User Research Center

What We Do

The User Research Center (URC) at Harvard Library started as a traditional usability lab and now is a hub for the library's user-centered design, digital accessibility, and testing. We work collaboratively both remotely and on site to improve the usability and accessibility of Harvard Library websites. We also consult on service design and space assessment projects. 

Work with us to:

• Get advice from experts on best practices on user experience (UX) projects.
• Recruit students from our participant pool for remote or in-person user testing.
• Plan and execute library UX research studies.
• Learn from previous studies and attend online events. 

Expertise in UX & Accessibility Tools & Technology

Our staff can advise on how to:

• Use Zoom for remote user research like interviews, usability testing, and focus groups.
• Test for accessibility with screen readers like JAWS, VoiceOver, and NVDA.
• Choose the right UX tools like Miro, Marvel, and Sketch. 
• Create effective surveys in Qualtrics.

Collaborators

We work closely with teams from Harvard Web Publishing and Digital Accessibility Services.