Visual Design as the Impetus for Access and Utilization of Information in Digital Resource Platforms in University Libraries

Abstract

The study sought to examine the visual design in digital resource platforms in selected public universities in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected from a targeted population comprising of 86 academic staff, 23 library staff in charge of e-content and 4 university librarians from four selected universities namely: University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University and Egerton University. Questionnaires were administered to academic staff and library staff in charge of e-content while an interview guide was used to gather data from university librarians. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and presented in form of tables, charts and graphs and verbatim reports. Findings showed that the layout of content was unappealing, no clear paths for navigation, use of images and color for attraction was lacking while search features were complicated to understand. The visual design in the digital platforms lacked user consideration and did not adequately facilitate effective access and utilization of information. The study concludes that visual design is an important component in digital resource platforms for attracting users to access and utilize digital information hence the need to develop user-centered platforms.