Overview // IAA Database
The National Database of Archaeology of Israel is the first platform to centralize all archaeological data from the Israel Antiquities Authority and archival materials in a single searchable system. Serving researchers, planners, heritage professionals, and the public, it supports research, planning, and preservation. In its pilot phase, the database integrates legacy records that may be partial or outdated. The UX challenge is to present this data clearly while offering robust search, filtering, and mapping tools, enabling users to navigate complex datasets with confidence.
Problem Statement
Archaeological data in Israel has historically been:
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Scattered across outdated databases and siloed institutional collections
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Locked in archives, making retrieval slow and inefficient
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Inconsistent in format, often incomplete, and hard to cross-reference
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Key Challenges:
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Researchers, planners, and heritage professionals struggle to locate and verify data
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Lack of a unified access point limits collaboration between government bodies, academia, and field teams
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Fragmented information slows decision-making in research, planning, and preservation
Design Goal - Build a centralized, accessible platform that:
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Build a centralized, accessible platform that:
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Consolidates diverse data sources into a single system
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Presents information clearly and transparently
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Offers intuitive tools for search, filtering, and exploration
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Accommodates legacy data while clearly communicating any accuracy limitations
User Research
Typical representative users (personas) and an analysis of their behavior
1. Academic Reasercher
Dr. Miriam Cohen
Age: 55
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Goals: Access comprehensive, trustworthy data for scholarly work; export datasets.
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Frustrations: Searching multiple archives; inconsistent metadata.
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Needs: Advanced search, robust filtering, clear provenance.
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Background: Field supervisor for excavation projects in the Negev
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Goals: Verify site data on location; upload and cross-reference findings in the field.
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Frustrations: Limited mobile usability; inability to quickly link maps and records.
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Needs: Mobile-friendly, geospatial tools, offline access, photo and 3D scan uploads.
3. Planner / Conversation Specialist
Yael Ben Shahar
Age: 55
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Background: Urban development planner with a focus on cultural heritage sites
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Goals: Use accurate archaeological data to guide development and preservation.
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Frustrations: Incomplete or outdated site information.
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Needs: Verified, up-to-date records; integration with planning and conservation systems.
2. Field Archaeologist
David Levi
Age: 35
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User Flows
Screens
