A social app for making libraries cool again.
Despite their cultural and educational importance, libraries face challenges in engaging younger demographics. A solution is needed to cultivate community, enhance engagement, and promote socialization in these essential communal hubs.
Are libraries making a comeback?
Libraries aren't dying — they're just changing.
Design Challenge
HWM
In an age dominated by digital resources and for a generation accustomed to digital interfaces, how might we reimagine the traditional concept of an information resource/library to ensure its relevance, inclusivity, cultural vibrancy, and appeal to the community?
In an age dominated by digital resources and for a generation accustomed to digital interfaces, how might we reimagine the traditional concept of an information resource/library to ensure its relevance, inclusivity, cultural vibrancy, and appeal to the community?
Guiding Framework
INITIAL QUESTIONS
To initiate the research process, I formulated four guiding questions to identify design opportunities.
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To initiate the research process, I formulated four guiding questions to identify design opportunities.
Research Process
QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY, HUNTER’S POINT
QPL served as the foundation for our research, laying the groundwork for our project. We utilized various methods to analyze the experience at the Hunter's Point location given its trendy location and modern architecture built to attract younger generations.
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QPL served as the foundation for our research, laying the groundwork for our project. We utilized various methods to analyze the experience at the Hunter's Point location given its trendy location and modern architecture built to attract younger generations.
Desk Research
MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION OF THE LIBRARY
For secondary research, I reviewed Yelp, Google, and App Store reviews, as well as various reports, articles, and analyzed the QPL website.
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Why are libraries not quiet anymore?
A library, while still a place to get and read books, is a community hub.
Why are libraries so cold?
To preserve our physical materials and keep our technology from overheating.
For secondary research, I reviewed Yelp, Google, and App Store reviews, as well as various reports, articles, and analyzed the QPL website.
Why are libraries not quiet anymore?
A library, while still a place to get and read books, is a community hub.
Why are libraries so cold?
To preserve our physical materials and keep our technology from overheating.
Competitive Analysis
BENCHMARKING
Performed competitive market research, examining platforms such as Book of the Month, Fable and Vinylly.
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Performed competitive market research, examining platforms such as Book of the Month, Fable and Vinylly.
Observational Research
LIBRARY AT A GLANCE
The observational research aimed to analyze the behaviors and patterns of individuals within the Queen's Public Library. This involved observing how users search for items, interact with the space, and utilize their time while at the library.
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The observational research aimed to analyze the behaviors and patterns of individuals within the Queen's Public Library. This involved observing how users search for items, interact with the space, and utilize their time while at the library.
Informal SME Interview
STAFF INSIGHTS
I conducted an industry expert interview with a senior librarian at QPL.
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I conducted an industry expert interview with a senior librarian at QPL.
Interviews
USER’S VOICE
Conducted 5-6 user interviews with the group to research the adult residents of LIC.
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Conducted 5-6 user interviews with the group to research the adult residents of LIC.
Key Insights
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS
- Library users perceive it more as a community hub for leisure and socializing rather than solely a traditional library.
- The library's social programs, including meet-ups, cultural celebrations, book clubs, and activities, are highly appealing to patrons, indicating a strong demand for such initiatives.
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS
- Users see potential in the app for updated features like tracking, event calendars, booking, notifications, and book checkouts.
- The rapid evolution of technology is raising consumer expectations, with customers now anticipating more personalized and immediate services.
- Challenges exist, such as limited access for adults due to the library's late opening and early closing hours.
- Additionally, patrons feel that the library caters better to children than to adults, citing a lack of quiet working spaces and collaboration rooms for adults.
User Persona
DEFINING THE USER
Crafted a concise persona representing a library patron to delve into their socialization and skill development needs.
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Crafted a concise persona representing a library patron to delve into their socialization and skill development needs.
User Journey
EXPLORING THE USER NEEDS
Delved deeply into a use case for Meena to identify potential intervention points.
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Delved deeply into a use case for Meena to identify potential intervention points.
Key Insights Recap
- The app and website are perceived as somewhat outdated by users.
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Users encounter difficulty in utilizing the library for quiet work and study.
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Users primarily utilize the space for socializing, programs, and leisure activities.
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The library has not fully functioned as the community hub it was intended to be.
- It caters to a sizable Asian community and resides within a culturally vibrant area.
How Might We
- Implement services/features to provide a comprehensive digital experience?
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Enhance pleasure and utility for adult patrons?
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Leverage the social aspect of this community resource?
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Foster inclusivity for all library patrons?
- Address the unmet needs of the LIC community to remain relevant?
Design Opportunities
BRAINSTORMING
Identified various areas and gaps in the library experience for this demographic, aiming to address them effectively.
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Identified various areas and gaps in the library experience for this demographic, aiming to address them effectively.
Rapid Prototyping
TESTED 5 CONCEPTS
Iterated and tested five distinct design concepts to refine the selection process.
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CHOSEN CONCEPT
Expanded and refined this concept to emphasize openness and social interaction rather than a dating-centric approach based on the user feedback.![]()
Iterated and tested five distinct design concepts to refine the selection process.
CHOSEN CONCEPT
Expanded and refined this concept to emphasize openness and social interaction rather than a dating-centric approach based on the user feedback.
User Flows
Systems Map
Prototyping
MID-FIDELIY TESTING
Designed a mobile app enabling users to connect, converse, and attend library events tailored to their reading preferences, interests, and other demographic filters.
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Designed a mobile app enabling users to connect, converse, and attend library events tailored to their reading preferences, interests, and other demographic filters.
Visual Design
DESGIN SYSTEM
Crafted a dynamic and lively identity aimed at deviating from the conventional notion of a library, evoking the excitement, fun, and nostalgic memories reminiscent of the 80s and 90s era.
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Crafted a dynamic and lively identity aimed at deviating from the conventional notion of a library, evoking the excitement, fun, and nostalgic memories reminiscent of the 80s and 90s era.
App Features
Search events, reserve your spot or find a match through the event goers list.
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Share profile details, personal preferences, and reading data with other users.
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Filter matches and events to find your best fit using the advanced filter settings.
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Find new people, library goers and fellow nerds to attend exciting events together.
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High Fidelity
Reflections
CHALLENGES
- Navigating unexpected shifts and adapting plans throughout the project timeline spurred me to explore novel approaches to address the design challenge.
- Additionally, devising socialization solutions for a library presented its own set of challenges.
- Focusing solely on one library presented a limitation, as the research fell short in some aspects.