UX: engaging with students in a User Experience project to inform library developments at UAL

  • Leo Appleton: Associate Director of Library Services, UAL.
  • Tania Olsson: Learning Resources Manager, LCC.
  • Jayne Batch: Assistant Learning Resources Manager, CSM.
  • Sandra Reed: Discovery Manager (Resources and Communications), UAL.

This paper will report on the methodology and findings of a large scale Library Services UX project which took place during the summer term of 2015 and included:

  • Mass observation of student movement around library spaces
  • Mass observation of activity within given library spaces
  • Touchstone tours with approximately 100 students
  • Focus groups at each library on the theme of library space
  • 40 students participating in a three week reflective log focusing on their use of learning spaces.

The analysis and resulting reports to come from this activity are now being used to shape, repurpose and refurbish existing library spaces.