Improving Public Access to Knowledge by Enhancing Searchability and Trust
I redesigned the structure and layout to improve content discovery, reduce cognitive load, and better support both research-oriented and casual users.
UX/UI Design
3 weeks
Redesigned NYPL website and mobile app to improve searchability, aiming at better public access for readers across different generations.
Final Design
Improved searchability
Easily find the book you want with improved search and discoverability—then quickly understand its format and availability at a glance.
Clear search feature
Jump straight into your search. No more guessing where the search bar is, since it’s now front and center.
Event Directory
Additional event directory to categorize and easily navigate to local events happening near you.
A Renowned Institution Facing Modern Challenges
As the 5th largest library system in the world, the New York Public Library serves millions of readers across 92 locations. Despite its iconic status and cultural significance, the NYPL continues to face chronic funding shortages—making strategic, user-centered digital design more crucial than ever to reach and retain its diverse audience.
Translating mission into core tasks
The New York Public Library exists to provide access to knowledge, foster lifelong learning, and support civic engagement. Grounded in these three values, I identified two essential user goals to focus on in this redesign:
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Finding a book and placing a hold – the most fundamental service for readers across all demographics
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Exploring local events – a key way NYPL builds community and promotes learning beyond books
These tasks reflect the library’s mission while highlighting areas where better digital support can enhance both usability and impact.
Listening to the readers at the heart of NYPL
To better understand how real users engage with the NYPL website, I conducted 1:1 interviews with three key user types: a frequent branch visitor, an e-book reader, and a first-time site user.
Each had unique goals—but shared one thing in common: friction when accessing resources they care about.
From hidden features to overwhelming navigation, the findings revealed how even loyal readers can struggle in a digital space that doesn’t match NYPL’s offline excellence.
Diagnosing the gaps in NYPL’s digital experience
To lay the groundwork for redesign, I conducted a UX-focused evaluation of NYPL’s current website. By analyzing task flows, interface structure, and usability pain points, I identified where users were likely to drop off or feel overwhelmed. This early audit, paired with user interviews and heuristic review, helped me spot recurring friction—especially around discoverability, clarity, and task continuity—guiding where to focus the redesign efforts.
What readers struggle with most
Through user interviews and UX evaluation, I identified recurring issues across both mobile and web experiences. Whether searching for a book or registering for an event, users encountered unnecessary friction caused by visual clutter, unclear labels, and fragmented pathways. These problems not only slowed task completion but also eroded trust and confidence in the platform—especially for loyal library users expecting a more intuitive experience.
Mapping UX fixes across the reader journey
After identifying usability pain points through UX audit and user interviews, I mapped out where small but strategic UX interventions could make a difference across the user journey. This map highlights not just what was wrong—but where, when, and how I responded through design.
From reducing friction in the book discovery flow to improving search visibility and filter clarity, each touchpoint connects directly to a user need uncovered during research.
Narrow down the design direction
I conducted a small usability test with peers. I was looking to test clarity and comprehension of the different features. Based on preference testing, I was able to narrow down the design direction.
Designing through feedback loops
I iterated based on insights from preference testing and qualitative feedback. I refined the layout, visual hierarchy, and interaction patterns to ensure a smooth, more intuitive experience across both desktop and mobile.
Redesigning for clarity, access, and engagement
With users in mind, the redesigned NYPL experience removes friction and brings core features—like book search and event discovery—front and center. From simplifying filters to surfacing relevant content visually, the new interface makes it easier for New Yorkers to explore what the library has to offer, no matter their digital familiarity.
Where It Landed
This project was completed as part of an academic brief, and while it didn’t launch publicly, it opened doors for future iteration and collaboration. If given more time, I would:
• Conduct in-person testing with library visitors to evaluate the intuitiveness of the new flows
• Collaborate with NYPL’s digital team to align design with backend feasibility and user privacy standards
Ultimately, this project reaffirmed how design can help cultural institutions like the NYPL serve the public with greater clarity and accessibility—especially in an increasingly digital world.
What did I learn from this project?
Designing for Public Access Requires Empathy
As a frequent NYPL user myself, this project felt personal. It reminded me that even institutional platforms need human-centered design—especially when serving such a diverse public. Understanding how people search for knowledge helped me prioritize clarity, structure, and accessibility.
Small Navigation Details Make a Big Impact
Working on search filters, category labeling, and layout reinforced how even subtle tweaks can reduce cognitive load and build user trust. Knowing firsthand how frustrating unclear navigation can be made the design process more thoughtful—and more fun.