In addition to books, the Moravian Library manages valuable collections of maps, prints, manuscripts and other historical documents. A dedicated interface was created for the Graphic Collections that matches the visual character of the content and supports natural browsing of the collection.
Brief and goal
The Graphic Collections already existed as a web presentation. The requirements were to create a modern technical solution and a clearer user interface.
The goal of the project was to design a website that:
- uses data stored in the MZK digital library (the Kramerius system),
- makes it easier to find your way around the individual parts of the collection,
- offers high-quality display of the prints,
- connects related works and metadata,
- has a visual identity specific to the graphic collections.
From audit to a new structure
We started by reviewing the original website, its content, the available metadata and the different paths through which users can reach the collection. The audit led to an improved information architecture with simpler navigation and a clear content structure.
The home page works as a visual crossroads. It presents the individual parts of the collection, selected prints and thematic groups and lets visitors start exploring the content according to what catches their interest.
Separate listings provide access to specific categories and search results. Users can refine the content further using filters and go to the detail of a selected print.
A detail where the image takes centre stage
We designed the print detail so that the visual material gets plenty of space while all the essential information remains easy to access.
Visitors can open a print in a larger view, look at its details and then continue to related items. Breadcrumb navigation helps them keep track of which part of the collection they are in.
The mobile interface follows the same logic. Content, navigation, filters and the image detail adapt to the smaller screen while keeping the main user journeys.
Data from Kramerius, presentation tailored to the collection
In the project, Kramerius serves as the source and repository of the digitized data. A separate website builds on it a user layer designed specifically for the graphic collections.
The content is managed in a single data environment, and the public presentation adapts to the specific collection, its visual character and the way people browse it.
This principle makes it possible to use the existing infrastructure while giving the collection a form that supports orientation, search and the discovery of connections.
The result
The result is the responsive presentation website grafiky.mzk.cz, which connects data from the digital library with a clear and functional interface.
The Graphic Collections can be browsed by main categories, searched, filtered and explored for further works. At the same time, the structure allows for the gradual expansion of content, thematic groups and other ways of organizing it.
The project shows how digitized content can be turned into an environment in which people can easily find it, understand it and keep discovering more.
Do you have a digitized collection you want to make more accessible?
We will help you assess the possibilities of your existing data and design a presentation layer that matches the character of the collection and the needs of its users.
Let us know and we will discuss how to make your collection more accessible.
