Creating a New Information Architecture for Archive Item Pages
UX/UI responsive web design for NLI |
The availability of the digital file
The National Library of Israel (NLI) is the leading institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich knowledge, heritage and culture of Israel and Jewish history.
As part of its ongoing efforts to fulfill this mission, NLI is upgrading its services to provide extensive online databases and resources. Currently, NLI is spearheading a major project to digitize vast portions of its archives, including manuscripts, books, and historical documents.
About NLI
The challenege
The biggest pain point that was revealed through user research was detected when users land on an archive item page and struggle to locate the digital item, leading them to confusion about its absence and the available actions to obtain the file.
Previous design. Archive item page / Digital record.
Previous design. Archive item page / Logical record.
Previous design. Archive item page / Logical record.
Previous design. Generic placeholder for the missing digital item.
The objective
To enhance user clarity regarding the availability of the digital item.
The aim was to guide users to effortlessly discern where to access the digital form of the item if it's available for use. If the digital file is unavailable, the goal was for users to be informed about the reason and to become empowered with actionable steps to potentially increase the degree of availability of the item.
End users
Researchers
General audience
Partner institutions
Institutions that make digital files accessible through NLI
NLI
Managing level
Costumer service dept
Archive dept
Stakeholders and users
Team and work enviourment
Project manager
UX UI designer
Programmer
System analyst
Managing level
Head of Digital Product
Interest parties
The process
We've charted all potential user journeys leading to the encountered pain point.
Our analysis has identified a convergence of two key aspects contributing to this issue:
Record Type (ICA professional standards)
Availability Degree
Record Type
Logical Records
Conceptual unit of a data collection
Digital Records
Record in a tangible form
Availability Degree
Archive record
Series record
Legal prevention
Available in NLI residency
Reasons for inavailability
Unavailable digitally
Available digital file
Singular occurrence of an available digital record
Comparative research
We began by analyzing the types of information that other official data-collecting institutions provide to users.
Next, we examined how this information is communicated—specifically, how institutions indicate the location of digital files, explain reasons for unavailability, and suggest courses of action.
Rather than using a uniform grey placeholder to represent unavailability across all records, we chose to inform users differently for each specific case. This allowed for a more nuanced and user-friendly experience.
To address the pain points users faced on the archive item pages, I designed a new information architecture, introducing entirely new elements that enhanced the user experience.
At the same time, NLI underwent a comprehensive rebranding that transformed the design across the entire website. I played a pivotal role in developing a new design system that aligned with the updated brand identity.
I then implemented the new design system to the newly introduced elements, ensuring they were both functional and consistent with the overall rebranding effort.
Design
New information architecture
We opted to integrate various elements, leading to the development of a brand-new structure that is consistently featured above the fold on all archive item pages.
Here is a breakdown of the structue anatomy:
Previous design. Digital archive item page.
New design. Digital archive item page.
Revised placeholder
When the digital file is unavailable, the placeholder specifies the availability level, reason for limitation, and user actions. We've replaced generic grey boxes with tailored text and icons indicating the type of record, offering clarity on unavailability reasons. This provides enhanced information on accessibility levels. Plus, complementary CTAs reduce frustration.
Digital record placeholders
Logical record placeholders
I.D.
We added a fundamental data element to the item page, regardless of the item's availability status.
This summary feature allows users to extract valuable information even when the digital item is unavailable. Additionally, the provided details can guide users toward potential actions to overcome access limitations or help them determine if the item meets their needs.
I.D.
I.D.
Breadcrumbs
We've introduced this feature, aimed at aiding users in comprehending the ordering narrative and contextualizing the record.
This addition serves to enhance user orientation within the archival structure for accessing related information. Each particle is accompanied by an icon, providing clarity on whether a digital file is to be expected on the page.
The top-level details of the archive and the current item page are always displayed.
All breadcrumb elements are clickable, providing users with a clear and interactive view of the archive's structure.
Current status (2024)
Over the past year, as new versions and designs have been implemented, the information architecture I developed has remained the key foundation, supporting both design and development. This demonstrates the thoughtful and enduring approach taken in solving the project’s challenges.
Breadcrumbs
I.D.
Revised placeholder
Digital record placeholders
Logical record placeholders
