Practical User Experience: Collecting, Interpreting, and Using Data From Library Users
Date
2019-05-02
Authors
Lucky, Shannon
Murray, Jennifer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Conference Presentation
Degree Level
Abstract
User experience (UX) and usability testing are increasingly popular ways for libraries to collect locally relevant data to better serve our communities. However, the prospect of doing a UX study can be daunting and knowing what to do with your results is not always straightforward. In this presentation, we will discuss how we do ‘”guerrilla” UX testing at the University of Saskatchewan Library. This method does not require advanced technical skills, a large budget, or extensive UX training; it relies on communication skills and face to face data collection. This method is quick to execute and can lead to richer results than online surveys or other highly structured methods.
In addition to describing several approaches to in-person UX testing, we will discuss how we plan and execute a successful project. Using case studies from the University Library, we will walk through how we begin with a problem or question, design a study that will elicit information from our target user group, collect and assess that information, make a decision, and then communicate the change to all stakeholders. We will also discuss the unexpected things you can learn by engaging in conversational UX studies with library users and what to do when the results you get are not what you expect (and how that can be a great thing).
Approaching UX and usability testing with curiosity and an open mind can not only give you rich data about user behaviour and preferences, but it can also let you dig deeper into your research questions, discover problems and new questions, and can be the foundation for building strong relationships with your user community.
Description
Keywords
user experience, applied research
Citation
S. Lucky, J. Murray, (2019, May 2). Practical User Experience: Collecting, Interpreting, and Using Data from Library Users. Saskatchewan Library Association Conference: Saskatoon SK.