Streamlining the Helmet.fi homepage with more breathing room, clearly defined content blocks, and a UI with a minimal, yet friendly feel.
#website #UI #UX #publicsector
Summary:
Helmet.fi receives around 17 million visitors every year. It's the largest public electronic library in the Nordics.
Skills:
+ UI Design
+ User Experience
+ Content Design
+ User Research
Tools:
+ Figma
Date
December 2022
Helmet is a Finnish public library network jointly managed by four cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, and Vantaa. The Helmet network offers the largest public electronic library in the Nordic countries. Their website receives around 17 million visitors every year. In 2012, Helmet was found to be the 2nd most valued online brand in Finland, second only to Google.
This case study is largely based on my own experience using Helmet services. I was also able to ask several personal contacts for user feedback, given how the site is so widely used.
Problems
The starting point was an information-dense website where it was difficult to locate the library's basic services, and the correct information and resources. Many elements were repeated constantly, probably so that users wouldn't miss them.
Scope of work
I decided to introduce a lot more breathing room, clearly defined sections, and a better-organized footer section.
Continuity was particularly important in this project. Since the library is used by all kinds of people, the new homepage needed to remain somewhat recognizable for accessibility purposes.
Final Design
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the initial lofi wireframes and the final product:
Detail shots
The design I propose features more explicit homepage sections: Browse, Opening hours, News, Events, Help Guides, New Arrivals, and About Helmet.
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