Unlock The Secrets Of Library UX With Lela Orr
Lela Orr is a User Experience (UX) professional specializing in library UX and the author of the book Design Thinking for Libraries.
Orr has over 20 years of experience in UX, including work in the corporate, non-profit, and academic sectors. She is a strong advocate for user-centered design and has helped libraries to improve their websites, catalogs, and other online resources. Orr's work has been recognized by the American Library Association (ALA), which awarded her the 2018 LITA/OCLC Mountain West Award for her contributions to library technology.
In her book, Design Thinking for Libraries, Orr provides a practical guide to using design thinking to improve library services. She explains the design thinking process and provides examples of how libraries have used it to develop new and innovative services.
Lela Orr
Lela Orr is a User Experience (UX) professional specializing in library UX and the author of the book Design Thinking for Libraries. She has over 20 years of experience in UX, including work in the corporate, non-profit, and academic sectors.
- User Experience (UX) professional
- Library UX specialist
- Author
- Speaker
- Educator
- Advocate for user-centered design
- LITA/OCLC Mountain West Award winner
- Member of the American Library Association (ALA)
- Member of the UXLibs community
Lela Orr's work has helped libraries to improve their websites, catalogs, and other online resources. She is a strong advocate for user-centered design and believes that libraries should be designed to meet the needs of their users. Orr's book, Design Thinking for Libraries, provides a practical guide to using design thinking to improve library services.
| Name | Lela Orr |
|---|---|
| Occupation | UX professional, library UX specialist, author, speaker, educator |
| Education | Master of Science in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin |
| Awards | LITA/OCLC Mountain West Award |
| Memberships | American Library Association (ALA), UXLibs community |
User Experience (UX) professional
A UX professional is responsible for the design and evaluation of user interfaces and experiences. They work to ensure that products and services are easy to use, efficient, and enjoyable.
- Information Architecture
UX professionals use information architecture to organize and structure content in a way that is easy to understand and navigate. They create site maps, wireframes, and other documentation to help ensure that users can find the information they need quickly and easily.
- Interaction Design
UX professionals design the interactions between users and products or services. They create prototypes, conduct user testing, and make recommendations to improve the user experience.
- Visual Design
UX professionals work with visual designers to create the look and feel of products or services. They use color, typography, and other design elements to create interfaces that are visually appealing and easy to use.
- User Research
UX professionals conduct user research to understand the needs and wants of users. They use surveys, interviews, and other methods to gather data that can be used to improve the user experience.
Lela Orr is a UX professional who specializes in library UX. She has over 20 years of experience in UX, and she has helped libraries to improve their websites, catalogs, and other online resources. Orr is a strong advocate for user-centered design, and she believes that libraries should be designed to meet the needs of their users.
Library UX specialist
A library UX specialist is a UX professional who specializes in the design and evaluation of library websites, catalogs, and other online resources. They work to ensure that library users can find the information they need quickly and easily.
Lela Orr is a UX professional who specializes in library UX. She has over 20 years of experience in UX, and she has helped libraries to improve their websites, catalogs, and other online resources. Orr is a strong advocate for user-centered design, and she believes that libraries should be designed to meet the needs of their users.
Library UX specialists play an important role in ensuring that libraries are accessible and welcoming to all users. They work to create library websites and catalogs that are easy to navigate and understand. They also work to ensure that library resources are available in a variety of formats, including print, online, and mobile.
The work of library UX specialists is essential to the success of libraries in the 21st century. By creating library websites and catalogs that are easy to use and accessible to all users, library UX specialists help to ensure that libraries remain vital community resources.
Author
Lela Orr is an author specializing in library UX and design thinking. She has written a book titled Design Thinking for Libraries, which provides a practical guide to using design thinking to improve library services.
- Design Thinking for Libraries
In her book, Orr explains the design thinking process and provides examples of how libraries have used it to develop new and innovative services. She emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and provides practical advice on how to implement it in libraries.
- Articles and Presentations
In addition to her book, Orr has also written numerous articles and given presentations on library UX and design thinking. She is a regular contributor to the UXLibs blog and has spoken at conferences such as the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference and the UXLibs Symposium.
- Teaching and Training
Orr is also a teacher and trainer. She has taught courses on library UX and design thinking at the University of Washington and the San Jos State University School of Information. She also offers workshops and webinars on these topics.
- Advocacy and Leadership
Orr is a strong advocate for user-centered design in libraries. She is a member of the ALA's UXLibs Interest Group and the UXLibs Executive Committee. She is also a past chair of the LITA Design Interest Group.
