Key Initiatives of NDE

The decision to transition to a new user interface is prompted by several key factors, including:

• Improving the user experience and workflow. The goals are:

  • Create an intuitive, visually appealing interface to make navigation easier.

  • Incorporate modern design principles and user feedback to optimize content discovery.

  • Ensure users can quickly and efficiently find relevant information.

  • Provide a more engaging platform that enables productive interactions. By focusing on simplicity, visual appeal, and incorporating user input, the redesigned interface will make it easier for users to access the information they need. The improvements aim to foster satisfying and productive experiences across the platform.

• Technological advancements and frameworks, and more specifically moving to the latest version of the Angular framework.

• Providing an enhanced experience for users of assistive technology and maximizing conformance with the latest accessibility standards.

• Emerging opportunities around Linked Data and AI.

Learn More about the Current Development of NDE

• The Primo team conducted various user studies, collected qualitative and quantitative data through various methods such as surveys, interviews, and usability testing, and received invaluable input from customer feedback over the recent years. Regarding the various UX elements, we have an ongoing collaboration with a newly established Primo UX Focus Group, which includes participants from the following institutions: Harvard, Haifa University, Universität Basel, University of York, SUNY, and University of Kentucky, SLSP.

• We are designing new pages in NDE with a focus on simplified workflows, incorporating valuable ideas raised by the community, and providing expanded configuration options. Below, you’ll find examples of prototypes showcasing these new designs and concepts, including:

  Example pages:

  

  Main Search Page 

  

  Requests section on the Full Display Page

  

  Enhanced User Area 

  

  Collection Page 

  

  Landing Page

  • Clean, Brief Results Display – Search results have more transparent availability options. Record actions are grouped by category at the top for easy access.

  • Top-Positioned Facets with Quick Filters – Facets are conveniently placed at the top of the page and closed by default. Introducing configurable quick filters for top-level facets, such as Available online.

  • Dedicated Requests Area in Full Record Display – A specific section within the full record view is dedicated to managing requests and streamlining this workflow. In addition, request forms have been simplified.

  • Configurable Section Expansions in Full Record Display – Libraries can now configure which sections are expanded or collapsed by default in the full record display, allowing a more tailored user experience.

  • Enhanced User Area – The user area now combines Library Card activities, saved records, searches and settings, providing a centralized, user-friendly space for personal management.

  • Improved Visualization of Digital – Embedded the viewer within the Full Display.

  • Collection Discovery – Added facets, list view, pagination, and improved search experience to the collection pages.

• As we continue to design new pages for NDE, we are also collaborating with Deque, an accessibility-focused third-party vendor, to ensure best practices are incorporated directly into the prototype phase. We aim to implement these insights to deliver a user-friendly experience that complies with WCAG 2.2 level AA standards.

• Another key enhancement of the NDE UI is using Mixpanel as the analytics platform. This platform offers richer insights and improved tracking over the current solution. For more details, see User Engagement Analytics - Mixpanel.

Key Development Milestones

• 2023 – Start development of NDE and work with the community.

• July 2024 – Open NDE to UX focus group for early access.

• October 2024 – Customization focus group gains early access.

• December 2024 – Begin collaboration with early adopters.

• May 2025 – Managed General Release

• November 2025 – General Release (Self-Switch).

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ document provides more details on getting started with the NDE UI. It includes information on the release plan, known issues, and key steps for a smooth transition.

• When will NDE UI be rolled out?

  As we progress toward the full rollout of the Primo NDE UI in November, we will also provide a managed release in May. This approach offers dedicated support for the first customers who plan on going live with the NDE UI by March 2026. 

  • May 2025 – Managed General Release: Customers planning to go live with the new NDE UI by March 2026 must register for activation between March 19 and April 20.

  • November 2025 – General Release (Self-Switch): The Go NDE self-switch process opens, allowing institutions to transition independently at their own pace. ​​​​​For further questions about the Go NDE process, see Frequently Asked Questions - Go NDE. 

To register for the upcoming webinar about the move to the NDE UI on March 19, 2025, see Go NDE - Primo NDE UI Rollout Explained: Learn about the transition steps and timelines.