Cornel University
Redesigning Cornell
Library for Clarity and
Scale
Cornell University Library– Redesign
Lead UX/UI designer/Wordpress Developer
Tools: Adobe XD, Sketch App, Optimal Workshop, Wordpress
SUMMARY
Cornell University Library (CUL) underwent a comprehensive redesign aimed at improving user access to the Library's extensive resources. I served as Lead UX Designer and Front-End Developer on the project, leading a team effort that spanned from deep user research to implementing a scalable, user-friendly content management system. Our goal was to design a more intuitive and engaging experience for students, faculty, and staff while providing content editors with tools to manage the site effectively. This was a rare opportunity to start from the ground up and rethink not only the interface but also how the Library’s digital ecosystem functions.
PROCESS
We began by collecting existing user research. While some survey data and feedback logs existed, these proved too general for our needs. The Library had been gathering user comments for years—mostly focused on usability challenges—but we needed more actionable insights.
We started with a short survey on the website to understand user intent and information needs. Unfortunately, the response rate was too low to draw meaningful conclusions. To supplement this, we leaned into web analytics via Google Analytics and Matomo. We built over 30 custom reports and used Google Data Studio to visualize and analyze site behavior, reviewing data across all 18 unit libraries
Meeting Users, Stakeholders & Auditing Content
To dig deeper, we planned a series of interviews with students and staff. But first, we conducted comparative analysis, reviewing dozens of university library websites. We analyzed how they handled catalog integration, navigation structures, visual aesthetics, and service discovery tools.
Next, we hosted interviews and workshops with students (undergrads, grads, researchers) and departments (communications, collections, assessment, and more). These sessions yielded more than 500 observations.
To make sense of this data, we used affinity mapping to identify user needs and pain points.
Major UX Problems Identified:
Major UX Problems Identified:
Search was confusing and fragmented between the library catalog and site.
Navigation was unclear, making it hard for users to find services.
Spaces and equipment booking lacked clarity.
Users didn’t know where or how to ask for help.
Many were unaware of available services and tools.
Services were scattered across pages and departments.
Content Audit
To support restructuring, we audited over 450 content items: pages, sections, forms, and file types. We documented content ownership, departmental relevance, views, and more. Then, we ran open, closed, and hybrid card-sorting exercises with users.
Using dendrograms, standardization grids, and similarity matrix tools, we defined a clearer, more intuitive structure for the site.
Information Architecture
Using insights from our card-sorting exercises, we crafted a new three-tier information architecture for the CUL website. This streamlined structure reduced unnecessary levels of navigation and grouped content into four intuitive top-level sections: Libraries, Research, Help, Study, Collections, Services, and About the Library
The goal was simple: make it easier for any user—whether a first-year student or seasoned researcher—to find what they need quickly and confidently.
To validate the IA, we ran a Treejack test to assess content findability. We asked users to complete a series of tasks using our proposed structure to understand if they could locate key information easily and efficiently.
With over 30 participants, we reached an ideal sample size for this kind of test. The responses helped us pinpoint friction areas and highlighted what parts of the navigation were intuitive—and which weren’t.
Results showed that only 50% of participants completed the assigned tasks successfully. While the number wasn’t ideal, it revealed valuable insights about user behavior.
We dove into the analytics: reviewing direct vs. indirect paths, drop-off points, and hesitation moments. This allowed us to identify specific sections and labels that needed refinement to better support user expectations.
In one of the key tasks, our path destination analysis revealed the following out of 31 participants:
- 19 used the expected path
- 9 followed an alternate—but still successful—route
- 3 chose the wrong path entirely
This breakdown highlighted that while a majority of users could find what they needed, there were still moments of hesitation and confusion. It indicated that further refinement was needed—particularly in how we labeled and positioned key items within the navigation.
These findings gave us clear, actionable feedback on where the architecture was working and where it needed clarity. More importantly, it helped us move beyond assumptions and validate our structure with real user behavior.
User Flows, Task Flows & Wireframes
Once we had a clear understanding of user needs and a validated architecture, we turned our attention to the design of the experience itself.
We began by mapping detailed user and task flows to capture how different audiences—students, researchers, staff—would interact with the site. These flows informed our first set of low-fidelity wireframes, which focused on the homepage, key landing pages, and core library services.
Rather than jumping straight into visual polish, we used these early sketches to explore layout, hierarchy, and structure. They gave us a fast way to test assumptions and share ideas with collaborators.
