User Interface Design for Federated Searching Mike Visser

User Interface Design for Federated Searching Mike Visser, Product Manager Endeavor March 16, 2005

Session overview < < The importance of usability Usability and the right search experience Why federated searching Libraries and usability testing

Usability Defined < A measurement of: < < < An interface’s overall ease of use The efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction with which end users achieve their goals A focus on: < < < Usefulness Ease of use Ease of learning

Usability at Endeavor < Endeavor’s Usability Initiative < < Usability work to date < < < It’s all about understanding the end user Elsevier User Centered Design (UCD) group Usability testing in partnership with customers Design and testing of 3 different systems With over 80 individual end users At 12 institutions across 3 countries More planned for 2005 and beyond Translates into user-focused interfaces

ENCompass UI Project < Redesign of the ENCompass interface < < A collaborative effort < < Focus on end user needs in federated searching Elsevier User Centered Design group University of Rochester Libraries Loyola/Notre Dame Library An iterative process < < Design, test, validate Rinse and repeat

A Virtuous Cycle

Feedback from Students < Over half access the library from home/dorm < < They want a basic search that’s basic < < Google, anyone? Advanced features for those who need them Difficulty distinguishing between information resources < < Would rather research without visiting the library High level of frustration Better labeling and signposts Wanted: Productivity tools

Libraries and usability < Libraries are information storehouses < < Uniquely positioned for usability testing < < Representative users at your fingertips Space for connecting with them The IT resources necessary for testing Drive the discussion < < Tremendous resources, multiple access points Understand, Design, Evaluate Endeavor guide to usability testing < http: //www. endinfosys. com/usability. htm

Conclusion < A focus on usability gives us: < < < A greater understanding of end users An opportunity to effect change Better, more usable interfaces Happier and more successful end users … And it’s (relatively) easy to do