User Experience Project Update #2

Since our January staff meeting with Aaron Schmidt, our user experience (UX) consultant, Neill Public Library staff have been working in committees on 8 different areas that were identified as friction points:

• Service point data gathering 
• Signage/aesthetic impact 
• Children's audio picture books/board books organization
• Reorganizing DVDs by category or genre
• Space use analysis 
• Service pledge 
• Visual design/branding 
• Self-service holds 

Library Director Joanna Bailey created a Kanban Board- a workflow visualization tool that enables committees to optimize project flow using sticky notes to communicate status, progress and issues.  We can track each group’s progress by their color coded notes.

On the board above we can follow the progress of each committee and see some exciting ideas and plans unfolding.  Each of the committees have had at least one telephone conference call with our UX consultant Aaron Schmidt.  Here are some close ups of the Kanban board with some highlighted examples.

The Space Use Analysis group, denoted with the electric blue sticky notes, spent several weeks doing hourly scans of the library and collecting valuable data regarding how the different areas of the library were being used throughout the day by patrons.  In their “to do” column remains the tasks of compiling the data collected into a graph/spreadsheet and then scheduling a phone call with Aaron to discuss their findings and determine how best to use them.  In the “done” category are each of the steps that have moved down the line and are now completed.

The Visual Design/Branding group has made a lot of initial progress.  One of the big tasks that they encountered was needing to partner with local graphic designers and design students at WSU and UI.  The group has 5-10 designers submitting logo/font/color scheme ideas by March 12^th.  This group has also been studying library logos around the country and especially ones that have received branding awards and recognition.  As this committee contemplates the rebranding of the library, the psychology of color has created some contemplative and engaging conversations.  Since taking the photo, new sticky notes have shown up on the Kanban board, a great example of the continuous flow of work and ideas.

Stay tuned for blog post #3 as we start to notice real changes emerging around the library.