Website Refresh for
150-year-old library
Redesigning Hawai‘i Public Library Website
Visual Design (UI), UX Research
Overview
This project aims to create a more accessible and user-friendly platform for library users. The history of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System (HSPL) is deeply intertwined with the broader educational and cultural development of Hawaii‘i. Its origins date back to 1879 with the establishment of the Honolulu Library and Reading Room, which was supported both financially and physically by Hawaii‘ii’s royalty, King Kalākaua, Queen Kapii‘olani, Queen Emma, and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
The primary goal of this project is to design a user-centered website that provides intuitive access to essential resources and services, including event calendars and library information. The library’s mission is to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement—but is its website effectively supporting this mission?
Current Website
Challenge
The current website (as of June 2024) suffers from a fundamental issue: a complex and overwhelming information architecture. While it makes sense for a statewide library system to contain vast amounts of information, the site currently lacks a user-centric perspective.
The current website (as of June 2024) suffers from a fundamental issue: a complex and overwhelming information architecture. While it makes sense for a statewide library system to contain vast amounts of information, the site currently lacks a user-centric perspective. Key challenges include:
- Poor visual hierarchy, which makes the navigation difficult.
- Ineffective graphics that distract rather than enhance communication.
- Limited identity representation, failing to highlight the library’s role as an educational, cultural, and community hub.
User Demographic
Because this project was built around user needs, it was essential to define the audience. I conducted conversations with potential users to understand their priorities. The most common questions they had were:
- Which branch can I visit?
- How can I get a library card?
- What services does the library offer?
User Personas
Based on these insights, I developed three user personas to guide the design process. This approach helped refine the website’s structure, ensuring that the platform not only supports library services but also aligns with the real needs of its users.
