UX Sparks
This is part of a regular series, highlighting research, stories, tools and other UX nuggets you can apply in the library (and elsewhere). Enjoy!
research
“UX Writing: The Case for User-Centric Language,” Alana Schroeder, Boxes and Arrows
Writing from the health care industry, Schroeder presents compelling examples of how their team adopted user-centric language and describes ways to discover user terminology and test your own language.
Most compellingly, Schroeder explains the importance of privileging user comprehension over strict accuracy — the next time someone says, “but that’s not what that word really means (to us)”, send them this article.
“Prominence-Interpretation Theory,” Therese Fessenden, Nielsen Norman Group
Fessenden describes the research behind a theory that helps explain how users determine site credibility, which involves two components: prominence (what users notice) and interpretation (what users judge about what they notice).
There’s also a case study, showing how you can use this theory to test your site’s design credibility. Authority and trust are key concerns for libraries, as information providers — do your students trust your website?
UX Myths, Zoltán Gócza and Zoltán Kollin
A fantastic compilation of misconceptions and myths related to UX work, backed by research and design leaders. If you’ve got a design team, this is great discussion material for building shared understandings.
tools
Diverse UI: free set of diverse user images, available for commercial or personal use
Really, everyone should be thinking about representation in research & design — super helpful resource for every step where you’re thinking about/designing for/talking about users.
