A CMS optimized for public libraries that allows them to create custom layouts with integrated content from their catalog & events.
After two initial versions of the product Version 3 was kicked off in 2017, and we have been in the process of designing, building, and launching it ever since. This version utilizes a page builder to offer the libraries more control over their page layouts and more customization of their styles.
We started off with brainstorming where the project could go - how could we better serve our clients and their users, how would we be able to execute the project.
We also investigated what client needs weren't being currently met, which components could use updates, and where opportunities were for more configurations.
a. We held interviews with 7 of our existing V2 clients to find out more about their teams, workflows, content organization methods, and where their major pinpoints were.
I created documents for each library, documenting key points that helped guide us towards a solution that held their needs in mind.
b. I performed a market analysis of other page builders to identify best practices and pinpoint which features we should look into offering.
The staff interface is housed in a customized version of Wordpress, offering content creation options that better suite libraries.
I worked closely with the project managers and developers to establish a new taxonomy structure that would help the library's collections and services be more discoverable by their patrons.
We made several custom modules for libraries to use in their page layouts.
Each of our libraries have different styles for how they want to present their content, so each of the modules have to be able to work with varying content and style configurations.
They also have to work in a variety of column width and responsive screen sizes.
When designing each module, I would test out the style with a variety of configurations and sizes to make sure the design worked in any of the variation offered.
These configurations are then documented in detail so that the developers and QA understand in full how the design should look in any configuration.
With the amount of configurations offered, it's important to show our clients what's possible with BiblioWeb V3.
These designs were created to be approachable, informative, and engaging so that they would strongly emulate what library patrons experience when they visit a library branch.
