the campus community. We conducted a usability study and,…
Completed on
Improving Our Web Forms
We audited the Libraries’ most visited web forms, assessing accessibility issues and performance. We found that many of these forms would benefit from styling and functionality updates.
Completed onCitation Builder User Research
Citation Builder is one of the most popular parts of our website, with over 300,000 pageviews in 2020–21 alone. We conducted a usability study and, based on the results, found ways to improve Citation Builder's usability and accessibility.
Completed onFriends of the Libraries: Usability Study
We conducted a usability study on parts of our website with members of the Friends of the Libraries. While we had positive feedback overall, we identified several areas where the user experience needed improvement.
Completed onStudent Experience Interviews, Fall 2020
We conducted six interviews to gain additional user feedback from a student survey conducted in October 2020.
Completed on
Collaboration with Access ServicesStudent Experience Survey, Fall 2020
We sent a survey about the Libraries’ spaces, website, and services to students in October 2020.
Completed on
Collaboration with Access ServicesControlled Digital Lending Application: Diary Study
Students gave us feedback about a new textbook scanning service in this diary study. We also asked about their reading habits and scheduling preferences.
Completed on
Textbooks User Research
We did a usability test to determine if students could find out whether their textbook was available through the Libraries and how they could request a PDF of a scanned excerpt. We found that users could accomplish these two tasks successfully, with…
Completed onExplore Spaces, Version 2: interviews + usability tests
We conducted six combination interviews + usability tests to test an early prototype of a new version of our Explore Spaces website. Participants responded positively to the overall concept of our prototype and helped us refine it.
Completed on
Business Research Guide + Tiny Café
Students told us about their expectations regarding a business research guide. We also asked about how they conducted research for business-related class projects.
Completed on
Communication + Tiny Café
We conducted a brief survey and interview with participants to find out how they prefer to be contacted by the Libraries. Participants responded positively to prototypes of both text messages and emails regarding room reservations and upcoming due…
Completed onEbooks + Tiny Café
We conducted a usability test to observe how users locate ebooks in the Libraries. We found that most users could successfully find an ebook through QuickSearch and the Catalog. We also found that users did not expect chapter-level metadata or…
Completed on
Collaboration with Acquisitions & Discovery
Identifying user needs through interviews and participatory prototyping
Through interviews and hands-on participatory paper prototyping, we learned about students' ongoing research projects and workflows. Many of the user needs we uncovered revolved around getting one-on-one help and project management.
Completed on
Collaboration with Acquisitions & Discovery
Events + Tiny Café
We conducted brief interviews and a card-sorting activity to find out how users conceptualize our events, workshops, and exhibits. We found that users liked browsing by topic.
Completed on
Collaboration with Community Engagement
Catalog search context + Tiny Café
We conducted usability tests on two proposed designs for context-switching in the catalog. Tests showed that between the designs tested, a radio button design was clear and usable.
Completed on
Collaboration with Information Technology
Perceptions of the D. H. Hill Library Renovation + Tiny Café
In September 2019, we asked students how much they knew about the ongoing renovation of the D. H. Hill Jr. Library. Most knew the entrance to the Hill Library had changed and that there is a renovation going on. They found the signs pointing…
Completed on
Collaboration with Libraries Communications, Harrye B. Lyons Design LibraryWebsite Navigation + Tiny Café
We conducted usability tests on a proposed website navigational system to decide if it was good enough to launch in March, 2019. Tests showed the new system, with a few tweaks, was ready.
Completed on
Workshops in REPORTER + Tiny Café
In March 2019, we conducted usability testing to learn more about our users’ experiences in navigating through the workshop registration process and attending workshops.
Completed on
Software + Tiny Café
In February 2019, we held a pop-up user research station event, Tiny Café, where we found out more about our patrons’ software and programming needs.
Completed onSummon Configuration Usability Test
In November, 2018, we conducted usability tests to see if a proposed change to our configuration of the Summon database would aid users searching for known-item articles without leading to confusion for those searching by topic.
Completed on
Collaboration with Acquisitions & DiscoveryInterviews with undergraduates about research
In November 2017 we conducted hour-long interviews with three undergraduate students about how they conduct research for their course work. Listening to these students led to recommendations for improving our website and our instruction program.
Completed onUsability test for loaning PlayStation Virtual Reality headsets
In October 2017 the Libraries acquired PlayStation Virtual Reality headsets. We had questions about how easy it would be for patrons seamlessly use these devices. We conducted usability tests that revealed a few tips patrons will need to know.
Completed onUsability test for Hunt Library touchscreens, Round Two
In June 2017 we conducted a usability test on 16 touchscreens in Hunt Library.
Completed onDigital Privacy User Research
In January through March 2017 we conducted a survey and a series of focus groups to help inform service design around the topic of digital privacy.
Completed onWebVR Virtual Tour Usability Testing
In January 2017 we conducted a usability test on *WebVR Virtual Tour*, a web-based application for viewing 360˚ photos, and a tutorial that allows people to develop this 360˚ virtual tour app themselves. Overall the app and tutorial were easy to use…
Completed onUsability test for Hunt Library touchscreens, Round One
In December 2016 we conducted a usability test on 16 touchscreens to be deployed in Hunt Library in Spring 2017.
