Directed the end-to-end creation and launch of a new automated migration tool from initial concept to product rollout. 350+ institutions have utilized this tool to publish 100,000+ items, exceeding adoption goals by over 10%.
Create a simple and intuitive tool for libraries and cultural institutions to publish their digital collections for wider reach
The core product team spent 3 full days together, focused on problem definition and solution ideation
Tested low fidelity concepts to encourage candid feedback and spontaneous suggestions
of a working prototype to measure interest in adopting the tool and ease use
25 institutions participated in overview sessions and trialed the Collection Loader tool
I created an initial concept for user validation by synthesizing sprint outputs, which included identifying key risks, focus areas, and design principles. This was done in close collaboration with the core product team (Product Manager, UX Researcher, four Engineers, and myself) and with input from experts like a Metadata Librarian and Data Governance Director.
The marketing email was crucial for testing. We needed to provide a realistic preview of what our new product to gauge interest.
To understand how potential users wanted to begin using the Collection Loader, we showed side-by-side options of two approaches. Would they prefer starting from the overall structure and themes, or focus instead on the media objects and metadata?
This comparative format sparked a valuable dialogue about the merits of each and gave us tangible insights into real user preferences.
Mapping metadata is arguably one of the most important steps in the publishing process.
The system is showing how it interprets the metadata from the user and allows them to make changes.
Another crucial step in the process is to set up how the collection will be presented to scholars. Here we explored what types of tools and context they would like to provide a scholar when visiting their collection
Twenty five institutions participated in overview sessions, while fifteen institutions trialed the Collection Loader tool.
Despite—and because—the Collection Loader tool being in development throughout this program, participants provided valuable insights that informed product and development priorities.
“This process is amazing for us. I used to use CONTENTdm and would set it up to upload overnight. I could do the same [with Collection Loader]— load it at the end of day. This works for us! Donors complain: Why isn’t it up? And here I have control.” —Megan, Southwestern University
350+ institutions have utilized our tool to publish 100,000 items
A story of how the new Collection Loader will integrate and enhance our products and services
