Reimagining the
Tamil cultural hub
Roja Muthiah Research Library (RMRL)
UX & UI Design
Disclaimer: All images, illustrations, and artwork featured on this page are the property of RMRL. As an agency, we have utilized these images and, in some cases, manipulated them to achieve the desired results for the website.
The Intent
The intent was to modernize the digital presence of the reputed research institution, the Roja Muthiah Research Library (RMRL), dedicated to Tamil culture and heritage. Their difficulty stemmed from an outdated online presence that actively hindered global access to their scholarly archives. The precise ask was for UX and UI Design to ensure the integrity and discoverability of their complex data, creating a highly usable interface that upheld their mission, while also making the archives easily accessible to new-age students.
The Idea
Our approach was rooted in humanizing the research journey, starting with a strategic dive into Information Architecture (IA) to ensure the data structure served the scholar's academic protocol. Our solution delivered a comprehensive digital blueprint that aimed to simplify the entire archive search process. We focused on presenting the authentic and cultural elements in the most presentable and usable manner. Furthermore, coinciding with the library's move to a modern building, we specifically built an easy support page for potential enthusiasts to contribute to the cause.
The Impact
The redesigned platform elevated the experience for all users. We brought easy navigation for new users to archival material, enhanced for the new age, and brought about all the rare tamil archive materials to the forefront with engaging visuals. The solution provided a clear pathway for enthusiasts to support RMRL's mission of preservation and global sharing of Tamil history and knowledge.
A dedicated academic with
a passion for uncovering the historical narratives of the Chola dynasty.
Goal
• Publish groundbreaking research
• Disseminate findings widely
• Mentor emerging historians
• Secure research funding
Needs
• Access to primary sources
• Dedicated research space
• Scholarly networking opportunities
• Interlibrary loan services
Pain points
• Archival access restrictions
• Competition for research grants
• Balancing teaching commitments
• Limited time for research
Dr. Saravanan
Professor of Tamil History
Age 45
Madurai
A film enthusiast
exploring the intersection of globalization and
Tamil cinema.
Goal
• Produce a compelling thesis
• Publish in film journals
• Attend international festivals
• Network with filmmakers
Needs
• Relevant film journals
• Expert research guidance
• Collaborative study areas
• Access to film archives
Pain points
• Refining research methods
• Improving academic writing
• Building industry connections
• Securing funding for travel
Ramkumar
Student - Mass Communication
Age 24
Chennai
A lifelong learner
seeking to deepen her understanding of Tamil history and culture.
Goal
• Broaden historical knowledge
• Engage in intellectual discussions
• Explore new learning opportunities
• Connect with other enthusiasts
Needs
• User-friendly library catalog
• Comfortable reading spaces
• Personalized librarian assistance
• Accessible digital resources
Pain points
• Navigating digital resources
• Locating specific materials
• Overcoming social anxieties
• Transportation to the library
Muthulakshmi
Retired School Teacher
Age 68
Coimbatore
A second-generation
Tamil eager to connect
with her roots and explore her heritage.
Goal
• Plan a heritage trip
• Strengthen familial bonds
• Embrace Tamil traditions
• Learn about Tamil identity
Needs
• Online Tamil courses
• Digital cultural archives
• Virtual Tamil communities
• Engaging online content
Pain points
• Bridging cultural differences
• Overcoming language barriers
• Managing time constraints
• Finding reliable information
Priya Ramasamy
Marketing Manager /
Literature Enthusiast
Age 32
London
User Persona
User Persona
Dr. Saravanan
Professor of Tamil History
Age 45
Madurai
A dedicated academic with a passion
for uncovering
the historical narratives of the Chola dynasty.
A dedicated academic with
a passion for uncovering
the historical narratives of the Chola dynasty.
Goal
• Publish groundbreaking research
• Disseminate findings widely
• Mentor emerging historians
• Secure research funding
Needs
• Access to primary sources
• Dedicated research space
• Scholarly networking opportunities
• Interlibrary loan services
Pain points
• Archival access restrictions
• Competition for research grants
• Balancing teaching commitments
• Limited time for research
Ramkumar
Student - Mass Communication
Age 24
Chennai
A film enthusiast
exploring the intersection of globalization and
Tamil cinema.
Goal
• Produce a compelling thesis
• Publish in film journals
• Attend international festivals
• Network with filmmakers
Needs
• Relevant film journals
• Expert research guidance
• Collaborative study areas
• Access to film archives
Pain points
• Refining research methods
• Improving academic writing
• Building industry connections
• Securing funding for travel
Priya Ramasamy
Marketing Manager/ Literature Enthusiast
Age 32
London
A second-generation
tamil eager to connect
with her roots and
explore her heritage.
Goal
• Plan a heritage trip
• Strengthen familial bonds
• Embrace Tamil traditions
• Learn about Tamil identity
Needs
• Online Tamil courses
• Digital cultural archives
• Virtual Tamil communities
• Engaging online content
Pain points
• Bridging cultural differences
• Overcoming language barriers
• Managing time constraints
• Finding reliable information
Dr. Saravanan
Professor of Tamil History
Age 45
Madurai
A dedicated academic with a passion for uncovering the historical narratives of
the Chola dynasty.
Goal
• Publish groundbreaking research
• Disseminate findings widely
• Mentor emerging historians
• Secure research funding
Needs
• Access to primary sources
• Dedicated research space
• Scholarly networking opportunities
• Interlibrary loan services
Pain points
• Archival access restrictions
• Competition for research grants
• Balancing teaching commitments
• Limited time for research
The redesigned platform significantly elevated the overall user experience by providing easy navigation to enhanced archival material and showcasing rare Tamil archives with engaging visuals, simultaneously providing a clear pathway for enthusiasts to support RMRL's preservation and global sharing mission.
