Press Release
Reutlingen/Jena – This spring, the digital agency dotSource started the implementation of divibib GmbH's new »Onleihe« platform. This large-scale project includes a large redesign and feature update of the online lending applications for Internet browsers, iOS and Android devices as well as e-readers. This improves digital access to media in 3,500 public libraries in German-speaking countries.
Millions of people benefit from libraries offering media for lending at affordable prices – be it books, magazines, weekly newspapers or media in audio format. As a digital counterpart, many libraries provide a digital platform, Onleihe, which can be used to digitally borrow e-books, e-papers, audio books and e-learning materials. The leading provider of this service in the DACH region is divibib GmbH.
Particularly during the coronavirus lockdowns, online lending of digital media was the only option for accessing library services. In the last year, divibib GmbH's Onleihe apps were used by a total of 1.2 million people in Gemany alone. Such a large demand and the increasing relevance of digital services in the public sector make it necessary to continuously improve performance and usability. Consequently, in 2021, divibib GmbH turned to the digital agency dotSource.
Attractive Design for Mobile Devices, Desktop PCs and E-Readers
Starting with a concept creation phase in September 2021, dotSource's user experience design team first developed a user-centred design for the Onleihe applications for iOS and Android devices as well as e-readers. For this, comprehensive usage analyses were conducted to identify and map the needs of readers and listeners of digital media. Accordingly, a new look and feel was designed, which will be implemented in the coming weeks and months.
»The prototype dotSource designed for the new apps is brilliant and significantly outperforms the previous model in terms of design and functionality! We are already extremely excited about its implementation,« Dr. Jörg Meyer, managing director of divibib GmbH, comments on the app design.
dotSource Strongly Focuses on Mobile Technologies
Mobile app development and design is a fairly new service offered by the Jena-based digital agency, but it is becoming increasingly popular among dotSource clients. In the last year, the first app projects led to the development of strategies – from consulting and prototyping to implementation. The dotSource digital experts have not only extensive experience in the implementation of e-commerce platforms and UX design, but also the required knowledge of how to strategically address customers across multiple touchpoints. This way, mobile apps can be optimally aligned with the corporate strategy and integrated into the existing system landscape.
Smooth Collaboration on the Multi-Stream Project
For designing divibib GmbH's new Onleihe apps, different services of dotSource are working hand in hand. Once the initial evaluation and design are completed by the UX design team, dotSource developers will set up and implement the new front end of the apps in the coming months. In this regard, it is particularly important to take into account the specifications of different devices: Onleihe will be available not only on Internet browsers and iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, but also on e-readers. Due to their graphics and handling, these devices have varying requirements in terms of usability.
To ensure trouble-free operation, the apps are hosted in the cloud – dotSource also advises the IT team of divibib GmbH in this regard. Lastly, the dotSource digital marketing team will conduct training sessions for divibib employees to familiarise them with the newly implemented web analytics tool Matomo and guide them in evaluating their own web statistics.
The collaboration among different dotSource teams in a multi-stream project ensures the perfect interplay of different services. Clients can be assured of project management from one source and are spared from complex information transfer and the associated delays.
Better User Experience for Digital Media Use
After app development started in April 2022, the first results are expected over the course of the coming year. Users can look forward to a new and optimised app interface that takes into account the increased expectations of a tech-savvy audience. As a result, borrowing and reading online magazines, e-books and so on will be even more enjoyable in the future and will represent a vital alternative to traditional media – even after the pandemic.
About divibib GmbH
Founded in 2005, divibib GmbH is the leading partner for digital library lending in German-speaking countries. With Onleihe, the company belonging to the ekz Group enables people to use digital media from their library around the clock. These include e-books, e-audios, e-papers and e-learning courses. The Onleihe app, the web version with its easy-to-use Onleihe reader and player as well as the e-reader version ensure that digital media from the library can be used flexibly.
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