Reimagining Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Website for a Better, More Accessible Future
Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) is one of the largest and most respected public library systems in the U.S., serving over 1.2 million residents across 27 branches in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. As a vital community hub, CCPL offers books, digital media, educational programs, and public services that foster lifelong learning, accessibility, and engagement.
Visit CCPL’s Website:
Project Timeline
2019 – 2021
My Role
Lead UX Designer + User Researcher
Target Audience
Cuyahoga County Residents + CCPL Employees
Industry
Education, Non-Profit + Government Services
Project Overview
CCPL set out to modernize its digital presence, partnering with branding agency Little Jacket for visual identity and digital agency The Refinery—where I served as Lead UX Designer—for a full website overhaul. The goal was to create a visually cohesive, highly functional, and accessible site for 1.2 million residents. Leading UX research, design, and testing, I delivered a flexible, component-based website that improved usability, navigation, and accessibility.
Solving Real Challenges
CCPL’s outdated website made it difficult for users to find information, navigate services, and access key resources. As the Lead UX Designer and Researcher, I identified core pain points and implemented research-driven solutions to create a more accessible, user-friendly experience while collaborating closely with designers and developers.
Challenge #1 — Outdated Website with Limited Flexibility
The Challenge
CCPL’s website was outdated, hard to update, and lacked the flexibility needed for ongoing content management. Hardcoded pages made it difficult for the team to make updates without developer intervention, and the site struggled with broken third-party integrations and accessibility issues.
The Solutions
Component-Based Wireframes – Designed a flexible, component-driven system that allowed CCPL to easily create and modify pages without technical expertise.
Craft CMS Integration – Implemented Craft CMS, giving the CCPL team full control over content updates while maintaining a structured and scalable system.
Accessibility Audit & Fixes – Conducted a full WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance review, addressing contrast, font legibility, keyboard navigation, and other critical accessibility issues.
Third-Party Integration Review – Identified and replaced broken or outdated integrations, improving functionality for catalog search, booking systems, program registration and necessary third-party integrations.
Challenge #2 — Users Struggled to Find Key Information
The Challenge
Library visitors found it difficult to locate essential information like branch hours, event details, and room reservations. The sitemap lacked clear categorization, leading to frustration and increased support inquiries.
The Solution
Sitemap Redesign & Tree Testing – Conducted an in-depth content audit and restructured the sitemap to improve navigation. Used Optimal Workshop’s Tree Testing with real users to validate content organization.
User-Centered Content Strategy – Developed a content hierarchy based on user feedback, ensuring that frequently searched items were prioritized and easy to access.
Navigation Enhancements – Introduced a more intuitive menu system with clear categories, improving discoverability of key resources.
Challenge #3 — Poor Mobile Experience & Accessibility Barriers
The Challenge
The previous website was not mobile-friendly, making it difficult for users to browse the catalog, register for events, or access resources on smaller screens. Additionally, accessibility issues created barriers for users with disabilities.
The Solution
Mobile-First Design – Designed and tested responsive wireframes, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices.
WCAG Compliance Review – Conducted usability testing with individuals using assistive technologies, refining designs to improve contrast, text legibility, and interactive elements.
Streamlined Event Registration – Optimized the event sign-up process for mobile users, reducing friction in reserving spots for programs and workshops.
Challenge #4 — Inconsistent Branding & User Interface
The Challenge
With the introduction of a new brand identity from Little Jacket, the website needed a design overhaul to reflect CCPL’s refreshed visual identity while maintaining usability and clarity.
The Solution
Seamless Branding Integration – Translated the new visual identity into a functional, accessible, and cohesive digital experience.
UI Design System – Developed a scalable design system with reusable components, ensuring brand consistency across all pages.
Prototype Testing – Created interactive prototypes in Adobe XD and tested with real users to refine the interface and ensure clarity in design elements.
Tools + Technologies Used
Adobe XD
Wireframes, Prototypes + User Flows
Figma
UI Design
Optimal Workshop
User Research (Surveys + Usability Testing)
Google Docs
User Research
Google Sheets
User Research + Information Architecture
Basecamp
Communication + Project Management
Craft CMS
Content Management System (CMS)
Final Thoughts
As the Lead UX Designer and User Researcher on this project, I prioritized a data-driven, user-centered approach to solve CCPL’s challenges. By integrating stakeholder insights, analytics, and rigorous user testing, we delivered a website that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional and accessible. The redesigned CCPL website now offers a seamless experience for users of all abilities while providing staff with a powerful, easy-to-manage content system. This project stands as a testament to how thoughtful UX design can enhance public services and empower communities.
David's Portfolio 