HOLLIS Prototype Testing
At-a-Glance
I interned at Harvard Library over the summer with two other graduate student interns. One of the projects we worked on was the linked data prototype. We conducted user research on prototypes of several proposed new features and changes of the HOLLIS website. This research will inform recommendations for the team working on implementing the new tools and updates in HOLLIS.
Collaboration
2 Interns
Platform
Figma, Miro
My Role
Researcher & designer
Timeline
3 Months
Project Overview
During the stakeholder interview, our focus centered on outlining research questions and goals to guide the project. The primary objective is to identify the key features essential for inclusion in the linked data knowledge panel and to understand user interactions with the provided information.
Audience
Our target audience primarily comprises of advanced researchers in film, with secondary users being faculty and undergraduate students utilizing the collections.
Key Research Questions
Feature Prioritization: What features are crucial for inclusion in the Linked Data knowledge panel?
User Interaction: How do users engage with the information presented in the Linked Data knowledge panel?
Value of Linked Data: What is the perceived value of linked data, and which data points are most relevant and useful for users in their film research?
Layout and Design Considerations
Given the nature of our project, we recognize the significance of addressing the layout and design elements, especially since we are developing a prototype. Key considerations include determining the optimal arrangement of information to enhance user experience. Questions include:
Panel Design Components: What components should be integrated into the design of the Linked Data knowledge panel?
Panel Content Components: Which content components are essential for a comprehensive and user-friendly experience?
Visual Layout: How should the prototype be visually structured to ensure intuitive navigation and information accessibility?
By addressing these research questions and design considerations, our aim is to deliver a Linked Data knowledge panel that not only meets the specific needs of advanced researchers but also provides a valuable and user-friendly resource for faculty and undergraduate students engaged in film research.
Prototyping
During the stakeholder interview, our focus centered on outlining research questions and goals to guide the project. The primary objective is to identify the key features essential for inclusion in the linked data knowledge panel and to understand user interactions with the provided information.
The intern team used Figma to create the prototype. Here we can see the full page of a movie result titled ‘Maids.’ To the right is the linked data knowledge panel.
The knowledge panel has three tabs: Summary, Creators, and Related Items.
The ‘Summary’ tab which is the default tab includes overarching info of the film such as the year, origin country, genre, creators and cast.
The ‘Creators’ tab dives a bit deeper into directors, screenwriters, producers, etc. As we believe this would be essential information when researching film.
The ‘Related Items’ tab provides additional works by either the director or within the same collection and articles relevant to the film.
Usability Testing
Following the completion of the prototype, the next phase involved formulating specific tasks for participants to navigate through the interface, providing valuable insights into usability. A total of six participants were engaged in the testing process.
Analysis and Insights
More visual representations of information related to their search result.
A few participants described the tabs to be “bland” and would like them to be more visually stimulating.
They also expressed that the tabs are currently too text heavy and that they would prefer a “cleaner experience.”
Participants liked the inclusion of images, such as the movie poster.
Avoid complex or unclear jargon within the ‘Related Items’ tab.
The term ‘Related Items’ is not clear, participants did not know what type of information to expect under this tab.
They were also unsure about the language of ‘Other versions.’ Participants didn’t understand what information would be found through that particular link.
Expected unique information to be provided under each tab.
Most participants suggested including notable works and year of birth for each creator under the ‘Creators’ tab.
Participants expect the ‘Summary’ tab to be of cast members and the ‘Creators’ tab to be of writers, directors, producers, etc.
Participants would like to see more under ‘Related Items’ such as similar films in the same genre/topic, by same director, sequels, etc.
Navigation between the webpages was seamless and participants had little to no trouble moving through it.
Participants explained the experience to be “streamlined” and “intuitive.”
Recommendations
With this research, the team compiled recommendations to inform the development team at Harvard Library and teams working on implementing the new tools and updates in HOLLIS.
Format information in the tabs with more white space and bullets, include images to give a more clean and visually pleasing layout.
Consider alternative language options for “Related Items and “Other Versions.”
Related items: “Similar Items”
Other Versions: “Other Versions of the film,” “Additional Versions of the film”
Add notable works and year of birth for people under the “Creators” tab
Add films of the same genre/topic, by the same director, sequels, etc. under “Related Items.”