YEREVAN, Armenia — The AGBU Papazian Library at the American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to share that Tatevik Zargaryan, head of Systems and E-Services at the Library, recently published an article in the Herald of the Armenian Library Association, the open access journal of the Armenian Library Association that focuses on library and information sciences in Armenia.
The article outlines the Library’s efforts to redesign its website to enhance user experience using Design Thinking methodologies. This approach involved understanding user behaviors through surveys and Google Analytics, which were then used to create a User Journey Map and User Personas, helping identify key challenges and opportunities for improvement.
One of the central findings was that students often engage with academic research only in the later stages of their studies, which underscores the importance of integrating research into their learning paths early on. To address this, the redesign prioritizes making the search feature more visible and accessible, creating engaging content to highlight the benefits of academic research, and promoting library resources over tools like ChatGPT.
“I used the Design Thinking methodology to emphasize how libraries can better understand and empathize with their users to create digital experiences that truly meet their needs,” Zargaryan explained. Prototyping tools like Figma were employed to visualize and refine the website’s layout and user flows, ensuring changes are user-driven and practical.
The redesigned website, set to launch in Fall 2025, aims to foster a culture of research and critical thinking while improving accessibility and usability. These improvements are part of the Library’s broader mission to support education and research through innovative, user-centered solutions.
The full article is available online.The insights gained from this project are expected to guide the Library’s future initiatives and set a benchmark for digital transformation in academic libraries.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.