PAPAKILO DATABASE
Transforming fragmented archival research into one focused experience
PROJECT DETAILS
Tags:
A responsive redesign pof the Papakilo Database and its search function to provide users with a more usable experience accessing data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawai'i’s history.
MY ROLE
UX/UI Design
TIMELINE
Sept - Nov 2024
TOOLS
Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Zoom, Sheets
OVERVIEW
What is the Papakilo Database?
The Papakilo Database is an online repository created by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to serve as a valuable resource for regulatory agencies, OHA’s Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, and the general public. It provides access to important historical assets that document Hawai‘i’s important history and connects our people today to those in the past.
challenge
How might we design a streamlined, visually cohesive search experience for the Papakilo Database that minimizes information overload and allows users to efficiently explore Hawai‘i’s historical assets?
Solution
A responsive redesign of the Papakilo Database interface, transforming search and navigation into a seamless, user-friendly experience for efficient access to historical resources.
Redesign 01:
A new personalized user login experience
The current new user login is a standard login that doesn't offer areas of user personalization.
The redesign introduces a tailored experience, allowing users to prioritize content based on their preferences, making their browsing and search experience more efficient and relevant.
Before
After
Redesign 02:
Consolidating and streamlining the search experience
Currently, the search function is scattered across multiple tabs, leading to a fragmented user experience.
The redesign consolidates this into a singular, more prominent feature, making search functions clearer and easier for users to navigate.
Before
After
Redesign 03:
Optimized access to database partners
The current database partner list is a continuous, overwhelming block of text that causes cognitive overload.
The redesign breaks this information into digestible sections, allowing users to easily expand on details of the partners they’re interested in.
Before
After
Discovery
Competitive Analysis of Other Programs
To design a more optimized experience, I conducted a UX audit and competitive analysis of similar database programs, identifying key insights about their functionalities. Highlighted below are four key takeaways from my findings.
Provides users with a prominent, clear, and distinct search function.
Visual hierarchy gives varied interest into other aspects of the programs.
Vast use of imagery to supplement the content that is being displayed.
Advanced filter isolates cataloged criteria and isn't overwhelming.
Who are we designing for?
Understanding Potential Users
To capture user needs, goals, and pain points, persona "Kalani" was developed to give further understanding of key user motivations and challenges.
Information Architecture
Navigating the Papakilo Database
Using the user stories as a foundation, I designed three primary user journeys to illustrate how users will navigate the app to achieve each goals.
As a user, I want to be able to create an account that include databases I’m interested in so that I am given recommendations most relevant to me.
As a user, I want to be able to filter document information and save searches without needing to re-enter my search parameters each time.
As a user, I want to view the contact information of database partners if I need to contact them for additional information or assistance.
Design Phase
Low-Fidelity Sketches
These sketches served as the foundation for bringing the redesigned structure of the Papakilo Database to life.
Mid-Fidelity Phase
I refined the layout and functionality during the mid-fidelity stage, focusing on usability and aligning design with user needs.
Iteration
Validating Design Decisions
As I progressed into higher-fidelity phases, I conducted four user tests to validate functionality, observe navigation, and assess the intuitiveness of user flows. Highlighted are four key insights I identified for improvement.
01
Spacing between sections could be improved for better visual hierarchy.
02
More visual emphasis needs to be given to ‘latest updates’ section.
03
Spacing between sections could be improved for better visual hierarchy.
04
Clearer navigation pathways to better enhance overall experience.
Final Design
Whether users are prioritizing search functions or browsing through the program, the final redesign of the Papakilo Database streamlines user processes and prioritizes greater efficiency and logical structure.
This redesign enhances both usability and visual flow through three sections: user login, user search and filtering, access to database partners.
Branding and Identity
Papakilo Visual Style Guide
The visual style guide defines the key design principles and elements that shape the identity of the redesigned Papakilo Database.
Responsive Design
Designing for Breakpoints
The Papakilo Database is accessible across multiple web platforms. To ensure a seamless experience on all devices, I designed the interface with three key breakpoints in mind: mobile, tablet, and desktop. This approach ensures users receive a consistent experience across different screen sizes.
Reflection
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Redesigning the Papakilo Database was both challenging and rewarding, providing a chance to enhance usability and functionality. My experience with the site through my work at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs allowed me to approach the project from three key perspectives: user needs, design vision, and business goals. This mindset guided me as I addressed questions like, “How can I improve usability?” and “What kind of experience would I want as a user?”
This familiarity, however, also presented challenges, especially in reimagining a structure I was already used to. Balancing functionality with the cultural significance of preserving Hawaiʻi’s archival history required thoughtful consideration. Integrating usability with aesthetics was key to creating a design that honors cultural heritage.
Overall, I’m proud of the redesign compiled for phase one which addresses optimization of archival search features to enhance accessibility and simplify interactions with historical records. This project reinforced the value of balancing creativity with user and business needs to deliver meaningful, impactful improvements.
Next Steps?
There are still opportunities to expand the program's features. As ongoing project, the next step would be continue conducting more usability tests to enhance the foundation, meet with company stakeholders to identify additional target areas, and uncover further ways to streamline the user experience.