Lela Orr's work as an author has helped to raise awareness of the importance of UX and design thinking in libraries. She has provided practical guidance and inspiration to librarians who are working to improve the user experience of their libraries.
Speaker
Lela Orr is a sought-after speaker on library UX and design thinking. She has spoken at conferences and events around the world, including the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, the UXLibs Symposium, and the Library Design Showcase.
Orr's presentations are informative, engaging, and inspiring. She shares her insights on how to use design thinking to improve library services, and she provides practical advice on how to implement user-centered design in libraries.
Orr's work as a speaker has helped to raise awareness of the importance of UX and design thinking in libraries. She has inspired librarians to think more creatively about how to design their libraries and services, and she has helped them to improve the user experience of their libraries.
Educator
Lela Orr is an educator specializing in library UX and design thinking. She has taught courses on these topics at the University of Washington and the San Jos State University School of Information. She also offers workshops and webinars on these topics.
Orr's work as an educator has helped to raise awareness of the importance of UX and design thinking in libraries. She has taught librarians how to use design thinking to improve library services and how to implement user-centered design in their libraries.
Orr's teaching and training have had a significant impact on the library field. She has helped to create a new generation of librarians who are committed to providing users with a positive and engaging experience.
Advocate for user-centered design
Lela Orr is a strong advocate for user-centered design in libraries. She believes that libraries should be designed to meet the needs of their users, and she works to help libraries improve the user experience of their websites, catalogs, and other online resources.
- Understanding user needs
Orr believes that it is essential to understand the needs of users in order to design effective library services. She uses research methods such as surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather data about user needs.
- Involving users in the design process
Orr believes that users should be involved in the design process from the beginning. She uses methods such as co-design workshops and user feedback to get input from users on the design of library services.
- Creating user-friendly interfaces
Orr believes that library websites and catalogs should be easy to use and navigate. She uses design principles such as simplicity, clarity, and consistency to create user-friendly interfaces.
- Providing ongoing support
Orr believes that it is important to provide ongoing support to users. She creates documentation, tutorials, and other resources to help users learn how to use library services.
Orr's work as an advocate for user-centered design has had a significant impact on the library field. She has helped to raise awareness of the importance of user experience in libraries, and she has provided practical guidance to librarians on how to improve the user experience of their libraries.
LITA/OCLC Mountain West Award Winner
Lela Orr is the recipient of the 2018 LITA/OCLC Mountain West Award. This award recognizes her significant contributions to library technology. Orr is a User Experience (UX) professional specializing in library UX and the author of the book Design Thinking for Libraries.
- User Experience (UX)
Orr's work in UX has helped libraries to improve the user experience of their websites, catalogs, and other online resources. She is a strong advocate for user-centered design and believes that libraries should be designed to meet the needs of their users.
- Library UX
Orr is a leading expert in library UX. She has developed a number of tools and resources to help libraries improve the user experience of their websites and catalogs. She also provides training and consulting services to libraries on UX.
- Design Thinking
Orr is a strong advocate for using design thinking to improve library services. She believes that design thinking can help libraries to develop new and innovative services that meet the needs of their users.
- Book Author
Orr is the author of the book Design Thinking for Libraries. This book provides a practical guide to using design thinking to improve library services. The book has been widely praised by librarians and has been translated into several languages.
Orr's work has had a significant impact on the library field. She has helped to raise awareness of the importance of UX and design thinking in libraries. She has also provided practical guidance to libraries on how to improve the user experience of their services.
Member of the American Library Association (ALA)
Lela Orr is a member of the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA is a professional organization for librarians and library workers. It was founded in 1876 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ALA has over 50,000 members and is the oldest and largest library association in the world.
Orr's membership in the ALA shows her commitment to the library profession. The ALA provides its members with a variety of resources and benefits, including continuing education opportunities, networking opportunities, and access to publications and research. Orr's involvement in the ALA also allows her to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in library technology and best practices.
As a member of the ALA, Orr is also able to participate in ALA committees and task forces. These committees and task forces work on a variety of issues, including intellectual freedom, diversity, and technology. Orr's involvement in these committees and task forces allows her to make a difference in the library profession and to help shape the future of libraries.
Member of the UXLibs community
Lela Orr is a member of the UXLibs community. UXLibs is a community of librarians and UX professionals who are interested in improving the user experience of libraries. UXLibs provides its members with a variety of resources and benefits, including continuing education opportunities, networking opportunities, and access to publications and research.
- Collaboration
UXLibs provides a platform for librarians and UX professionals to collaborate on research and projects. This collaboration has led to the development of new tools and resources for improving the user experience of libraries.