Completed onE-Boards Follow-Up Report
In 2014, Josephine McRobbie and Andreas Orphanides conducted a number of interviews that looked to better understand how users interacted with and comprehended the information on electronic billboards (e-boards) throughout the D. H. Hill Jr. Library…
Completed on
Library Hours
Hours are hard, especially with five libraries and custom hours within many of them. To solve this problem we created a custom solution inside Drupal.
Completed onCitation Builder
A web-based tool designed to quickly and easily generate citations for sources consulted during the research process.
Completed on
Collaboration with Digital Library Initiatives (DLI)Summon Usability Testing
The study was designed to determine how well Summon supports patron needs and to establish recommendations for improvements to its overall design, functionality, and integration.
Completed onPersona Interviews for Web Site Redesign
We developed personas, fictional portrayals of users in different patron categories, to aid our 2010 website redesign.
Completed onWebsite Navigation Usability Testing
In preparation for the Libraries' upcoming website redesign process, library staff sought to discover whether users navigate the site using the expected menu items.
Completed onGIS Data Download and Search: Advanced User Focus Group
We examined researchers' metadata needs and information-finding behavior while using the online GIS data services pages.
Completed onCollection Guides (Finding Aids) Usability Study of Novice Users
This study aimed to see how easily those who had never before or had seldom used finding aids for archival research would be able to navigate the web site, search for desired information, and submit a request for materials from a collection.
Completed onUser Personas
In preparation for a major website redesign, we created personas representing types of users, their goals and motivations, and their online research behaviors
Completed onGroupFinder Focus Groups and Usability Study
We conducted several focus groups to gauge interest in the concept of a web application that allowed students to post and locate informal group meetings in the library.
Completed onInterviews about the Libraries Web Site with Libraries Staff
Group interviews about the Libraries' website were conducted with library staff from numerous departments and functional areas.
Completed onSearch TRLN: Usability Studies, Phase 2
Usability tests of the Search TRLN user interface were conducted across four institutions.
Completed onGiving to the Libraries: A Web Site User Study
A user study was held to support the design process for a new "Giving to the Libraries" website.
Completed onEndeca Catalog Usability Study, Round 2
We conducted usability testing of the library catalog.
Completed onCourse Views: Focus Group (2008)
We sought feedback on student impressions of Library Tools promotional materials and their initial ideas for the application.
Completed onSearch TRLN: Focus Groups, Phase 1
Eight focus group interviews were held with faculty, staff, and students on each TRLN campus to understand expectations for a consortium-wide discovery and delivery environment.
Completed onLibrary Article Linker
Tool for creating stable links to articles that work on and off campus.
Completed onCourse Views: Focus Groups (2007)
We sought student feedback on a student-centric set of tools, services, and resources that were considered for inclusion in Course Views.
Completed onLibraries Web Site Redesign: Usability Study, Round 2 (2006)
Study results showed that the website in general and the home page in particular are working well to guide users to general information.
Completed onEndeca Catalog: Usability Study, Round 1
The primary goal of the study was to determine whether the new catalog interface enabled users to find materials more easily than the old interface for both known-item and topical searches.
Completed onQuick Search: Usability Study, Round 1 (2005)
When confronted with a single search box to search the library, the participants had different expectations about what would be searched.
Completed onLibraries Web Site Redesign: Usability Study, Round 1 (2005)
We sought feedback about use of the site to accomplish basic tasks.
Completed onFind Articles: Usability Study
Usability tests were conducted to determine the best way of designing a web site to help undergraduates find articles.
Completed onWeb Survey (2004)
A web survey linked from the NCSU Libraries Homepage was conducted in October and November of 2003.
Completed onSpeed Walk-through: Home Page Search Options and Search Collections
Quick, informal evaluation of five sites, regarding search box vs. search link on home page, and searching of website vs. catalog.
Completed onNext Generation MyLibrary: Focus Groups
To inform the development of the Next Generation MyLibrary (NGML), Libraries staff organized one focus group of undergraduate students and one group of graduate students.
Completed onMultiSearch Think-Aloud Usability Study
We conducted usability testing on a web-based product that lets users search several databases simultaneously.
Completed onCommunication, Publications, and Marketing Web Redesign Card Sort (May 2004)
A card-sort usability test was conducted with the purpose of determining user preferences for the grouping and labeling of information on the NCSU Libraries web site.
Completed onPretest for ATII and NGML Focus Groups
Focus groups discussed Access Tools and Integrated Instruction as well as Next Generation MyLibrary. They provided insight into the behavior and preferences of the libraries undergraduate student workers.
Completed onElectronic Resources and Services Focus Group Interviews (1997–98)
As a background for Web site redesign, the NC State University Libraries held six focus group interviews during the fall 1997 and spring 1998 semesters to survey 42 NC State faculty and students.
Completed on
Touchscreens at the Hunt Library and the Hill Library
An in-house, custom web application for wayfinding, events, and other features is available on multiple touchscreens in the Hunt Library and the Hill Library.
Report published onRoom Reservation System
A web-based user interface for viewing availability and reserving student and faculty spaces in the Hill and Hunt Libraries.
Report published onData Views
A system for storing and publishing high level metrics about the Libraries' services and collections.
Report published on