BookWorm

Is a service created to improve the library experience for all students, faculty, and staff of college institutions. While revolutionizing how it manages its material (books, journals, etc.), while increasing the interest and functionality in using the library for all college attendees.

Research | UX | UI | Product Design | Branding

My Role:
Art Direction
Design Research
Prototyping & Wireframing
Testing
UX/UI Design for Mobile
and Robot
Copywriting
Brand Identity

Collaborators:
Mary Amaku: Design Research, Trademark Developing, Illustrations, UI Design for Mobile, Brand Identity, Copy Writing.
Diana Garza: Design Research, Copy Writing, UX/UI Design for Mobile, Brand Identity.

Defining the Problem

Many university students on and off campus do not always have the time to go to their campus library. Some avoid going due to the long distance, while others cannot wait long periods of time for a book’s availability. On the other hand, it is difficult for library staff to keep up with critical tasks such as inventory, restocking items in their correct spaces, checking orders, and more.

Goal

The goal of this service is to improve the efficiency of library staff and benefit both on- and off-campus students. It will execute organizational skills that will assist with restocking books and other miscellaneous items in their proper areas while cutting unnecessary wait times.

Don't Have Much time, Jump to Final Outcome👇

Library Staff Interview Insights.

Library busiest time occour the first week of the semester, midterm and finals.
—Library Staff

Items are mostly checkout during midtermsand finals.
—Library Supervisor

Inventory is not always met/done. Similarly shelvestend to not be checked as often.
—Library Supervisor

Putting books back can be very time consuming and can take hours, up to day since I am responsible of additional tasks.
—Student Worker

Student Survey

Following feedback from the library staff As a result, the survey results will provide insight into the students' thoughts on how their library could be improved and provide a sense of what is missing.

Takeaway

The college library is the biggest hub that holds the most students at the same time; therefore, it can be hard to maintain organization and quick customer service. This can be a bit of a hassle for some students who have to use the services or study materials in the library.

Whose Problem am I Solving

After the preliminary research, we noted that the target audience that could benefit the most from this service were the off-campus students, since they rely on bus route times, school commutes, class schedules, etc... Which will keep them from using the library and its services.

What is an Autonomous Robot?

A robot engineered to be able to handle all types of environments without human control or being monitored. is equipped with their own sensors that help them avoid colliding with obstacles and find the best path to get to their destination. Most advanced autonomous robots can even go on elevators and deliver complex orders.

Competitive analisys

In today’s day and age, it is becoming more popular to have very efficient delivery services, as well as to obtain products quick and easily. Here are a few companies and services that students would rather use when needing school material.

Pain Points

▸ It's difficult for students to commute to the library.
▸ Library is not accessible at all times.
▸ Its challenging for staff to keep up with library material inventories. 
▸ The rental system is time consuming and frustrating.
▸ It can become very crowded and disorganized at times.

With all this in mind

How can the Library be Improved

Solution

Bookworm is a service that will allow college students and faculty to get library materials delivered to their dorms and other key locations on campus via a hub.The autonomous robot will deliver 24/7 in short times, with the goal of alleviating the library's workload and making their task easier, while the application will allow students and faculty to get their material promptly.

User Journey Robot

Preliminary Autonomous Robot

Key insights on the system that will work the best for this type of service. 

Autonomous robot sensor:   
▸ Internal Sensing Devices   
▸ External Sensing devices

What features should the robot have? The ability to feel the environment with the following technology: laser scanners, cameras, microphones, sound sensors, force-torque sensors, and spectrometers. Simpler options include infrared or ultrasound sensors. Overall, train the robot to make decisions similar to those made by humans. It may also be necessary to have a GPS, an attached hand, or claws.

User Journey App

App Architecture

Paper Prototype

Wireframes

Testing Takeaway

The testing really helps figure out where information is lacking or needs to be better organized. Similarly, it helps identify the elements and descriptions that are working. and how they might be applied in other areas of the app. Overall, being able to showcase all necessary information without overwhelming the user while breaking it down into steps, playing with white spaces, and loading pages to allow breaks in between while still being efficient.

Brand Overview

Final Outcomes App

Let's follow an off-campus student's journey through the app, using the key tools.

User Account

Users will be able to immediately sign in with their college ID information, this way it allows an easy and fast log in. While also providing all the accessible features to cover all of their needs.

Addressed HMW:

Book Search

It was crucial to keep it straightforward and approachable. Comparably, being able to display what's popular based on choices made by other users. Showcase genres, for a search that is far more engaging.

Addressed HMW:

Quick Print

Printing will be quick and simple for the user. It will have easy access and the ability to print at any time with clear instructions.

Addressed HMW:

Order Delivery

It was critical to include real-time order tracking, a simple scanning mode, and the ability to add items to the phone wallet for quick access at any time. Clear instructions for final pick up, as well as the ability for the user to set times for the overall order to fit their schedule.

Addressed HMW:

Push Notifications

Final Outcomes

Let's follow Wormie as he goes around campus.

Material Delivery

Distributes or returns materials in a timely manner, either directly to the dorm or to the HUB.

Addressed HMW:

Full Prototype

What I learned

The most valuable lesson I learned from this project was to go in depth with the research and pay close attention to the interviews and survey findings, because this made me realize what was important and how necessary it was to fill the gap. Likewise, learning about autonomous robots and realizing how essential they may become in the future.

With more time and resources

I would have liked to expand on the product design, the journey from the perspective of the staff, and what the robot could do inside the library. While  also help with other tasks and similar issues to build a strong service that focuses not only on students and faculty but also on aiding the staff in the more mundane but crucial projects. 

Queen's Ink

↑Back To Top↑