evaluating library space using innovative user experience (ux ......and learning spaces a case study...
TRANSCRIPT
Evaluating library space using innovative user experience (UX) techniques
Jo MiltonCollection Development Manager, Cambridge University Library
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARYMEDICAL LIBRARY
Objectives
What is User Experience?
Medical Library case study
Outcomes
Where next?
What is User experience (UX)?
UX is now enjoying a broader definition which encompasses user experience of spaces and services too.
UX in Libraries weaves together usability, and space and service design techniques under one umbrella.
Andy Priestner (@andytraining) – Information and Library Services Manager, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, May 2015
The UX Journey
UX in the Medical Library
https://futurelib.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/the-protolib-project-final-report.pdf
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/research/futurelib-innovation-programme
UX in libraries
• Librarians and library services are extremely user focused
• We seek out user opinions through surveys, comments cards etc.
• WE think we know what is best for users BUT…..
• We want to grasp our users views, discover how they use library spaces and services and realise their vision
• As walk around our libraries and observe people working, it’s easy to fall back on assumptions about how they work and what their needs are
We don’t always take the obvious path
IImage by felixphs – Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/felixphs/4540596548/in/pool-
desire_paths/
It’s not right…
Our Customers
Medical Library 2015
Observation
Library observations x 4 daily for 10 mins (Monday – Friday)X 3 (Saturday)
Reading roomGroup work areaReception areaPC room
Observing user behaviour:• Number of people• What activities they are
engaged in• What equipment they are
using & is it library equipment or their own
Graffiti Walls and directed comment boards
Letter Interviews
Design Workshops
The Surprises, the Quick Wins, the Ridiculous…
• Member of hospital staff feeling that the library is not the place for them and to “get what I need and leave as quickly as possible. I only stay and work in the library if I have to”.
• Stapler, phone chargers, desk lamps
• Chaise lounge
• Kettle, Pizza vending machines
• Mini fountain,
• Ambient music
Themes
• Needs to be mix of spaces
• Quiet/enclosed spaces – scholarly space, Group work spaces, social spaces
• Need to be adjustable, portable furniture
• Proximity of resources
• More power points
• Improved Wi-Fi
• Visually appealing / stimulating
• However – There is no single ideal solution or space to fit all user requirements
• Main message – is that spaces need to be flexible/multi-purpose
Our story =/= Your story
• Outcomes unique to our library, but generic, low-cost techniques applicable anywhere
• Better understanding of and engagement with library users, and of how they want their library to evolve
• Evidence to support redesign of library space
Calming and relaxing
Julian Street Library – Princton University
Stimulating
The UX Journey continues
UX in the Medical Library
Cognitive Mapping Diary Studies
UX Techniques
Touchstone Tours Heat Maps
https://flic.kr/p/pd7mzH
UX Techniques
Image by https://flic.kr/p/pd7mzH Image attributed to Ned Potter -www.ned-potter.com
Further Information – Some Selected Readings
• Baker, L. Observation: a complex research method. Library Trends. Summer 2006 US(1): 171-189. doi: 10.1353/lib.2006.0045
• Bryant, J. , Matthews, G. & Walton, G., Academic libraries and social and learning spaces a case study of Loughborough University Library, UK, Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. March 2009 41: 7-18, doi: 10.1177/0961000608099895
• Priestner, Andy., Borg, Matt. User experience in libraries: applying ethnography and user centred design. Routledge. 2016. 9781472451002
• Weave – Journal of Library User Experience - http://weaveux.org/
• https://futurelib.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/the-protolib-project-final-report.pdf
Further Information – Blogs, Websites & Twitter
• Asher, Andrew., Miller, Susan. So you want to do anthropology in your library? Or A Practical Guide to Ethnographic Research in Academic Libraries. http://www.erialproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Toolkit-3.22.11.pdf
• http://www.donnalanclos.com/- Donna is an anthropologist and very active blogger/tweeter. Donna has been working with academic libraries since 2009 and is an committed contributor to the UX conferences
• https://twitter.com/futurelib, https://twitter.com/DonnaLanclos,
• https://twitter.com/UXLibs, https://twitter.com/andytraining
• Jo Milton -
• http://library.medschl.cam.ac.uk/
• @cam_med_lib
• @PolarPrincess