An Integrated Search Experience for Libraries in Higher Education cover

An Integrated Search Experience for Libraries in Higher Education

Reimagined library's search experience by implementing intuitive catalog navigation, transforming how students and faculty access research resources.

Role
UX/UI Designer, UX Engineer
Year
2023 - 2024
Team
2 Product Managers, and 1 Software Engineer
Platform
Web Application

Project at a Glance

Reimagining library search to simplify access to academic resources

The UMD Libraries' catalog system migration necessitated updates to the search experience on the main website. User research revealed that the existing bento-style search results created confusion among users. Based on these findings, the redesign focused on streamlining the search journey and restructuring result presentation to align with user needs and research patterns.

Problem

Multiple search tools with overlapping functionality created cognitive overload, while the bento-style results layout fragmented the user experience and hindered efficient resource discovery.

Solution

A unified search interface serves as the intuitive entry point on the homepage, maintaining the bento-style results while changing the default search to the new catalog system. This adjustment reduces cognitive load and guides users more effectively through their research process.

Impact

Increased search success rate from 22% to 81% and improved user satisfaction by over 60%.

For a detailed look at our design process, research findings, and implementation journey.

Figma Slide

Case Study Design Deck

The libraries search redesign is now live. Explore the new interface and functionality.

Live Product

UMD Libraries Homepage

The new design system is releasing May 2026 — the interface may be updated, but the overall search experience and user flow will remain the same.