Your Library Adventure
Lore
An engaging theme-based exploration of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh that exposes teenagers to a variety of topics will help them discover new interests. It was designed as part of the curriculum for an Interaction Design project at Carnegie Mellon's School of Design.
Year
2023
Challenge
Design an immersive, multi-sensory experience for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
My Role
User Research
UX Design
Video Concept Design
3D Modelling for AR (for MetaQuest 3)
Visual Effects and UI Design
Tools
Figma
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Adobe AfterEffects
Blender
Unity
Google Sketchup
About
Teenagers at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh seek self-guided learning opportunities but struggle with book discovery and access to engaging resources. What does a public library offer?
A valued space for self-guided learning, where books and the environment enhance the experience.
Libraries provide access to technology, fostering exploration and learning in an engaging environment.
Libraries offer valuable resources, but navigating stacks can be overwhelming, making book discovery challenging.
Problem Space
Libraries serve diverse patrons, but tech-savvy teens seek more engaging experiences. Integrating mixed reality can enhance learning, social engagement, and exploration.
Research Question
This Mixed-Reality Immersive experience explores
How might we create an engaging library experience that helps teenagers discover new interests?
Design Methodology
Our design methodology maps the user journey to enhance library exploration and engagement. By identifying strategic interventions, we create a guided yet flexible experience that fosters curiosity, autonomy, and repeat visits.
Our concept development focuses on creating a dynamic user journey that guides individuals through the library while allowing them the freedom to navigate their own path. This approach balances structure and autonomy, enhancing exploration and engagement.
Design Outcome
Lore
An engaging theme-based exploration experience that introduces teenagers to a variety of topics that will help them discover new interests.
Our design journey to engage and sustain teenagers' interest unfolds in three key steps:
Design Feature 1
Engage Through Thematic Exploration
Teens begin by selecting a theme aligned with current events and trends, creating a personalized and relevant starting point.
Design Feature 2
Sustain Interest with Interactive Elements:
Engagement is deepened through interactive features such as review bubbles, artifact discovery, and the Immersive Pod, which recreates the book’s atmosphere using dynamic images and 3D object exploration for a multi-sensory experience.
Design Feature 3
Enhance Engagement with Artifact Collection
Tangible artifacts serve as rewards, activating the brain’s reward center and creating anticipation, ensuring a lasting connection with the experience.
Design Feature 4
Reinforce Engagement with the Library App
The customized souvenir bookmark, when scanned, allows users to revisit their unique library experience. The accompanying library app enables users to view their journey, access reading lists, read and contribute reviews, completing the full cycle of engagement.
Gesture Controls
Our gesture control design incorporates intuitive interactions such as tap, drag, pinch, and swipe to seamlessly guide users through the onboarding process, ensuring an effortless and engaging experience.
User Interface (UI) Design
The UI design features a Glassmorphic screen over the dynamic library background, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience.
The whimsical illustration style adds a touch of magical realism, complementing the vibrant, colorful backdrop of the library and enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Reflections and Future Scope
Character or Artifact Movement:
Introduce characters or artifacts that can navigate the space and break through spatial boundaries.
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Skin or Avatar Creation:
Develop a skin or avatar that allows users to transform into a character, intensifying the gamified experience and enhancing immersion.
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Telepresence Integration:
Link multiple CLP branches to form a virtual reading community or book club, allowing users to interact with members and stay updated on activities across different locations.
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Projection Mapping:
Explore experiences such as projection mapping that can be engaged without the need for MR glasses, broadening accessibility.