Verso
Digital and physical experiences are colliding in Augmented Reality. But often academia is on of the furthest areas behind the technology curve. This device is intended to bring Libraries in the modern age by combining old and new research methods into one agile platform.
This project was about helping the helpers- identifying people who help others and creating a device that would make their job easier and more meaningful. Our team chose to look at Librarians, and discover how modern technology could alter their role and help them be more effective.
PROBLEM
Libraries are outdated and underutilized. Most students and researchers access information online, and converting information from physical sources into digital reports often seems like an unnecessary and tedious task.
We wanted to find a way to increase the amount of contact the users would have with the library while also giving the librarians an opportunity to use their skill and expertise.
RESEARCH
We spoke with library visitors, staff members, research assistants, and coordinators to discover what resources were underutilized, what questions were commonly asked, and what opportunities there might be to improve the library experience.
Joseph, research assistant:
“My job is to help students research, explore topics and sources. I feel underutilized because student don’t understand my role. and come to me for the wrong reasons”
Emma, library and archives para-professional":
“I handle damage items, inventory and the displays. I help a variety of patrons, I’ve noticed a lack of communication between the library and people who use it”
Tyler and Alex, library patrons":
“We were overwhelmed with the huge amount of information around us. It was intimidating and if we didn’t have the librarians to ask I think we’d get lost.”
INSIGHTS
Through interviews and surveys, we developed a set of key insights to guide our design direction and further our goal of improving the library experience for both librarians and patrons.
SOLUTION
The greatest challenge was to change the way resources in the library were used. This meant tackling the issue of finding and using both physical and digital sources in the same way. We also hoped to maintain the tactile experience of exploring and moving through the library, and leaving flexibility to work in different types of spaces as individuals and teams.
The team designed an Augmented reality projector and stylus that could project an interactive workspace and track motion and position in real time. The projector allows you to log physical sources and use the stylus to create highlights, take notes, and search for additional sources.
Why is it bright green? The human eye sees visible light on a spectrum of wavelengths. A vibrant lime green sits in the middle of that spectrum, and is scientifically proven to be one of the most visible colors. The ease and vibrancy make it ideal for overlaying on any work surface regardless of color or texture.
VIDEO
As part of the project, we created a five minute video that shows the features of the device and how the interface comes to life as an interactive research experience.
