Fraser Library Equipment
Improving equipment discovery, navigation, and overall usability for SFU SIAT students.
Role
UI/UX Designer & Researcher
Client Facilitator
Team
Jasper Ling (Me)
3 Peers
Duration
Spring 2024 Semester
January 2024 - April 2024
Context
The SIAT Equipment Booking System is an online tool for Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus students to borrow equipment such as cameras, microphones, and lighting kits. The system is outdated, lacks images, descriptions, and due dates, and requires manual intervention from library staff. This project aimed to improve the usability and efficiency of the system to better support SIAT students and reduce user confusion.
Research
We conducted client interviews with Fraser Library administrators and a participatory workshop to understand pain points, along with a usability study involving 8 SIAT students who had prior experience using the system. Our team also performed a heuristic evaluation using Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics and analyzed competitor library systems in Metro Vancouver. Research revealed key issues including unclear renewal processes, missing equipment descriptions, and confusing booking flows, which informed our redesign approach.
Redesign
The redesign focused on creating an intuitive, user-friendly interface with clear visual hierarchy, item images, and due dates. We implemented new pages for booking history, on-holds, and equipment details, added anchor filters for easier navigation, and designed alert banners for renewal instructions. Competitive analysis and participant feedback guided the design to align with familiar public library UI patterns while addressing SIAT-specific needs. Usability testing of the prototype validated these design decisions.
Impact
Post-redesign usability testing showed significant improvement in user satisfaction, shifting participants’ perceptions from poor and fair to good and excellent. Users praised the clear layout, images, and enhanced navigability, and recommended the system to peers. Key issues such as renewal visibility and booking clarity were addressed with visual cues and alerts. Overall, the redesign achieved a 167% increase in usability scores, demonstrating a measurable impact on user experience and engagement.
