Context
E-Link is a data repository for scientific and technical information (STI) sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE).
"E-Link facilitates the electronic submittal of STI between DOE and its client community including researchers, reviewers, research administrators, and others doing business with DOE. STI deliverables provided to DOE through E-Link are announced, as appropriate, on web products maintained by OSTI, which provide free and convenient public access to full text and bibliographic data of products resulting from DOE-funded research." - Source: E-LINK
Client: Department of Energy (DOE) - Office of Scientific and Technical Information
Role: UX/UI Design Intern
Team: Applications team members and backend developers
Timeline: Summer 2023
THE PROBLEM
Through conversations with three active E-LINK users, it became clear that:
The platform was outdated, having been created over two decades ago
It lagged behind contemporary data repositories
The system had become difficult to work with, leading to inefficient workflows
RESEARCH
User Groups
• Primary: Information Systems (IS) team - responsible for curation and enhancement
• Secondary: Lab members - submitting scientific and technical information (STI)
Benchmark Analysis
• Comparison with alternative repositories revealed:
• Modern repositories offer user-centric browsing experiences
• Industry standard features include mandatory user authentication
• Well-structured submission categories and consistent processes
Design Process
Implemented simplified color palette based on blue
Used Roboto font family for consistency with industry standards
Streamlined information architecture
Optimized search functionality for OSTI number lookups
GENERAL FLOW UI
SDFWEF
Submission