Library signage design
The University of Arizona Libraries
My Roles: UX researcher/ Designer of Book Stack Signage
2025
Background
Effective signage plays an important role in helping people navigate and engage with a space, but this was a significant challenge at the University of Arizona Libraries. The original wayfinding signs, which were designed during the early stages of the library’s construction, were functional but limited.
Over time, additional signs were added by different people and departments, which resulted in inconsistent and incomplete guidance. The most significant issue was that these signs were designed by staff for staff, without considering the needs of students and other library users. This project presented an opportunity to rethink and redesign the signage to make it more cohesive, clear, and helpful for everyone who uses the library.
Research Methods
Usability Testing: We conducted usability testing at the beginning of the project to identify key issues and gather baseline data, and then two additional sessions after developing prototypes to evaluate their effectiveness.
Interactive Activity (Talkback Boards): We used talkback boards to gather additional input directly from users. This method gave us good insights on users’ thoughts, preferences, and suggestions.
Survey: To find and learn about the users of certain materials like microfilms.
Constraints
Stack signage is changed frequently, so the updating process should be simple and flexible.
The design should be easy to use and modify. Staff responsible for updating the signs do not have access to specialized software or extensive training.
The responsibility for updating signs may shift to different team members, therefore the process should be accessible and require minimal training.
The department in charge of maintenance and updates prints everything in black and white, which must be taken into account in the design.
Impact
My design for the book stack signage is currently in the implementation phase. After conducting two rounds of usability testing with various user groups and revising the signs multiple times, I created a version that users found easy to update, accessible, clear. The new signs are delivering all the information that was previously missing.
Comparing time-to-task with the previous signage revealed a significant improvement in the speed of findability of books, and qualitative data from the usability testing further demonstrated a positive impact on the clarity of the process and ease of use for users.
A usability testing session with a student on the first prototype of signs for book stacks.