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%.
Collection Loader
An automated migration tool that helped libraries and cultural institutions publish their digital collections at scale.
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 three 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
Tested a working prototype to measure interest in adopting the tool and ease of 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 — 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 including 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 the new product to gauge interest before committing to build.
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 shows how it interprets metadata from the user and allows them to make corrections before publishing.
Institution Collection Page
Another crucial step in the process is setting up how the collection will be presented to scholars. Here we explored what types of tools and context institutions would like to provide when a scholar visits their collection.
Early Adopter Program
Twenty-five institutions participated in overview sessions, while fifteen trialed the Collection Loader tool. Despite — and because — the tool being in active development throughout this program, participants provided valuable insights that directly shaped 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 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 — 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 the tool to publish over 100,000 items — exceeding adoption goals by more than 10%.
Internal Communication
A story of how the Collection Loader integrates with and enhances our products and services — created to align internal stakeholders ahead of launch.