Ritter Library
Wayfinding

Procedure:

• • Two researchers
  • Participant asked questions to complete the task

Process:

• • Welcome participant and explain the testing session
  • The participant signs a consent form and completes a demographic survey
  • Researcher calibrates eye-tracking software
  • The researcher asks questions and takes notes as the participant completes tasks within the library

Task Questions:

• 1. Where would you go to pickup a book?
  2. Locate the restroom.
  3. Suppose you had a tutoring appointment; where would you go to sign in?

Researcher Notes:

• • Establish distinct shapes and colors for each location to create a unique identity
  • Assign a unique visual character to each region
  • Utilize sightlines effectively for wayfinding
  • Design simple, intuitive paths that are easy to navigate
  • Incorporate landmarks for orientation
  • Avoid overwhelming with excessive information
  • Place signs strategically at decision points
  • Offer wall maps and printed materials for user guidance

Ritter Library Walkthrough:

• • Identify critical decision points
  • Discuss signage substrates and sizing for implementation
  • Address inconsistencies in floor names and introduce cola or-coded system for each floor
  • Collaborate with existing and developing signage to ensure seamless integration

Working with University Branding:

• • Adhered to existing University Brand Guidelines for signage decisions
  • Made choices on color coding and font selections in alignment with the established brand guidelines
  • Ensured the signage design conformed to the university’s visual identity standards
  • Prioritized consistency for a cohesive look on each floor:
    • Top Floor: CASA Blue
    • Main Floor: BW Orange
    • Entry Area: BW Russet
    • Ground Floor: BW Green

Drawing New Floor Directories:

• • Identified discrepancies in the current directory boards
  • Recognized existing boards were outdated
  • Worked to clarify new room numbers and configurations
  • Addressed the need for up-to-date information on the directory boards
  • Undertook corrective measures to ensure the boards reflected the current information

Quiet Study Area

Student Lounge

Undergraduate Study Room

Producing Mockups:

• • Created initial designs that were tiled and printed on office printers
  • Assembled the printed tiles by cutting and taping them together
  • Facilitated a visual preview of the concepts in the spaces
  • Conducted several revisions to assess the size, placement, and accuracy of information

Enhancing Accessibility:

• • Updated fire maps to reflect the current library layout
  • Added locations of fire extinguishers and the AED to the updated maps
  • Expanded the use of braille signs to mark permanent spaces
  • Customized braille signs to align with Ritter Library’s wayfinding system

Gathering Resources:

• • Study Room Reservations
  • Scheduling a CASA appointment
  • Appointment with a Librarian
  • Drop-In Tutoring
  • Baldwin Wallace University’s Library Catalog
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Coding the Kiosk:

• • CSS Styling
    • .box class
      • Background color, text alignments, border radius, position, and overflow behavior
    • Button Hover Effects
      • Correspond to links for appointments and reservations
  • JavaScript
    • Navigation
      • Prevents default link behavior when the dropdown menu is activated
      • Changes hamburger icon appearance for the menu list and close button

Testing the Kiosk:

• • Collected user-testing with graphic design students
  • Created several surveys
    • Pre-study questions with a media consent form
    • User experience questions
    • Post-study questions
  • Collected data on user response time

User Experience Test Questions:

• • Ask the participant to go back to the home screen after completion of each task
  • Recorded the amount of time to complete each task:
    • Reserve a study rooms
    • Schedule an appointment with CASA
    • Make a librarian appointment
    • Find today’s drop-in tutoring schedule
    • Search for books in BW Library Catalog
    • Access FAQ section

Website Features:

• • Bootstrap v5.3
  • One page site
  • Preliminary IRB testing conducted for Ritter Library’s wayfinding
  • Comprehensive research and findings gathered from the research phase
  • Plans outlined for implementing the library signage
  • Data on improving user navigation within the library

Before & Afters:

Here is a look at a few renovations to Ritter Library, including installing nine new directories and additional room signage, including the entry area glass panels.

Top Floor Directories: Before & After