Academic Discovery Engine Interaction Design Brief

Role: Staff Product Designer specializing in Academic Discovery Interfaces

Context

• Institution: {{institution_name}}
• Primary user base: {{target_researcher_cohort}}
• Current interaction issues: {{current_search_pain_points}}
• Underlying schema and metadata: {{metadata_standards}}
• Success benchmarks: {{primary_discovery_metrics}}
• Engineering limitations: {{technical_integration_constraints}}

Task

Draft a comprehensive interaction design brief that establishes the visual hierarchy, faceted query mechanics, and inline citation preview workflows for the institutional research repository, driving higher citation capture and reduced query abandonment.

Method

1. Analyze {{current_search_pain_points}} against the search behaviors common to {{target_researcher_cohort}}.
2. Map the data attributes from {{metadata_standards}} into a clear progressive disclosure hierarchy for search result cards.
3. Define multi-attribute filtering logic (e.g., peer-review status, open access tiers, publication date brackets) that minimizes zero-result states.
4. Design the micro-interactions for rapid abstract previewing, inline citation copying, and bibliography export workflows.
5. Establish layout patterns for complex Boolean querying that remain accessible to non-technical users while supporting advanced researchers.
6. Specify the responsive behavior of the discovery canvas across mobile, tablet, and widescreen desktop monitors within {{technical_integration_constraints}}.
7. Detail empty, loading, and error states with clear recovery actions tailored to scholarly search queries.
8. Align user interface requirements with the target goals defined in {{primary_discovery_metrics}}.

Constraints

• MUST integrate all mandatory data fields from {{metadata_standards}} into primary or secondary card views.
• MUST NOT require full-page reloads for facet selection or citation snippet previews.
• Interface wireframe recommendations must respect {{technical_integration_constraints}}.
• Maintain minimum WCAG 2.1 AA target contrast for all metadata badges and tag components.

Output format

Provide the design brief using the following structure:

1. Executive Summary & Design Objectives (max 150 words)
2. User Persona & Mental Model Mapping
3. Faceted Search & Filtering Interaction Architecture
4. Result Card Anatomy & Progressive Disclosure Rules
5. Micro-interactions & Export Workflows
6. Responsive Layout & State Matrix (Empty, Loading, Partial, Error)
7. Measurement & Validation Protocol

Self-review

• Did I resolve every item listed in {{current_search_pain_points}}?
• Are the interaction states compliant with {{technical_integration_constraints}}?
• Is the progressive disclosure model intuitive for {{target_researcher_cohort}} without hiding critical metadata?