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User Experience Resources

This page is a collection of resources for learning more about user experience, library UX, usability evaluation, design, or anything else pertinent.

Last updated February 26, 2016

Books

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Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug (2014)

A good introduction to usability for Web & mobile, this book is often given to those learning to get a start in user experience or its related fields. Very well-written and easy to understand.

Available from UNC Libraries both in print and electronically. Previous editions also available.

 

rocketRocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug (2010)

Another well-written introductory book by Krug. Covers usability testing, the basics of running a test, how to interpret results, & how to make changes.

Available from UNC Libraries in print.

 

 

enginUsability Engineering by Jakob Nielsen (1993)

One of usability guru Nielsen’s seminal works. Goes in-depth on the definitions and meanings of usability & how to evaluate it. More academic and technical than other books on this list, but recommended for its depth.

Available from UNC Libraries in print.

 

 

ixdInteraction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction by Rogers, Sharp, & Preece (2011)

A textbook used for interaction design, human-computer interaction, and user interface design courses. Covers many topics from cognition to usability to evaluation. A great book for any UX library.

Available from UNC Libraries in print. Previous editions also available.

 

uxlibUser Experience (UX) Design for Libraries by Aaron Schmidt & Amanda Etches

A thin & lightweight book written specifically for librarians wishing to implement user experience concepts into their service. Quick read, easy to pick up.

Available from UNC Libraries in print.

 

 

Web

    • Nielsen Norman Group – NN/g is a UX consulting & research firm that regularly publishes articles showcasing the work they do. Jakob Nielsen’s famous newsletter, Alertbox, is found here.

 

    • Usability.gov – A site from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, provided as a resource for usability testing, evaluation, & a range of other topics.

 

    • UX Myths – A collected list of common myths that still exist in the UX field with appropriate references.

 

Tools

    • Optimal Workshop – Web-based usability testing software providing a suite of 4 tools that can be delivered remotely to users within a survey. The 4 tools include tree testing, online card sorting, first click testing, and note taking.

      A free plan is available.

    • Qualtrics – A robust survey tool that lets you build, distribute, and analyze survey results in one place.

      Available at UNC via a campus-wide license.

    • Optimizely – Web-based A/B testing tool that assists in making data-driven decisions about updates to your library site based on user interactions.
    • balsamiq – Quickly create wireframes and mockups of new website designs and online tools.

      A free version is available for do-gooders.

    • LibWizard – From the creators of LibGuides, this tool allows you to create surveys, forms, quizzes, and interactive tutorials.