Enhancing Our Shared History's Accessibility
This project involved a comprehensive user research study to enhance the National Archives Catalog's search functionality and user experience by evaluating current practices, identifying pain points, and developing actionable recommendations.
At A Glance
The National Archives Catalog serves as the vital digital gateway to our nation's most historically valuable records, safeguarding and providing access to the collective memory of the federal government. This portal not only allows users to search extensive holdings, from historical texts to diverse media, but also invites a community-driven approach through user-generated content like comments, tags, and transcriptions. Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Catalog fostered global engagement, attracting over 3 million users from 446 countries, demonstrating its critical role in connecting diverse audiences with our shared past.
Challenge
Our core challenge was to empathetically enhance the Catalog's search functionality and user experience to ensure these invaluable records are truly accessible. We aimed to establish a baseline understanding of current usability, precisely identify user pain points, and develop actionable, evidence-based recommendations for improvement. Through a comprehensive research approach, we sought to improve search relevance, streamline navigation, and enhance the clarity of digital content, ultimately ensuring the Catalog genuinely meets the evolving needs of its diverse global users.
Role:
Lead UX Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Deliverables:
Comprehensive findings report
Design Mockups
Methods:
Secondary Research
Heuristic Evaluation
Interviews
Surveys
Personas
Focus Groups
Behavioral Analysis
Wireframes
User Testing
Project Management
Tools:
Photoshop
Figma
Google Analytics
Crazy Egg
Survey Monkey