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Step
Exploring opportunities to innovate current systems within libraries to enhance efficiency and improve worker satisfaction.
Project Overview: The brief for this project, was observing an environment as a passive "fly on the wall," to identify problem areas ready for improvement. I was assigned the Carleton library as my setting. I quickly noticed the challenges faced by librarians in organizing and managing books. The discomfort and inconvenience of maneuvering library carts while also carrying a flimsy plastic stool, stood out as a significant problem. To address this, I embarked on redesigning the library cart, integrating a built-in stool to enhance both comfort and functionality. This innovation aims to improve efficiency and elevate worker satisfaction in the library.
Studio Project: "Fly on the wall"
Duration: 3 Weeks
2023
Skills: Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Autocad, Solidworks, Keyshot, Laser Cutting
Observations
I spent a few hours in the library, sketching what I observed and taking notes. The existing architecture and furniture was inspiring, from the soft natural light and ambient atmosphere to the subtle hues and wood elements in the furniture. When I encountered my design challenge, the library cart, I was eager to integrate these visual influences into the design aesthetic for this project.
Understanding the Context
These sketches were created in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of my context. I focused on addressing key questions: Who might interact with the cart? Where will it be located? And what products will surround it? With these questions answered I could begin ideating.
Ideation
Definitive Design
Use Cycle
I developed orthographic sketches of the final cart concept to gain a clearer understanding of its proportions and scale. The dimensions were derived from the existing carts in the library, to ensure a it would fit within the space seamlessly.
Anchor 1
Features
The green accents on the cart enhance the visibility of its affordances, while elegantly complementing the natural warmth of the birch plywood. When stored, the step stool seamlessly tucks into the wall, flush with the side of the cart, remaining discreet until needed. This allows for sleek design alongside its practical functionality. The grooves routed into the steps not only provides subtle detail but it enhances traction, ensuring the users safety and stability. The dual sided steps allow users to effortlessly access the bookshelves located on either side of the aisle. This eliminates the need to turn the cart in this tight spaces, offering a more efficient experience. The angled shelves of the cart prevent books from sliding or falling off the cart while in transit.
Proof of Concept Model
Given the project's scope, a high-fidelity model was not feasible. Instead, a proof-of-concept model was crafted from laser-cut cardboard, serving to effectively demonstrate the functionality of the concept.
Final Product
I created visualizations of the final concept using SolidWorks and KeyShot, in order to bring the design to life in a more realistic way.
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