Glasgow Life
Helping Glasgow's people and visitors get the most from the city.
National Library of Scotland
Transforming the National Library of Scotland’s online presence
The ask
In July 2024, the National Library of Scotland (NLS) appointed Storm ID to partner on a full digital transformation of nls.uk. The existing site, which had been built in 2017, no longer met user needs or reflected the scale of the Library’s digital services. We were asked to design and deliver a new platform that aligned with the Library’s wider strategic objectives around improving access, engaging audiences and supporting learning, research and discovery.
In particular, the Library wanted to make the website more welcoming and user-friendly for everyone, including those who lack experience in using libraries and archives, as well as improving the discoverability of its valuable resources by streamlining the site structure and content. The launch of the new site coincided with the Library’s Centenary in July 2025.
What we did
The transformation included a complete redesign of the site’s structure, a modern front-end that expresses the Library’s brand, and a new CMS to support scalable publishing. Through ongoing user research and accessibility-first design, we improved navigation, clarified user journeys, and ensured inclusive access to content.
User research
As part of the project’s alignment with the Digital Scotland Service Standard (DSSS), we conducted focus groups and interviews with a range of people across Scotland, from the Orkney Islands down to the Borders, This included families, students, film makers, artists, local and family history hobbyists and research professionals. Some had never heard of the Library, whilst others were regular users of its services.
The research revealed that user-friendly design, clear navigation and accessibility were crucial. To appeal to both new and repeat users, we had to shift our focus away from organisational structures and towards user activities. By rearranging the site structure to match user intent, tailoring content to user needs and creating a more usable design, we made the Library more accessible to all.
A user-focused, accessible redesign
The project began with a comprehensive rethinking of the site’s structure and content. Working closely with the Library, we developed a new information architecture that prioritised the most important content and services for a broad and diverse user base. The design and development process embedded accessibility and inclusion from the outset. Through iterative user research, testing and adherence to accessibility best practices, the new website ensures all visitors, regardless of ability, can easily explore, discover and engage with the Library’s vast online collections and services.
Enhancing discoverability and connection
Improved user journeys now guide visitors more effectively between core content, digital services and the broader collections. This seamless navigation enhances discoverability and ensures that users can find what they need quickly, whether accessing research materials, booking events or exploring Scotland’s documentary heritage.
Componentised designs
The front-end of the site was completely rebuilt to deliver a modern, responsive, fast experience across all devices. A new design system was created based on the Library's new refreshed centenary brand to bring a shared design language across the Library’s different touchpoints. We worked with NLS to build a single source of truth for reusable global design patterns and components in one Storybook component library. We include best practices for accessibility into all our design components. All components are tested and validated against the WCAG 2.2 standard. Components can be strategically added, iterated on or removed over time. The design system will continue to evolve, simplifying and accelerating future design delivery and consistency platform wide.
A new Umbraco CMS and scalable digital platform
Central to the transformation was the implementation of a new Umbraco Content Management System (CMS). The new CMS supports a scalable, service-oriented architecture, which is maintainable and future-proof. This modular content publishing, tightly integrated with the design system gives NLS content creators flexibility, scalability and consistency.
"From the start, Storm ID really got what we were trying to do. Their expertise, flexibility and collaborative approach helped us navigate complexity and stay focused on what matters. The beta launch of the new nls.uk is a huge milestone – and it’s just the beginning."
Results
The result is a digital service that’s more open, accessible, user-centered and future-friendly, supporting the Library’s cultural and educational mission for years to come.
We’re proud to have partnered with NLS to deliver a platform that brings its collections and services closer to the people it serves, now and into the future.
Visit the National Library of Scotland website today: nls.uk
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