Library Site Revision
Problem
I originally developed a design as part of a class project a few years ago. I decided that it was a perfect project to redevelop using my experience and AI software. I used Chat GPT for any body copy needed instead of using Lorem Ipsum and Mid Journey AI to create concepts.
The project’s goal was to revamp the site design for a community library.
Actions
Discover/ Define
Initially, to better understand what a typical user needs a library website requires, I researched previous studies' literature and reports on how people use online library services. To that end, I reviewed reports such as the pew research report Library Services in the Digital Age. The report delved into what patrons used the library most and what online services were the most used.
Additionally, I reviewed the Arlington Public Library and Ft. Worth's plans for library improvements for their respective cities. Each city implemented studies into the demographics of their respective communities and assessments on what patrons liked most with their sites. I used Arlington's patron inquiries to develop interview questions for their staff at their South West and Lake Arlington branches.
Example: Persona
Design
Using what I previously research for the project as a basis. I performed competitive research on other library websites to see what had changed since the last time and if there were new additions I needed to account for. I also used Mid Journey to develop different concept designs and decided on the bottom left image, as shown below.
I chose it for a few reasons: I liked the more rural feel with the colors and the idea of having most of the controls on the left-hand side, like how it would appear on mobile. When I thought of the word community, I immediately thought of a more rural or rustic feeling. Not old but more earthy, which is why it jumped out to me.
I used Chat GPT to develop the body copy instead of Lorum Ipsum to give a more realistic feeling and to create a more believable name for the fictitious library.
Example: Mid Journey site concepts
Results
Lessons Learned
Based on my experience with the development of re-designing, the following are some of the lessons I learned:
When appropriately used, Chat GPT or any other chat-based API is excellent for developing body copy and helps sell the design to potential clients—allowing them to see a more fully realized site.
Using Mid Journey as a brainstorming tool is extremely helpful in generating ideas quickly to get something on the page sooner and get feedback faster.