As the direction took shape, we evolved these wireframes into high-fidelity interactive prototypes. This step was critical—not just for internal alignment, but for validating usability with real users. Through iterative testing and stakeholder feedback, we ensured that each screen was not only functional and on-brand but genuinely intuitive to the people who relied on the library most.
Visual Design
We started with explorations of the homepage, aiming to reflect Cornell’s brand while creating a distinct voice for the Library. We created over a dozen visual options and tested three finalists using a 5-second test via OptimalWorkshop.
Participants:
52% Students | 30% Library Staff | 13% University Staff | 4% Faculty
We collected 138 qualitative observations and 73 unique tags.
Key Takeaways:
- Design #1 was most successful: clean, organized, intuitive.
- Users valued quick access to library tools and open hours.
- There was less interest in promotional or marketing content.
After completing the visual testing, I refined the selected homepage design based on user feedback and began developing visual concepts for several key interior pages. This phase focused on aligning layout, hierarchy, and tone across the broader experience—ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the site.
Once the initial designs were in place, I conducted iterative reviews with stakeholders across departments. Their feedback helped shape both functional priorities and content needs, which I incorporated into successive rounds of refinement.
With the core screens established, I shifted focus to designing a modular UI component library. These components—buttons, menus, forms, and content blocks—were built for flexibility and scalability, laying the groundwork for a cohesive design system that could easily support future development.
Development
Building a Scalable Platform Alongside UX and visual work, I developed a custom, responsive WordPress theme to support content flexibility, accessibility, and future growth.
Custom Features Built:
- A filterable staff directory
- A browsable space finder with availability logic
- A real-time library availability display
- Modular layout components editable by content owners
To ensure accessibility compliance, I conducted a comprehensive audit using Siteimprove, achieving a 98% accessibility score and full conformance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Outcomes
Quantitative:
30% faster access to course reserves
40% decrease in user drop-off at homepage
20% increase in Ask-a-Librarian tool usage
Qualitative:
“I finally know where to start.”
“I can book a space in 30 seconds now.”
“It feels like this site was made for how we actually use the library.”
Reflection
This project was more than a redesign—it was a rearchitecture of information, trust, and usability. I’m proud of the balance between research depth, visual clarity, and hands-on implementation.
By owning both the design and build, I was able to deliver a seamless, scalable solution grounded in real user needs. The result is a system that will support Cornell students, staff, and faculty for years to come.
Manolo is a talented and accomplished UX designer. He has worked on many site to create intuitive and user-friendly experiences that are also aesthetically pleasing. At Cornell University Library he has taken leadership roles in successful projects to redesign both our suite of unit library websites, and the central library website. He keeps abreast of the latest developments in UX research, UX design and front-end technologies. He is also a versatile engineer who can step beyond the traditional confines of UX work to tackle related infrastructure issues.
Simeon Warner
Associate University Librarian and Director of Library IT at Cornell University
Cornel University
Redesigning Cornell
Library for Clarity and Scale
Cornell University Library– Redesign
Lead UX/UI designer/Wordpress Developer
Tools: Adobe XD, Sketch App, Optimal Workshop, Wordpress
SUMMARY
Cornell University Library (CUL) underwent a comprehensive redesign aimed at improving user access to the Library's extensive resources. I served as Lead UX Designer and Front-End Developer on the project, leading a team effort that spanned from deep user research to implementing a scalable, user-friendly content management system. Our goal was to design a more intuitive and engaging experience for students, faculty, and staff while providing content editors with tools to manage the site effectively. This was a rare opportunity to start from the ground up and rethink not only the interface but also how the Library’s digital ecosystem functions.
PROCESS
We began by collecting existing user research. While some survey data and feedback logs existed, these proved too general for our needs. The Library had been gathering user comments for years—mostly focused on usability challenges—but we needed more actionable insights.
We started with a short survey on the website to understand user intent and information needs. Unfortunately, the response rate was too low to draw meaningful conclusions. To supplement this, we leaned into web analytics via Google Analytics and Matomo. We built over 30 custom reports and used Google Data Studio to visualize and analyze site behavior, reviewing data across all 18 unit libraries
Meeting Users, Stakeholders & Auditing Content
To dig deeper, we planned a series of interviews with students and staff. But first, we conducted comparative analysis, reviewing dozens of university library websites. We analyzed how they handled catalog integration, navigation structures, visual aesthetics, and service discovery tools.
