work pod for intimate concentration
Interaction Design
Visual Design
Industrial Design
User Research
Brand Design
Adobe
CC
Figma
Shapr
3D
Rhino
Blender
This project aims to improve the accessibility of the work pods at the library and make them more resourceful to students.
By gathering iterative feedback from sketch prototypes to mid fidelity wireframes I designed a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions, including a mobile app for booking study spaces, an interactive desk UI that provides access to library resources during research, and a study pod that minimizes distractions to foster focused study sessions
Students lack private, comfortable spaces in the library, leading to distractions and reduced focus. Despite the library's abundant resources, many students fail to explore and use them effectively. This highlights a need for engaging spaces and systems that make resource discovery intuitive and encourage students to take full advantage of the library's offerings
4
Research Papers
8
Personal Interviews
150+
Survey Responses
Initial project outline questions helped develop scope of the project
'How Might We' questions that helped derive key need of the project
Images of existing library pods showcase lack of privacy to users
This approach helped me identify key behaviors, challenges, and preferences, forming the foundation for the design of Cubicle:
- Transparent windows make students uncomfortable: Windows in study pods compromised the privacy students needed for undistracted, focused study
- Absence of a booking system: Students often wait for extended periods outside study rooms due to the lack of an efficient reservation system
- Limited awareness of research tools: Students were unable to utilize essential library resources effectively
These findings provided valuable perspectives on how students interact with library resources and spaces, shaping the next steps of the project
After analyzing the current SCAD app and website portal, I developed a site map for the Mobile App and Desk UI that integrates seamlessly with the existing app and the study pod. This interface serves as a one-stop solution for managing and booking study pod time slots, ensuring students can secure a focused study environment before visiting the library
I identified three key user personas that represent the primary student groups utilizing the library. These personas offered critical insights into their needs and behaviors, helping to refine the target audience and guide the design direction for Cubicle
She is an animation sophomore student who indulges in versatile projects that depend on books issued by the library
Her attention span is less and the transparent windows act as an invitation for procrastination
She is an architecture student who likes the calmness in the library for extended work hours
She has very less awareness about the research resources available at the library needed for her thesis research
He is a film major who depends on versatile group meetings but often lacks spaces that can elevate his group meeting
Current spaces do not allow facilitation of meetings either virtual or in person which strays him away from the space
The mood board for Cubicle combines app screenshots with visuals of the pod design, highlighting its lighting, material selections, and overall aesthetic. This collection captures the project's cohesive design language, emphasizing functionality, comfort, and a modern, student-friendly atmosphere
The mood board provided a guiding framework, shaping interaction placements, app structure, notification design, and the overall form of the study pod. Early sketch prototypes established the foundation for refining the app’s wireframe and user experience
I did a quick ideation for the form of the study pod and added a light strip to showcase usage
I constructed a paper prototype to analyze user interaction through task analysis
These sketches focused on the visual layout and user affordances for both the app interface and the desk UI within the pod
I conducted user testing with a concentrated group, gathering feedback that emphasized the importance of features like pod reservation floor schematics. Based on these insights, I developed a low-fidelity wireframe with a well-structured and user-centric flow
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There were issues with setting a duration for the pod booking
Replaced the Home Screen with floor schematics for ease of reservation
This screen helps manage and update upcoming reservations
The user journey sketches informed the creation of mid-fidelity wireframes, focusing on the app’s Home Screen, Reservations, Profile and Resources page for display on the desk. The mood board served as a guiding framework, influencing interaction placements, app structure, and notification design. User feedback further refined these wireframes, ensuring alignment with user needs and preferences
These sketches illustrate the user journey of a student, starting from the classroom, booking a study pod, and finally scanning their ID to access and use the pod
Mid fidelity prototypes for the desk UI using Ekoa display. Desk UI wireframes were reiterated to show the resources panel and time spent in the pod
Mid-fidelity wireframes of the app and NFC reader were created to support task analysis and finalize the site map for various user interactions
Cubicle is an interactive study pod designed to improve usability and enhance student focus in library environments
- The branding and color palette, inspired by the mood board, were extended across multiple interfaces, including the desk, NFC reader, and phone app, ensuring a cohesive visual identity
- Montserrat font, paired with alert colors from the mood board, was chosen to create a clean, modern aesthetic that promotes ease of booking and facilitates knowledge assimilation
Using the brand guidelines, I developed a functional prototype in Figma to evaluate the design and implement iterative refinements, leading to the final app screen mockups
Animated render of the splash screen and booking screen of the app
Render of multiple study pods stacked alongside highlighting its modularity in orientation
Close up render of study pods showing one in use against a vacant one indicated by trim lights
Close up render showing how the glass walls turn translucent when in use
Close up render of the desk Interface that is an embedded screen in the corner of the desk to display available resources
Hero shot of the complete branding alongside the study pod and app
Mock up of the Splash Screen alongside the Onboarding Screen showing various functions of the app
Mockup of the Reservation Screen alongside post reservation Home Screen that showcases upcoming reservations
- Enhanced Library Experience: Designed a seamless ecosystem comprising a mobile app, interactive desk UI, and study pod, transforming the library experience into one that promotes focus, accessibility, and engagement
- User-Centric Solutions: Developed key features such as pod reservation floor schematics and integrated resource access, informed by extensive user testing and feedback, to address the specific needs of students
- Innovative Space Utilization: Introduced a modular study pod design with thoughtful material and lighting choices, providing students with a distraction-free and comfortable study environment.