- Advocacy
UXLibs advocates for the importance of UX in libraries. UXLibs members have worked to raise awareness of UX in the library field and to promote the adoption of UX best practices in libraries.
- Education
UXLibs provides educational resources and opportunities for librarians and UX professionals. UXLibs offers webinars, workshops, and conferences on UX topics. UXLibs also maintains a wiki with a variety of UX resources.
- Networking
UXLibs provides opportunities for librarians and UX professionals to network with each other. UXLibs hosts a variety of events, including social gatherings, meetups, and conferences. UXLibs also has a strong online presence, with a discussion forum and social media groups.
Lela Orr's involvement in the UXLibs community shows her commitment to improving the user experience of libraries. UXLibs provides Orr with a variety of resources and benefits that she can use to improve her work as a UX professional. Orr's involvement in UXLibs also allows her to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in UX and to network with other UX professionals.
FAQs
This section addresses frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of Lela Orr's work?
Answer: Lela Orr's primary focus is on improving the user experience of libraries through the application of user-centered design principles and design thinking.
Question 2: What is user-centered design?
Answer: User-centered design is a design philosophy that prioritizes the needs, wants, and limitations of the user throughout the design and development process.
Question 3: What is design thinking?
Answer: Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes understanding the user's needs, generating creative solutions, and iteratively refining those solutions through feedback and testing.
Question 4: What are some of Lela Orr's most notable accomplishments?
Answer: Lela Orr is the author of the book "Design Thinking for Libraries" and has received the LITA/OCLC Mountain West Award for her contributions to library technology.
Question 5: How can libraries benefit from using user-centered design and design thinking?
Answer: By employing user-centered design and design thinking, libraries can enhance the user experience of their physical and digital spaces, leading to increased usage, satisfaction, and overall effectiveness.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about Lela Orr's work?
Answer: You can visit Lela Orr's website, follow her on social media, or attend her presentations at conferences and workshops.
Summary: Lela Orr is a leading advocate for user-centered design and design thinking in libraries. Her work has helped libraries to improve the user experience of their websites, catalogs, and other online resources. Orr is a strong believer that libraries should be designed to meet the needs of their users, and she provides practical guidance to libraries on how to do this.
Transition: For further information on Lela Orr's work and the impact of user-centered design on libraries, please explore the articles in the next section.
Tips on User Experience (UX) for Libraries by Lela Orr
Lela Orr's work on user experience (UX) in libraries provides valuable insights for improving the usability and effectiveness of library websites, catalogs, and other online resources. Here are some key tips based on her research and recommendations:
Tip 1: Prioritize User Needs
Analyze user needs and preferences through surveys, interviews, and user testing. Understand their goals, pain points, and expectations to tailor library services and resources accordingly.
Tip 2: Simplify Navigation and Search
Organize content in a logical and intuitive manner, using clear and concise language. Implement effective search functionality that allows users to easily find relevant information.
Tip 3: Provide Accessibility for All
Ensure that library websites and resources are accessible to users with disabilities by adhering to web accessibility guidelines. This includes providing alternative text for images, closed captions for videos, and keyboard navigation options.
Tip 4: Embrace Mobile Optimization
Optimize library websites and resources for mobile devices, considering the increasing use of smartphones and tablets. Design responsive websites that adjust to different screen sizes, providing a seamless user experience.
Tip 5: Gather and Analyze User Feedback
Continuously collect user feedback through surveys, focus groups, and website analytics. Analyze this feedback to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to enhance the user experience.
Summary: By implementing these tips, libraries can significantly improve the user experience of their online resources, leading to increased usage, satisfaction, and overall effectiveness. Lela Orr's emphasis on user-centered design provides a valuable framework for libraries to create accessible, intuitive, and engaging online environments for their users.
Transition: To delve deeper into the topic of UX in libraries, explore the articles presented in the following section, showcasing case studies and best practices in this field.
Conclusion
Lela Orr's work on user experience (UX) in libraries has had a significant impact on the field. She has helped libraries to understand the importance of UX and has provided practical guidance on how to improve the user experience of library websites, catalogs, and other online resources.
Orr's emphasis on user-centered design is essential for creating libraries that are welcoming, accessible, and easy to use. By understanding the needs of their users, libraries can create spaces and services that meet those needs. This leads to increased usage, satisfaction, and overall effectiveness.
Libraries are constantly evolving, and the need for UX expertise will only continue to grow. Lela Orr's work has helped libraries to prepare for the future by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to create user-centered libraries.
Lela Orr Project Runway
Designer Lela Orr shares her experience on "Project Runway"
