Image Services:
User Guides & Best Practices
Enhance the clarity and efficiency of image handling, scanning and editing methods at the Image Services department at the University of Toronto.
- Education
- University of Toronto
- Adobe Photoshop, EPSON Scan, EPSON V850, VueScan, SilverFast, Nikon CoolScan 9000, Miro
- I was responsible for researching best archival practices, testing equipment and software, and writing user research guides as part of building better and consistent image services.
Image Services
Image Services maintains the Art History Department's extensive 35mm slide collection, and provides the following services to students and faculty:
- Digital imaging, including scanning and photography
- Image sourcing
- Image software consultation and basic tutorials
- Audiovisual equipment for classroom use
- Room and A/V booking requests
- Setup for classes and special events
There lacked clear consistency, instructions and independent support.
As Image Technicians often operate independently, ensuring they have comprehensive resources for their tasks is crucial. Recognizing the need for established best practices, I initiated the creation of user guides to provide clear instructions and support. Understanding the need for consistency in achieving archival quality, I conducted extensive testing on various machines and software, aiming to identify the most effective tools and methods for our workflows.
What employees wanted
- Understand the useful functionalities of various hardware and software that they have access to.
- Quick answers during tasks when working independently.
- Meet archival standards and best practices.
What the Visual Resource Curator wanted
- A thorough assessment of the hardware and software at hand.
- Quick user guides for new and current employees.
- Meet archival standards and best practices.
I formulated these steps to follow in my process:
1. Exploration and Testing
- Conducted thorough testing of various scanning and editing methods.
- Explored different techniques to understand their impact on image quality and user experience.
2. Data Analysis
- Analyzed test results to identify the most effective and user-friendly methods.
- Considered factors such as image clarity, colour accuracy, and overall user satisfaction.
3. Formulation of Best Practices
- Developed a set of best practices based on successful testing outcomes.
- Established guidelines for optimal image scanning and editing, considering user needs.
4. User Guide Development
- Translated best practices into clear, step-by-step user guides.
- Enhanced accessibility with visual aids for an easy-to-follow workflow.
5. Feedback Integration
- Gathered user feedback during guide development.
- Integrated feedback to refine and improve the user guides.
6. Distribution
- Documented finalized best practices and user guides
- Distributed guides through appropriate channels for easy user access.
The project resulted in a two user guides with clear guidance for users engaging in scanning and editing processes.
EPSON V850 User Guide
A concise manual providing instructions and information on the operation and features of the EPSON V850 slide scanning hardware and software.
View the guideAdobe Photoshop User Guide
A concise manual providing instructions and insights into the functionality and optimal use of frequently employed tools within the Adobe Photoshop software.
View the guideThis project highlights my ability to blend testing, analysis, and design to improve complex workflows, ensuring accessibility and clarity in digital services.
Takeaways
Importance of Feedback
I realized the importance of feedback from the supervisor (the stakeholder) and the employees (the users) when designing the user guides as it ensured that they were tailored to meet the specific needs and expectations of both the management and the end-users.
Clarity and Simplicity
Emphasizing clear and simple language, as well as intuitive design elements, helped users easily navigate and comprehend the research guides, fostering a more effective and enjoyable user experience.
