Compose custom publishing platform

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Compose is a Cengage custom publishing platform that allows users to create their own custom book for the course they are teaching. The features within Compose also allow our internal staff to provide customers with digital sampling of upcoming publications.

A full service review of the platform with high level and prioritised recommendations was conducted. This was done in consultation with business and sales teams, the technical lead and user experience. Various user research activities followed to help discover the areas where the most effective and valuable changes would be.

the process

I was briefed as the lead user experience designer to improve the overall value and usability of Compose, a Cengage custom publishing platform. This is how I approached the project:

• A review and audit of all current content and functionality which would assist in deciding on what the best strategic plan would be for this project.

• Planned and carried out moderated usability sessions on the current platform, interviews with stakeholders and consultation with product owner.

• Presentation of the recommendations to stakeholders and product owner, with a follow up meeting to approve next steps.

• A phased approach starting with the most flexible and useful features with the lowest risk and cost being prioritised. The first feature was the preview feature, then the custom cover feature, followed by a platform wide accessibility improvement project.