Intent: research
Executive summary (3 findings)
- Digitization quality determines user trust: unreadable scans kill engagement.
- Search beats “page flip”: visitors want names, years, and clubs—fast.
- Archives need governance: file naming, rights, and update cadence are the blockers, not UI.
Methodology
This use-case brief synthesizes yearbook and archives patterns from HallOfFameWall guides:
- Digitizing yearbooks: complete guide
- Touchscreen yearbook displays: benefits
- How to digitize old yearbooks: step-by-step
Key findings
- Insight: Without structured metadata, archives become “a pile of PDFs.”
- Evidence: Name/year indexing is what makes the archive usable.
- Implication: Budget time for metadata, not only scanning.
- Insight: The UX must support multi-generational users.
- Evidence: Alumni and families often use the kiosk during events—standing, in groups.
- Implication: Large type, clear navigation, and forgiving search.
Data visualization: archive inputs checklist (table)
| Input | Purpose | Quality bar |
|---|---|---|
| Yearbook scans | Page viewing | Readable text at normal distance |
| Year metadata | Navigation | Accurate year mapping |
| Name index | Search | Normalized names, aliases if needed |
| Rights/permissions | Compliance | Clear policy for display and sharing |
Data visualization: UX modes (ASCII)
Find a yearbook
├─ Browse by year (timeline / decade)
├─ Search by name (index)
└─ Browse by groups (clubs / sports / activities) [optional]
View
├─ Flip pages
├─ Jump to index / sections
└─ Share (QR) [policy-dependent]
Requirements checklist
- Digitization
- Scan resolution and consistent cropping
- Handling fragile books (process + storage)
- Search & navigation
- Year browse + fast name search
- “Decade jump” for long archives
- Accessibility
- Zoom controls, readable typography, clear controls
- Operations
- File naming conventions
- Ongoing additions (each graduating class)
What this means for schools
If you want the archive to be used weekly (not yearly):
- Start with 10–20 most-requested years, then expand.
- Publish a naming/metadata standard so future uploads are consistent.
- Tie yearbooks to recognition (HOF profiles, donor stories, milestones).
Recommended next reads
CTA
- Primary: Request a research briefing.
- Secondary: See the platform behind the data.
- Relevant Rocket PDP: Digital Hall of Fame platform overview