Reimagining the Tamil cultural hub.
Roja Muthiah Research Library (RMRL)
UX & UI Design
Disclaimer: All images, illustrations, and artwork featured on this page are the property of RMRL. As an agency, we have utilized these images and, in some cases, manipulated them to achieve the desired results for the website.
The Intent
The intent was to modernize the digital presence of the reputed research institution, the Roja Muthiah Research Library (RMRL), dedicated to Tamil culture and heritage. Their difficulty stemmed from an outdated online presence that actively hindered global access to their scholarly archives. The precise ask was for UX and UI Design to ensure the integrity and discoverability of their complex data, creating a highly usable interface that upheld their mission, while also making the archives easily accessible to new-age students.
The Idea
Our approach was rooted in humanizing the research journey, starting with a strategic dive into Information Architecture (IA) to ensure the data structure served the scholar's academic protocol. Our solution delivered a comprehensive digital blueprint that aimed to simplify the entire archive search process. We focused on presenting the authentic and cultural elements in the most presentable and usable manner. Furthermore, coinciding with the library's move to a modern building, we specifically built an easy support page for potential enthusiasts to contribute to the cause.
The Impact
The redesigned platform elevated the experience for all users. We brought easy navigation for new users to archival material, enhanced for the new age, and brought about all the rare tamil archive materials to the forefront with engaging visuals. The solution provided a clear pathway for enthusiasts to support RMRL's mission of preservation and global sharing of Tamil history and knowledge.
A dedicated academic with
a passion for uncovering the historical narratives of the Chola dynasty.
Goal
• Publish groundbreaking research
• Disseminate findings widely
• Mentor emerging historians
• Secure research funding
Needs
• Access to primary sources
• Dedicated research space
• Scholarly networking opportunities
• Interlibrary loan services
Pain points
• Archival access restrictions
• Competition for research grants
• Balancing teaching commitments
• Limited time for research
Dr. Saravanan
Professor of Tamil History
Age 45
Madurai
A film enthusiast
exploring the intersection of globalization and
Tamil cinema.
Goal
• Produce a compelling thesis
• Publish in film journals
• Attend international festivals
• Network with filmmakers
Needs
• Relevant film journals
• Expert research guidance
• Collaborative study areas
• Access to film archives
Pain points
• Refining research methods
• Improving academic writing
• Building industry connections
• Securing funding for travel
Ramkumar
Student - Mass Communication
Age 24
Chennai
A lifelong learner
seeking to deepen her understanding of Tamil history and culture.
Goal
• Broaden historical knowledge
• Engage in intellectual discussions
• Explore new learning opportunities
• Connect with other enthusiasts
Needs
• User-friendly library catalog
• Comfortable reading spaces
• Personalized librarian assistance
• Accessible digital resources
Pain points
• Navigating digital resources
• Locating specific materials
• Overcoming social anxieties
• Transportation to the library
Muthulakshmi
Retired School Teacher
Age 68
Coimbatore
A second-generation
Tamil eager to connect
with her roots and explore her heritage.
Goal
• Plan a heritage trip
• Strengthen familial bonds
• Embrace Tamil traditions
• Learn about Tamil identity
Needs
• Online Tamil courses
• Digital cultural archives
• Virtual Tamil communities
• Engaging online content
Pain points
• Bridging cultural differences
• Overcoming language barriers
• Managing time constraints
• Finding reliable information
Priya Ramasamy
Marketing Manager /
Literature Enthusiast
Age 32
London
User Persona
User Persona
Dr. Saravanan
Professor of Tamil History
Age 45
Madurai
A dedicated academic with a passion
for uncovering
the historical narratives of the Chola dynasty.
Goal
• Publish groundbreaking research
• Disseminate findings widely
• Mentor emerging historians
• Secure research funding
Needs
• Access to primary sources
• Dedicated research space
• Scholarly networking opportunities
• Interlibrary loan services
Pain points
• Archival access restrictions
• Competition for research grants
• Balancing teaching commitments
• Limited time for research
Ramkumar
Student - Mass Communication
Age 24
Chennai
A film enthusiast
exploring the intersection of globalization and
Tamil cinema.
Goal
• Produce a compelling thesis
• Publish in film journals
• Attend international festivals
• Network with filmmakers
Needs
• Relevant film journals
• Expert research guidance
• Collaborative study areas
• Access to film archives
Pain points
• Refining research methods
• Improving academic writing
• Building industry connections
• Securing funding for travel
Priya Ramasamy
Marketing Manager/ Literature Enthusiast
Age 32
London
A second-generation
tamil eager to connect
with her roots and
explore her heritage.
Goal
• Plan a heritage trip
• Strengthen familial bonds
• Embrace Tamil traditions
• Learn about Tamil identity
Needs
• Online Tamil courses
• Digital cultural archives
• Virtual Tamil communities
• Engaging online content
Pain points
• Bridging cultural differences
• Overcoming language barriers
• Managing time constraints
• Finding reliable information
Dr. Saravanan
Professor of Tamil History
Age 45
Madurai
A dedicated academic with a passion for uncovering the historical narratives of
the Chola dynasty.
Goal
• Publish groundbreaking research
• Disseminate findings widely
• Mentor emerging historians
• Secure research funding
Needs
• Access to primary sources
• Dedicated research space
• Scholarly networking opportunities
• Interlibrary loan services
Pain points
• Archival access restrictions
• Competition for research grants
• Balancing teaching commitments
• Limited time for research
The redesigned platform significantly elevated the overall user experience by providing easy navigation to enhanced archival material and showcasing rare Tamil archives with engaging visuals, simultaneously providing a clear pathway for enthusiasts to support RMRL's preservation and global sharing mission.