Reimagined library's search experience by implementing intuitive catalog navigation, transforming how students and faculty access research 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.
Multiple search tools with overlapping functionality created cognitive overload, while the bento-style results layout fragmented the user experience and hindered efficient resource discovery.
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.
Increased search success rate from 22% to 81% and improved user satisfaction by over 60%.
For a detailed look at the design process, research findings, and implementation, checkout the case study design deck below.
Figma Slide
Case Study Design Deck
The libraries search redesign is now live. Explore the search interface and functionality.
Live Product
UMD Libraries Homepage
The new design system is aimed to release mid-2026 — the interface may be updated, but the overall search experience and user flow will remain the same.
