Design Think Your WayDesign Think Your Way to a Better Library to a Better Library

Association of Independent School LibrariansJune 22, 2016

Steven Bell bells@temple.edutwitter: @blendedlib

Two-Minute Design Challenge

Take a stand-up computer station.Commonly found in libraries.Imagine a community member

using it.What are possible pain points?Work alone or with others.

Three Things

• What is Design Thinking

• Why We Should Care

• Using a Design Challenge

The IDEO The IDEO Design ProcessDesign Process

The Deep Dive: Shopping Cart ProjectThe Deep Dive: Shopping Cart Project

The Deep Dive: Empathic DesignThe Deep Dive: Empathic Design

The Deep Dive: Identify the ProblemThe Deep Dive: Identify the Problem

The Deep Dive: Brainstorm SolutionsThe Deep Dive: Brainstorm Solutions

The Deep Dive: Create PrototypesThe Deep Dive: Create Prototypes

The Deep Dive: ImplementationThe Deep Dive: Implementation

The Deep Dive: EvaluationThe Deep Dive: Evaluation

Why We Why We Should CareShould Care

Image courtesy of http://sketchplanations.com

Wicked Problems

A challenge that is not merely complex but that is characterizedby ambiguity, shifting qualities andno clear solution.

Wicked Library ProblemsHow can our libraries reflect the diversity of our

communities?

Do students learn what we say theydo (e.g., achieve outcomes)?

Do people become lifelong learners?

How do we adapt for changing demographics in our community

It’s About the UX“What’s important about design thinking is

that it makes non-designers sensitive to the principles of design – sensitive to the end user experience.”

“That sensitivity creates a connection between the designer and non-designer.”

Lee Fain, Design & InnovationElectrolux

Source: http://www.innovationmanagement.se/2016/04/20/interaction-between-design-and-design-thinking

The Design The Design ChallengeChallenge

Five-Minute Design Challenge

“How Might We…..” Statement

State your challenge as “How might we…Too broad: HMW eliminate the reference desk?Too narrow: HMW make the desk smaller?Just right: HMW redesign the space to accommodate

stationary and roving reference?

• Talk to people

• Immerse Yourself

• Visit a totally unexpected place

• Defer judgment• Wild ideas Ok• Build on ideas of

others• Be visual• Go for quantity• Stay focused

• Create models• Digital mock-ups• Role playing• Mock ads• Experiment with

space• Use a variety of

tools and crafts

• Share your proto-type with user

• Have them use it• Ask questions• List ideas for

modifications• Reflect with team

Five-Minute Design ChallengeGather InformationChoose a partner. Find out about their daily

commute to work.

Ask about logistics but also how that person feels about their commute.

Focus on what’s unique, identified needs (ask WHY).

Could this commute be improved?

Future ProofingFuture ProofingStoryStory

Clear Cut ForestClear Cut Forest

Source: commons.wikipedia.org

Pine Creek Log DrivePine Creek Log Drive

Source: commons.wikipedia.org

Getting Lumber to the MillGetting Lumber to the Mill

Source: D.H. Easton & Company

Typical Williamsport Lumber MillTypical Williamsport Lumber Mill

Source: Benton News

Next Steps

• Learn more about design thinking

• Have conversations with staff

• Plan a small design challenge and involvestaff

• Move on to your wicked problem

Add Your Voice To The Conversation

Questions? Discussion!