Usability testing methodology of mobile interactive maps for the library wayfinding purposes

Summary: To simplify the orientation in libraries, different types of interior maps are used in addition to the signs in its space. Signs and maps are parts of the information and navigation system of the library, which prevents the user from losing and possibly experiencing a negative emotional state and doubts about his abilities, also called library anxiety. In particular, young users are used to space orientation with the help of online maps, therefore their creation and usability testing is discussed in the paper. The goal of this article is to identify the potential problems in the usability of interactive maps that a user may encounter. For this purpose, we systematically examine the whole cycle of library map development from user analysis to the testing of final information product. This paper can be a methodological guide to the designing and usability testing of a digital map for the library needs, if the map is designed in-house or as a part of the map of the stakeholder.