Next, we hosted interviews and workshops with students (undergrads, grads, researchers) and departments (communications, collections, assessment, and more). These sessions yielded more than 500 observations.
To make sense of this data, we used affinity mapping to identify user needs and pain points.
Major UX Problems Identified:
Major UX Problems Identified:
Search was confusing and fragmented between the library catalog and site.
Navigation was unclear, making it hard for users to find services.
Spaces and equipment booking lacked clarity.
Users didn’t know where or how to ask for help.
Many were unaware of available services and tools.
Services were scattered across pages and departments.
Content Audit
To support restructuring, we audited over 450 content items: pages, sections, forms, and file types. We documented content ownership, departmental relevance, views, and more. Then, we ran open, closed, and hybrid card-sorting exercises with users.
Using dendrograms, standardization grids, and similarity matrix tools, we defined a clearer, more intuitive structure for the site.
Information Architecture
Using insights from our card-sorting exercises, we crafted a new three-tier information architecture for the CUL website. This streamlined structure reduced unnecessary levels of navigation and grouped content into four intuitive top-level sections: Libraries, Research, Help, Study, Collections, Services, and About the Library
The goal was simple: make it easier for any user—whether a first-year student or seasoned researcher—to find what they need quickly and confidently.
To validate the IA, we ran a Treejack test to assess content findability. We asked users to complete a series of tasks using our proposed structure to understand if they could locate key information easily and efficiently.
With over 30 participants, we reached an ideal sample size for this kind of test. The responses helped us pinpoint friction areas and highlighted what parts of the navigation were intuitive—and which weren’t.
Results showed that only 50% of participants completed the assigned tasks successfully. While the number wasn’t ideal, it revealed valuable insights about user behavior.
We dove into the analytics: reviewing direct vs. indirect paths, drop-off points, and hesitation moments. This allowed us to identify specific sections and labels that needed refinement to better support user expectations.
In one of the key tasks, our path destination analysis revealed the following out of 31 participants:
- 19 used the expected path
- 9 followed an alternate—but still successful—route
- 3 chose the wrong path entirely
This breakdown highlighted that while a majority of users could find what they needed, there were still moments of hesitation and confusion. It indicated that further refinement was needed—particularly in how we labeled and positioned key items within the navigation.
These findings gave us clear, actionable feedback on where the architecture was working and where it needed clarity. More importantly, it helped us move beyond assumptions and validate our structure with real user behavior.
User Flows, Task Flows & Wireframes
Once we had a clear understanding of user needs and a validated architecture, we turned our attention to the design of the experience itself.
We began by mapping detailed user and task flows to capture how different audiences—students, researchers, staff—would interact with the site. These flows informed our first set of low-fidelity wireframes, which focused on the homepage, key landing pages, and core library services.
Rather than jumping straight into visual polish, we used these early sketches to explore layout, hierarchy, and structure. They gave us a fast way to test assumptions and share ideas with collaborators.
As the direction took shape, we evolved these wireframes into high-fidelity interactive prototypes. This step was critical—not just for internal alignment, but for validating usability with real users. Through iterative testing and stakeholder feedback, we ensured that each screen was not only functional and on-brand but genuinely intuitive to the people who relied on the library most.
Visual Design
We started with explorations of the homepage, aiming to reflect Cornell’s brand while creating a distinct voice for the Library. We created over a dozen visual options and tested three finalists using a 5-second test via OptimalWorkshop.
Participants:
52% Students | 30% Library Staff | 13% University Staff | 4% Faculty
We collected 138 qualitative observations and 73 unique tags.
Key Takeaways:
- Design #1 was most successful: clean, organized, intuitive.
- Users valued quick access to library tools and open hours.
- There was less interest in promotional or marketing content.
After completing the visual testing, I refined the selected homepage design based on user feedback and began developing visual concepts for several key interior pages. This phase focused on aligning layout, hierarchy, and tone across the broader experience—ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the site.
Once the initial designs were in place, I conducted iterative reviews with stakeholders across departments. Their feedback helped shape both functional priorities and content needs, which I incorporated into successive rounds of refinement.
With the core screens established, I shifted focus to designing a modular UI component library. These components—buttons, menus, forms, and content blocks—were built for flexibility and scalability, laying the groundwork for a cohesive design system that could easily support future development.
