Discovery UX Recommendation - Spring 2019

Objective

Present a set of recommendations for improving the UX of CSU OneSearch 

Due date
 
Key outcomes
  • Adoption of recommendations by campuses
  • Communication of rationale for recommendations
Status

IN-PROGRESS

Problem Statement

Feedback from campus libraries and results of UX testing (as conducted by selected campuses) have revealed shortcomings in the user experience found within the OneSearch (Primo) interface.  

Scope

Offer custom features to improve UX of OneSearch. Some features will be implemented as defaults while others would be optional.

Feature
Description
Implement as
ComplexityImplementation TimelineComments

Add search links in left panel

Make it easier for libraries to insert links to other databases.

SJSU

CSUSM

CENTRAL OPTIONLOWAugust 2019This should be very easy to implement as a custom module -ZW
Display multiple locations within brief results

Much requested improvement that would highlight locations where an item is available.

 Click here to expand...

"The code for it is in the central package, http://onesearch.library.nd.edu/primo-explore/custom/CENTRAL_PACKAGE/js/custom.js, for the module customLocation."

ND Libraries Primo

Address "other locations" bug

Find out if campuses are in agreement to enable by default

NEEDS REVIEWTBD

Documentation is very difficult to locate or non-existent. Not sure how its activated or configured.

CPP Example

CSUSB Example

Pop-up 'tool tips' for facets

Provide helpful information for facet labels that are not readily understood by users.

University of Tennessee Libraries

LOCAL OPTIONHIGHImplement locallyThis is going to be very difficult, if not impossible. Their implementation is specifically hard coded for that item. This will probably need to have its own task force if we decide to implement it -ZW
Scopes dropdown on Primo home page

Highlights the availability of scopes.

Many CSU do not offer the scopes on the Primo home page. Users typically don't land on the Primo home page unless they click the New Search menu option.

DEFAULTLOWAugust-September 2019
This change could be made during the semester
+1 to this. - Ryan
Scope dropdown on the left

Highlights the availability of scopes.

CSU Chico

CSUDH

Impact on campuses with secondary scope dropdown?

CENTRAL OPTIONLOW

This will definitely cause issues for campuses with secondary scopes. It becomes very confusing, and it's probably best to keep them on the right. This could be implemented by default for all campuses except the ones with secondary dropdowns? -ZW

Agree with Zach. This should be an option only, with a commented warning that its best used with single scopes only. - Ryan

Secondary menu

Offer another horizontal menu in header region, in addition to built-in Primo header menu.

This allows for displaying additional menu items if needed.

Examples: 

CSUDH

CSUSM

LOCAL OPTIONHIGHImplement locally

This is going to be a huge headache, and will also probably need its own taskforce. Both of the example menus are very different, and there will be a lot of overhead in regards to maintenance and training for the campuses -ZW

This is probably best implemented as documentation on this wiki, presenting some options, rather than a central package configuration. - Ryan

Relocate Send To menu

Moves the send to menu to the top of the full record display to improve visibility and reduce clutter in the availability and description sections.

CSUSM

OPTIONMEDIUMAugust 2019If we implement this, it probably needs to just be an option for where it will be located so that campuses don't have to futz with javascript/css to reposition it. Another idea is to replace the side menu of the record display with the send to menu -ZW
Integrated chat pop-up

Make it easier for libraries to integrate chat widgets.

CSUDH

LOCAL OPTIONLOWImplement locally

I am not sure how this will be integrated, to be honest. Most campuses have different chat vendors, with different methods of opening the chat. We'll need to have a meeting to discuss this one -ZW

Yes, it's typically a drop-in bit of JS so we should leave it to individual campuses.

Again, I think this is best completed as documentation rather than configuration. - Ryan

Display 'didn't find what you're looking for panel' at the bottom of search results

Offer options for users to obtain assistance or search offer databases if they are not finding what the sources that they need for their research.


OPTIONLOWImplement locally

Looks like U Minn Libraries took it out. I like the idea of this, although maybe it would be hidden until the patron has gone through a certain number of pages? (Like 3-5 pages of results) -ZW

I had the wrong link for UMinn. They still offer the panel. - IC

Activate autocomplete for search keywords

Make it easier for libraries to activate this feature. Ensure campuses are aware of this functionality.  

CSUB

OPTIONLOWActivate locally

How does this get enabled? Is there a reason why it would not be wanted turned on? -ZW

Campuses need to check their Primo Back Office settings. - IC

Lock filter icon always visible

Users are most likely not aware of this function.

CSUSM

DEFAULTLOWAugust 2019+1. I think this should be an option, but defaulted as on. - Ryan
Add automated Alma/PCI downtime notice

Would be based on https://github.com/LincolnUniLTL/warningnote

NEEDS REVIEWLOWCan be implemented in the FallCan be centrally hosted and managed

Timeline

TBD

Milestones and deadlines

MilestoneOwnerDeadlineStatus
Draft recommendationIan Chan (Unlicensed) 

IN-PROGRESS

Request feedbackIan Chan (Unlicensed) IN-PROGRESS
Finalize recommendationIan Chan (Unlicensed) NOT STARTED
Create implementation timelineIan Chan (Unlicensed) NOT STARTED
Hand-off to implementation teamIan Chan (Unlicensed) NOT STARTED

Reference materials

Discovery UX Assessments to Review

Discovery UX Ideas

Primo UI Environmental Scan

CSU Survey of Primo UI