Library Self-Checkout Desktop Application
I redesigned the UX/UI of my library's self-checkout system in order to make it easier for elderly and vision-impaired users to utilize. I also altered various features to make them more intuitive for all ages.
Issues With Current System:
1) Language is vague and confusing to patrons and error messages are accusatory in nature, putting patrons on the defensive.
2) Visual hierarchy is not intuitive/does not follow normal eye movement patterns. Patrons often have a hard time finding buttons/features they want because they have no idea where to look.
3) There are not enough "Back" or "Exit" buttons. Once the flow is begun, it pretty much has to be finished or time out so it can start over.
4) The user flow times out way too quickly, forcing patrons to begin the flow again if they hesitate to read the screen for more than five seconds. (I even had to rush taking my photos of the system for this example.)
5) Text within list items is incredibly small, leaving the entire screen inaccessible to users with vision impairment.
6) Overall the color scheme and font choices are outdated, leaving a UI that is not as readable or engaging as it could be.
What My Design Improves:
1) I altered the language of different prompts and visual feedback texts to make them more clear to the user. For example, I replaced "Invalid Patron" with "Incorrect PIN", to identify the issue and the fact it could be easily fixed by the user - rather than putting the user on the defensive and frustrating them by calling them "invalid".
2) I altered the visual hierarchy on each page so that features would follow normal patterns of eye movement. I also made better use of negative space on each page, so that the buttons aren't shoved against the sides of the screen while the middle of the page is left completely blank.
3) I added large "Back" and "Exit" buttons, and placed them exactly where users would expect to find them.
4) I eliminated all "timeout" functions within the user flow. The main demographic using this system is of an older age group, and I wanted my system to empathize with and factor in their need for patience while they ruminate.
5) I updated the font style and increased the sizing on all text within the system, while simultaneously keeping headings distinct from normal text. The result is maximized readability of all features within the checkout system.
6) I utilized the main color scheme consistent with the library's brand, while simultaneously ensuring my UI is ADA and WCAG compliant.
7) I added smooth transitions between pages, bringing the UX up to date and making the entire experience more engaging.
8) I added a warm greeting to the user and a "Thank You!" page at the end of the flow, to leave users feeling seen, recognized, and valued.