Development
Building a Scalable Platform Alongside UX and visual work, I developed a custom, responsive WordPress theme to support content flexibility, accessibility, and future growth.
Custom Features Built:
- A filterable staff directory
- A browsable space finder with availability logic
- A real-time library availability display
- Modular layout components editable by content owners
To ensure accessibility compliance, I conducted a comprehensive audit using Siteimprove, achieving a 98% accessibility score and full conformance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Outcomes
Quantitative:
30% faster access to course reserves
40% decrease in user drop-off at homepage
20% increase in Ask-a-Librarian tool usage
Qualitative:
“I finally know where to start.”
“I can book a space in 30 seconds now.”
“It feels like this site was made for how we actually use the library.”
Reflection
This project was more than a redesign—it was a rearchitecture of information, trust, and usability. I’m proud of the balance between research depth, visual clarity, and hands-on implementation.
By owning both the design and build, I was able to deliver a seamless, scalable solution grounded in real user needs. The result is a system that will support Cornell students, staff, and faculty for years to come.
Manolo is a talented and accomplished UX designer. He has worked on many site to create intuitive and user-friendly experiences that are also aesthetically pleasing. At Cornell University Library he has taken leadership roles in successful projects to redesign both our suite of unit library websites, and the central library website. He keeps abreast of the latest developments in UX research, UX design and front-end technologies. He is also a versatile engineer who can step beyond the traditional confines of UX work to tackle related infrastructure issues.
Simeon Warner
Associate University Librarian and Director of Library IT at Cornell University
Cornel University
Redesigning Cornell
Library for Clarity and Scale
Cornell University Library– Redesign
Lead UX/UI designer/Wordpress Developer
Tools: Adobe XD, Sketch App, Optimal Workshop, Wordpress
SUMMARY
Cornell University Library (CUL) underwent a comprehensive redesign aimed at improving user access to the Library's extensive resources. I served as Lead UX Designer and Front-End Developer on the project, leading a team effort that spanned from deep user research to implementing a scalable, user-friendly content management system. Our goal was to design a more intuitive and engaging experience for students, faculty, and staff while providing content editors with tools to manage the site effectively. This was a rare opportunity to start from the ground up and rethink not only the interface but also how the Library’s digital ecosystem functions.
PROCESS
We began by collecting existing user research. While some survey data and feedback logs existed, these proved too general for our needs. The Library had been gathering user comments for years—mostly focused on usability challenges—but we needed more actionable insights.
We started with a short survey on the website to understand user intent and information needs. Unfortunately, the response rate was too low to draw meaningful conclusions. To supplement this, we leaned into web analytics via Google Analytics and Matomo. We built over 30 custom reports and used Google Data Studio to visualize and analyze site behavior, reviewing data across all 18 unit libraries
Meeting Users, Stakeholders & Auditing Content
To dig deeper, we planned a series of interviews with students and staff. But first, we conducted comparative analysis, reviewing dozens of university library websites. We analyzed how they handled catalog integration, navigation structures, visual aesthetics, and service discovery tools.
Next, we hosted interviews and workshops with students (undergrads, grads, researchers) and departments (communications, collections, assessment, and more). These sessions yielded more than 500 observations.
To make sense of this data, we used affinity mapping to identify user needs and pain points.
Major UX Problems Identified:
Major UX Problems Identified:
Search was confusing and fragmented between the library catalog and site.
Navigation was unclear, making it hard for users to find services.
Spaces and equipment booking lacked clarity.
Users didn’t know where or how to ask for help.
Many were unaware of available services and tools.
Services were scattered across pages and departments.
Content Audit
To support restructuring, we audited over 450 content items: pages, sections, forms, and file types. We documented content ownership, departmental relevance, views, and more. Then, we ran open, closed, and hybrid card-sorting exercises with users.
Using dendrograms, standardization grids, and similarity matrix tools, we defined a clearer, more intuitive structure for the site.
Information Architecture
Using insights from our card-sorting exercises, we crafted a new three-tier information architecture for the CUL website. This streamlined structure reduced unnecessary levels of navigation and grouped content into four intuitive top-level sections: Libraries, Research, Help, Study, Collections, Services, and About the Library
The goal was simple: make it easier for any user—whether a first-year student or seasoned researcher—to find what they need quickly and confidently.
To validate the IA, we ran a Treejack test to assess content findability. We asked users to complete a series of tasks using our proposed structure to understand if they could locate key information easily and efficiently.
