Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 2018-2020
Internal, department-only resource
No auto-indexing makes information-seeking inefficient, leading users to abandon searches without solutions
Content migrated from past systems without processing, thus system is cluttered with out-of-date information
Users report discomfort with "programming-heavy" interface
Combined observations of user information-seeking behaviors and conversations with stakeholders to define list of requirements
Researched and tested potential systems and presented shortlist to stakeholders
Auto-indexing makes information readily apparent and easily accessible
Only up-to-date information is migrated
Alternate page view structures support diverse information-seeking needs and behaviors
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 2017-2018
Internal, user-facing resource
Originally contained 5+ outdated versions of each software application, including programs Whitehead no longer licensed
Installation instructions were often multiple paragraphs due to unnecessary information
Frequent user feedback that they could not find or identify correct, up-to-date information
Simplified homepage with clear navigation
Streamlined application pages with current versions and platform-specific information
Minimum critical information in user-accessible language
The Albert M. Greenfield Center for the History of Women's Education, 2014
Platform must be able to emphasize multi-linearity of the subject. Omeka was the standard program at the time, but Omeka was strictly linear system.
Platform needed to have a variety of page layouts, navigation methods, and supported media types
Needed to highlight and contrast minimal materials found in archives with generous donations of information and materials from individuals