Collection Search

Improving the collection search experience with lean user research and actionable design recommendations

 

Project

UX Research & Design /
Wellcome Collection

Responsibilities

User story mapping, facilitation of project kickoff and ideation workshops, popup research, feature prioritization

 

The Wellcome Collection is a museum and library attracting over 700,000 visitors per year. After launching a MVP version of the site search for text-based materials (e.g. books, documents, ephemera), we discovered users were struggling with the quality of results.

While the data team worked to improve search relevance, we decided to provide ways for users to better filter their results by quickly delivering a series of small enhancements. The goal was to define a search filtering model that prioritised the key use cases and scale for additional materials to be added to the database. 

 

“I’m looking for public health records for the early 1900s. I want ways to narrow the results to a specific time period.”

– Research participant

 

Process

  • Facilitated the project kickoff with a focus on user stories and mapping.

  • Conducted several rounds of popup research as our team progressed through development to provide timely user feedback and guide product direction.

  • Evaluated the concepts with users but also enquired to gain deeper insights how they use filters during their search process.

  • Worked closely with Product Management to narrow concepts and prioritise the feature set by identifying key user needs for experienced vs. novice researchers.

 

Research Methods

  • Pop-up research with working prototypes

  • Series of 1:1 intercept interviews with library visitors

 
 
 
 

Outcome

Provided much needed user feedback in a timely manner to make product decisions.

  • Identified different user needs based on the mode of search and experience level. 

  • Led rapid debrief sessions with the team to discuss key learnings and potential solutions for development.

  • Provided stoplight report for search functionalities to help with feature prioritization