Where data and creativity meets together
Brief
The Swedish Public Library has seen rapid decline in visitors over the past 5 years. How can the libraries adapt to the changes in our more and more digitalized society and attract visitors again?
TEAM
Santino Mariano Kasper Larcombe-Tronstad Nina Garp Tove Hässler
Responsibilities
Visual Design
UX/UI-Design
Solution
A rebranded and modernized library with a digital support in form of: environment sensors in seatings to track occupancy both for visitors and libraries. A redesigned ambience to support different study needs of different study groups. Lastly a mobile application for visitors to monitor availability, book private rooms and a community focused on study aid.
The Design Process: Double Diamond
Double Diamond: Discover
ANALYSIS | KEY INSIGHTS | BRAINSTORM
Through desk-research we concluded that users can be separated in two categories: Those who wants to go to the library, and those who doesn’t. Of all the declining visitors we have those who doesn’t go to the library. As the library is loosing visitors we decided we could find them by asking those who doesn't go there. Therefore our field research objective was: Interview people who doesn’t go to the library and why with the help of an interview guide. 
Double Diamond: Define
AFFINITY DIAGRAM | KEY INSIGHT | BRAINSTORM
Through affinity matching we grouped themes of the inquiry into insights. We discovered that the libraries are not relevant anymore because people can get any information they want now on the internet. The libraries and the physical books are not the centre of knowledge anymore like it once was back in the days. The older generation said they had nostalgic feelings towards the libraries and that they should stay the way it was, but when you asked them if they go there they said they don’t because they do not have any use for it. The younger generations didn’t visit either but could see themselves in the future if there was some change. They felt that the library environment is dull and uninspiring. They get every information from the internet so they'd rather replace the books with digital equipment that supports their work focus.
Double Diamond: Develop
IDEATION | BLUE OCEAN | BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS
With the usability requirements set we ideated different solutions and came up with the concept PLUGGOTEKET. With blue-ocean mapping we compared our idea to competitors. The pluggotekets benifactial areas are in: (1) Modern atmosphere for a wide range of different user needs centered for working and studying, and (2) implementing digital support for both the customers visiting and the library itself. For example, by implementing sensors in the seatings the students can themselves track which seats are available before even entering the library. By the same technology the library can optimize and refurnish the environment if they see that some spaces have low occupancy.
Double Diamond: Deliver
DELIVER | LO-FI/HI-FI PROTOTYPING
As users put heavy focus on the digital support and said that there would be handy with a place that can be used with a mobile application. First I sketched with the 10-by-10 method quick Lo-Fi designs on pen and paper before moving on to Hi-Fi prototyping. By first starting with pen and paper can save you time and cost-effectivity before further going into the hero screens on the image. The visitors can find libraries and study-hubs by location, availability or study environment needs. They are also supported by a community that helps them with tips and tricks on motivation, focus, inspiring lectures and social events.