Book Specification Repository
Streamlining publishing operations
Overview
In an era of evolving technology and shifting consumer preferences, LSC Communications has remained a leading player in the American printing industry. Renowned for its industry expertise, LSC offers traditional print and digital media solutions for publishers, brands, and retailers worldwide. They also handle marketing, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management, providing cost savings and operational efficiency.
Publishing giants like McGraw-Hill, Pearson, Random House, and HarperCollins trust LSC with their printing needs. However, managing specification files for each print order had become increasingly complex, as clients submitted specs in various formats. To streamline this essential part of their operations, we collaborated with LSC to build the Book Specification Repository—a unified solution for standardizing file formats.
Year
2018
Role
UX Design Lead
Scope
Visual Identity
User Experience
Web App Design
Design System
Platform
Web App
Standardizing data exchange across systems
The Book Specification Repository was designed to efficiently manage book orders by converting print specifications from publishers into a standardized XBITS (XML Book Industry Transaction Standards) format. This ensures smooth data exchange across all LSC systems, enabling seamless information flow throughout the entire planning and manufacturing process.
As part of the development, we identified and mapped nearly 400 properties, giving us a deep understanding of each detail involved. This comprehensive analysis informed the design of a clean, well-organized interface that simplifies data scanning and modification, reducing the risk of user errors and potential downstream impacts
From manual to automated
The rise of print-on-demand strategies among publishers has led to shorter book runs and more frequent orders. To address the growing volume of orders, we automated key tasks related to creating specs, managing production, and reviewing forecasts. The new system replaced multiple legacy databases, consolidating everything into one centralized location.
With advanced filtering capabilities and a streamlined workflow, the Repository now allows LSC staff to easily assign specs for review, access titles, and forecast production, all with minimal manual input. This automation boosts operational efficiency, reduces errors, and supports LSC’s ability to manage high-order volumes more effectively.
Striking the right balance
When designing the Book Specification Repository, we focused on three core principles: clarity, accuracy, and efficiency. The application is built for high-volume work, so our design approach centered around making complex technical data easy to interact with. To balance functionality with a visually cohesive interface, we introduced a light visual identity. LSC’s signature orange, paired with grounding blue tones, conveys the company’s values of reliability, professionalism, and innovation.
Scaling with a robust design system
Before developing the Book Specification Repository, our team had already established a flexible design system for RR Donnelley, LSC’s former parent company, which laid the foundation for scaling across various products. While the Repository leveraged this system, we identified the need for additional components to manage the extensive data effectively.
By integrating these new elements with the existing system, we ensured consistency, created an efficient tool, and supported long-term scalability—all while maintaining development speed.
Impact and future growth
The Book Specification Repository’s launch marked a significant milestone, initially tailored for Pearson, one of LSC’s largest clients. Its ability to streamline communication and improve operational efficiency led to reduced printing times and cost savings for both Pearson and LSC, strengthening their partnership.
With its scalable foundation, the Repository lays the groundwork for supporting additional clients, ensuring efficient operations and consistent service. This project not only reinforced LSC’s position as a trusted partner but also opened the door for future growth in the industry.
