Collection Loader

Summary

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%.

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TL;DR

Goal

Create a simple and intuitive tool for libraries and cultural institutions to publish their digital collections for wider reach

Process

Design sprint

The core product team spent 3 full days together, focused on problem definition and solution ideation

Concept Test

Tested low fidelity concepts to encourage candid feedback and spontaneous suggestions

Usability test

of a working prototype to measure interest in adopting the tool and ease use

Early Adopter Program

25 institutions participated in overview sessions and trialed the Collection Loader tool

Design sprint

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.

Low fidelity concept test

Marketing email

The marketing email was crucial for testing. We needed to provide a realistic preview of what our new product to gauge interest.

Starting point

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.

User control

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.

Institution Collection Page

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

Early adopter program

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.

  • Aligned the product design closer to the needs of the user
  • Pinpointed critical pre-launch issues for resolution
  • Validated workflow, design, and opportunities for improvement
  • Created an FAQ to equip the support and onboarding teams

“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

Launch

350+ institutions have utilized our tool to publish 100,000 items