Context
The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) manages thousands of archaeological artifacts across multiple collections. Researchers and staff needed a way to explore this inventory beyond traditional spreadsheets.
Problem
- Archaeological data scattered across multiple Excel files with inconsistent formatting
- No visual association between photos and artifact records
- Difficult to perform cross-collection searches or apply advanced filters
- Limited accessibility for non-technical staff and external researchers
Approach
Conducted lightweight user research with archaeologists and collection managers to understand their workflows. Co-designed a prototype portal with advanced filtering, multi-view browsing (grid, list, map), and secure photo-record associations. Built using no-code/low-code tools for rapid iteration.
Outcomes
- Reduced time to locate specific artifacts from hours to minutes
- Standardized data entry across collections with validation rules
- Enabled visual browsing with photo galleries linked to detailed records
- Improved accessibility for researchers without technical expertise
Gallery
Learnings & Next Steps
Working closely with domain experts revealed that the most valuable feature wasn't advanced search—it was the ability to visually browse and make connections between artifacts. This insight shaped the entire interface design.