Innovative Data-Driven Methods to Improve Digital User Experience

Abstract

This article is a conference proceeding for the 8th International Conference on Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries. Digital user experience (DUX) is a combination of art and science. From an artistic point of view, DUX should provide a simple, clean and engaging web or mobile interface. In order to design such an artistic interface which guarantees the best user experience, scientific user research must be conducted to better understand users’ needs, their motivation to use websites, as well as their web behavior. This paper explores qualitative and quantitative user research methods in each DUX stage in order to build excellent user experience on the library website. In general, DUX is comprised of 6 stages: planning, user research, design, development, launch, and quality control. At Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library, a variety of qualitative and quantitative usability research was conducted in different settings. This, along with data from Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools, were used before launch in order to know the users. After launch, user experience research was conducted during multiple library instructional sessions to ensure that users had a good experience on the website. This paper addresses diverse user research methods and discuss tools used during DUX research conducted from January 2014 to December 2015. In addition, the paper will compare pros and cons of DUX methods; discuss practical tips on how to apply data gathered from user research to design and improve websites; and share lessons learned such as DUX research planning, challenges, and effective methods in each DUX stage.