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Usability testing for web redesign: a UCLA case study

Dominique Turnbow (Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA)
Kris Kasianovitz (Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA)
Lise Snyder (UCLA College Library, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA)
David Gilbert (UCLA Music Library, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA)
David Yamamoto (UCLA Library Administration, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA)

OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives

ISSN: 1065-075X

Article publication date: 1 September 2005

3824

Abstract

Purpose

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The purpose of this paper is to describe the processes the UCLA Library Website Redesign Team used to develop a new library website responsive to the needs of the broad population of UCLA Library users.

Design/methodology/approach

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Using a combination of structured analyses of the previous library website, user surveys, a card sort protocol and a think‐aloud protocol, the Website Redesign Team procured sufficient information to meet its redesign goals: established clear site organization and navigation, utilized user‐centered nomenclature, ensured easy access from the library homepage to relevant information, developed a unified institutional visual identity throughout the site, and enabled a content management system.

Findings

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Standard usability methods such as surveys and the card sort and think‐aloud protocols are essential tools for evaluating and redesigning complex multi‐layered websites. Since the redesign process is not finite, these tools contribute to keeping a website current and responsive to the needs of its users.

Originality/value

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This case study provides an example that the Redesign Team hope will empower readers with tools and knowledge that they can use to perform similar tasks in their own environment.

Keywords

Citation

Turnbow, D., Kasianovitz, K., Snyder, L., Gilbert, D. and Yamamoto, D. (2005), "Usability testing for web redesign: a UCLA case study", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 226-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750510612416

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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