Overview
Redesigning the Dublin City Library app
As an avid reader and regular library user, I became increasingly frustrated with the current outdated Dublin City Council Library app.
The Problem
Outdated & cumbersome
Currently, the Dublin City Council Library app is lacking in vital features that a modern library needs, like being able to download and use ebooks and audiobooks. For these functions, library members need to download and sign-up to an entirely separate app, Borrowbox.
In addition to this, some aspects of the current Dublin City Library app and Borrowbox app are unintuitive, like using the self-checkout system at the library and browsing for books.
The Solution
Creating a modern library app
To improve the user experience, I decided to redesign the app, introducing some key features and quality-of-life improvements. My primary goals were to:
Make the interface more intuitive and user-friendly;
Integrate essential features, such as audiobook and ebook access, that are currently only available via the separate BorrowBox app;
Ensure the app is accessible and easy to use for all age groups;
Improve the visibility of the self-checkout function, as the current method for checking out books in person is unclear;
Add a discover feature so library members can easily browse books.
Design Process
Homescreen
The original library homescreen immediately overwhelmed the user with it’s bright blue-on-blue design. I wanted to create a simpler design that .
The new home page features include:
A quick summary at the top of the page, displaying how many books, audiobooks and ebooks you can currently loan.
A simple CTA button to allow you to check out a book using the self-service machines while at the library.
The users current books on loan are displayed, so that they can easily renew or return.
Design Process
Book Detail Screen
This screen gives the user more information on a library book. As a page with a lot of text and detail, it was important to keep the design simple and clean, using clear headings, a limited colour palette and lots of space between the different sections.
Design Process
Audiobook Player Screen
This screen allows a library member to play an audiobook that they’ve borrowed from the library. It was very important to me to include this feature in the re-design, as currently a library member needs to download a separate app, Borrowbox, to gain access to the library’s digital audiobooks.