1. Library Futures
Mark Choi Ÿ Parita Kapadia Ÿ Brett Leber
BID Fall 2011

2. Agenda
Project Definition
Research
Exploratory
Generative
Evaluative
Solution
Video Sketch
Conclusion

4. Problem Statement
Have you ever had trouble finding a book at
the library?
What is an alternative way of finding books
that makes the search easier and more
pleasurable?

5. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
How can ubiquitous computing help?
If we imagine the library as an intelligent
environment, what might searching for a
book look like?

6. Research

7. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Exploratory Generative Evaluative
Site Visits Rapid Ideation Speed Dating
Interviews Storyboards This presentation

8. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Exploratory
Site Visits
Interviews
CLP Main (Oakland) CLP Squirrel Hill Branch

9. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Exploratory
Site Visits
Interviews
4 interviews 9 interviews
Librarians: Patrons:
Experience Section Age Sex
4 years Teen 11 male
5 years Teen 26 male
5 years A/V 28 female
30 male
42 years Kids
50 female
60 female
65 male
70 female
CLP Main (Oakland) CLP Squirrel Hill Branch

10. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Exploratory
Site Visits
Interviews
Key findings Library usage
Using computers with the internet is one
of the most popular uses of the library.
Many other uses:
“Looking for a quiet place to study.”
“I get books every three weeks. I don’t
read here; I just take things out. “
“I visit the writer’s group here that meets
weekly. I also look for large-print books.“
“I come everyday to use the computers
and read books. ”

11. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Exploratory
Site Visits
Interviews
Key findings Search v. browse
Some people come to the library to only to
pick up pre-reserved books, while others
explore books in person before borrowing.
Finding what they’re looking for
Older patrons seemed to feel very
comfortable with the organization of
materials in the library, while some younger
patrons felt lost.
“I’ve been coming here since it opened—
literally.”

12. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Exploratory
Site Visits
Interviews
Key findings Social reading
Are patrons interested in what others are
reading?
“Not really. I’ll just stick to me. It’s probably
all Harry Potter and romance novels that
other people read.”
“Yes, if it were broken down by topic.”

13. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Generative
Rapid Ideation
Storyboards
Categories of questions used in our
interviews went along the x-axis.
User groups and types of computing
technology went along the y-axis.

14. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Generative
Rapid Ideation
Storyboards
We saw patterns emerge:
Concepts that worked for one user
population often worked for others.
Social reading and wayfinding
reappeared in other columns.
Themes also included humanizing
technology, and knowing about the
activity of others.

15. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Generative
Rapid Ideation
Storyboards
Storyboards

16. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Generative
Rapid Ideation
Storyboards
Activity Heat Map
A map of the library is augmented with real-
time information about seating availability,
lighting conditions, and noise level.
Screens that show popular
material
Existing screens are repurposed to
anonymously reveal what other patrons are
reading.

17. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Generative
Rapid Ideation
Storyboards
Light-based book finding system
Lights on bookcases guide a patron to a
book they’re looking for.
Traces of activity
Interactive tables record the titles and
covers of books that are set on their surface.

18. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Generative
Rapid Ideation
Storyboards
Personalized recommendations
An interactive surface identifies you by your
library card and recommends books/music/
movies you might enjoy.
Social reading
An e-reader allows you to annotate content
you’re reading and engage in an asynchronous
conversation with another patron.

19. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Evaluative
Speed Dating
What we learned from patrons and
librarians about our concepts
There was an overwhelmingly
positive response to the system of
lights that helps patrons find books.

20. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Evaluative
Speed Dating
Privacy not a concern where we
expected it.
Privacy was a concern where we
didn’t expect it.
Social reading isn’t exciting for
non-academics.

21. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Evaluative
Speed Dating
What we design must be
universally accessible.

22. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Enlighten is a system of guiding lights for
finding a physical resource in a public library

23. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Video Sketch

24. Project Definition Research Solution Video Sketch Conclusion
Conclusion
aesthetic value / informative art
calm technology (Weiser)
other applications