With over 30 participants, we reached an ideal sample size for this kind of test. The responses helped us pinpoint friction areas and highlighted what parts of the navigation were intuitive—and which weren’t.
Results showed that only 50% of participants completed the assigned tasks successfully. While the number wasn’t ideal, it revealed valuable insights about user behavior.
We dove into the analytics: reviewing direct vs. indirect paths, drop-off points, and hesitation moments. This allowed us to identify specific sections and labels that needed refinement to better support user expectations.
In one of the key tasks, our path destination analysis revealed the following out of 31 participants:
- 19 used the expected path
- 9 followed an alternate—but still successful—route
- 3 chose the wrong path entirely
This breakdown highlighted that while a majority of users could find what they needed, there were still moments of hesitation and confusion. It indicated that further refinement was needed—particularly in how we labeled and positioned key items within the navigation.
These findings gave us clear, actionable feedback on where the architecture was working and where it needed clarity. More importantly, it helped us move beyond assumptions and validate our structure with real user behavior.
User Flows, Task Flows & Wireframes
Once we had a clear understanding of user needs and a validated architecture, we turned our attention to the design of the experience itself.
We began by mapping detailed user and task flows to capture how different audiences—students, researchers, staff—would interact with the site. These flows informed our first set of low-fidelity wireframes, which focused on the homepage, key landing pages, and core library services.
Rather than jumping straight into visual polish, we used these early sketches to explore layout, hierarchy, and structure. They gave us a fast way to test assumptions and share ideas with collaborators.
As the direction took shape, we evolved these wireframes into high-fidelity interactive prototypes. This step was critical—not just for internal alignment, but for validating usability with real users. Through iterative testing and stakeholder feedback, we ensured that each screen was not only functional and on-brand but genuinely intuitive to the people who relied on the library most.
Visual Design
We started with explorations of the homepage, aiming to reflect Cornell’s brand while creating a distinct voice for the Library. We created over a dozen visual options and tested three finalists using a 5-second test via OptimalWorkshop.
Participants:
52% Students | 30% Library Staff | 13% University Staff | 4% Faculty
We collected 138 qualitative observations and 73 unique tags.
Key Takeaways:
- Design #1 was most successful: clean, organized, intuitive.
- Users valued quick access to library tools and open hours.
- There was less interest in promotional or marketing content.
After completing the visual testing, I refined the selected homepage design based on user feedback and began developing visual concepts for several key interior pages. This phase focused on aligning layout, hierarchy, and tone across the broader experience—ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the site.
Once the initial designs were in place, I conducted iterative reviews with stakeholders across departments. Their feedback helped shape both functional priorities and content needs, which I incorporated into successive rounds of refinement.
With the core screens established, I shifted focus to designing a modular UI component library. These components—buttons, menus, forms, and content blocks—were built for flexibility and scalability, laying the groundwork for a cohesive design system that could easily support future development.
Development
Building a Scalable Platform Alongside UX and visual work, I developed a custom, responsive WordPress theme to support content flexibility, accessibility, and future growth.
Custom Features Built:
- A filterable staff directory
- A browsable space finder with availability logic
- A real-time library availability display
- Modular layout components editable by content owners
To ensure accessibility compliance, I conducted a comprehensive audit using Siteimprove, achieving a 98% accessibility score and full conformance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Outcomes
Quantitative:
30% faster access to course reserves
40% decrease in user drop-off at homepage
20% increase in Ask-a-Librarian tool usage
Qualitative:
“I finally know where to start.”
“I can book a space in 30 seconds now.”
“It feels like this site was made for how we actually use the library.”
Reflection
This project was more than a redesign—it was a rearchitecture of information, trust, and usability. I’m proud of the balance between research depth, visual clarity, and hands-on implementation.
By owning both the design and build, I was able to deliver a seamless, scalable solution grounded in real user needs. The result is a system that will support Cornell students, staff, and faculty for years to come.
Manolo is a talented and accomplished UX designer. He has worked on many site to create intuitive and user-friendly experiences that are also aesthetically pleasing. At Cornell University Library he has taken leadership roles in successful projects to redesign both our suite of unit library websites, and the central library website. He keeps abreast of the latest developments in UX research, UX design and front-end technologies. He is also a versatile engineer who can step beyond the traditional confines of UX work to tackle related infrastructure issues.
Simeon Warner
Associate University Librarian and Director of Library IT at Cornell University