Viewfinder Case Study: Device Descriptions

Abstract

On the North Carolina (NC) State University Libraries website, users can find information about nearly 300 devices that they can borrow, such as charging cables and DSLR cameras. Because the descriptions of each device were inconsistent and not always useful, a colleague suggested using AI to generate improved descriptions. I used Viewfinder to compare my values and concerns as a staff member with students’ values and concerns, as informed by related user research that I had already conducted. One outcome of using Viewfinder was that in considering the value of “service quality,” I was convinced to endorse moving ahead with this project, given that the generated, reviewed descriptions were a clear upgrade that would aid users in making a decision about which devices to borrow. In the future, I would like to consider quantifying the environmental impact of projects like this, in order to demonstrate transparency and social responsibility.