MMU Library app
Making books more convenient to borrow, this project was developed collaboratively with a team of designers. I led guerrilla testing and then focused on improvements based on the data I collected.
PROBLEM
Difficulty accessing and reserving library books.
Limited resources made students feel stressed and created unfair barriers, especially after the changes to the library. The MMU Library website added to their frustration because the booking systems were unclear, and staff had a hard time keeping up during exams.
Impact
-20% Reduced development costs - higher ROI early, low-cost testing helped uncover issues before full-scale development, preventing costly rework
PROTOTYPING - Key design decisions
Simplicity made the product familiar.
In-app into tutorial
A quick tutorial helps users get comfortable with the app.
Progress timeline
Stages show progress and reduce frustration from delays.
‘My Book’ sections
Categorized tags make it easier for users to navigate and manage multiple books.
TESTING
Guerrilla Testing Revealed How Real Users Interact
Recruiting Students
captured diverse perspectives and experience levels
High-traffic location
Observing students at busy areas
Feedback insides
uncovered hierarchy and clarity issues that weren’t visible in prototypes.
ANALYSING
Visual cues and familiar patterns are key to intuitive navigation
Laptop testing showed that users struggled with navigation and misread icons. It also emphasized the need to improve Fitts’s and Jakob’s Laws, focus on task flows, and maintain simple navigation as a strong point.
PROPOSED IMPROVMENTS
3 Changes Guided by Feedback
Navigation
Easier flows help users find their way.
Icons
Familiar designs reduce mistakes.
Accessibility
Support for all users
Conclusion
+20% reduced development costs
Early testing caught issues before anything went into full build, cutting rework and keeping the project lightweight.
Faster book-access for students
Simpler navigation and clearer task flows helped students reach the books they needed with fewer wrong taps.