In my short time as lab assistant in the PPL computer lab, I’ve notice some areas of friction in the printing process.

1. tProvidence Public Library
Design Proposal - Lab Printing
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .1

2. t
Brief
In my short time as lab assistant in the PPL computer lab,
I’ve notice some areas of friction in the printing process.
Patrons are often confused about how to print from their computers;
from a browser, or desktop app.
Patrons often do not know where to collect their print, or
need to be directed to the print release station.
The process of scanning a library card at the release
station, selecting the print job and paying seems unclear
to the patron.
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .2

3. t
Research
I have had the chance to observe and question patrons in the lab
to further understand what may be causing their confusion. My
findings are as follows:
There is a variable of computer skill that is not a constant amongst
patrons; some have experience with the hardware and software found
in a computer lab, and some do not.
Computer skills do not necessarily dictate success when printing.
There is a need for a clear mental image in the mind of the patron of
what is happening during the printing process, and what needs to be
done to achieve their goals.
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .3

4. t
Research
The current printing user flow.
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .4
Computer
The patron begins
at their computer, where
they identify where the
‘Print’ button is, select
the destination, and
continue to the
‘Print Release Station’.
Print Release Station
At the ‘Print Release Station’
the patron must scan or
enter their library card to
access their print jobs. Once
inside the program, their is
no indication of what to
do first; random clicking
is often employed.
Printer
Retrieving the print from the
printer is the easiest step,
and is also a moment of relief
for the patron. This element
of success should be
identifiable at the end of each
step for a more fulfilling
experience.

5. t
t
Proposed Solution
I would like to employ my design and problem solving background
to ideate a series of design interventions to create a more
satisfying and user centered printing experience by
way of new signage.
1. Patrons are often confused about how to print from their computers;
from a browser, or desktop app.
2. Patrons often do not know where to collect their print, or
need to be directed to the print release station.
3. The process of scanning a library card at the release
station, selecting the print job and paying seems unclear
to the patron.
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .5

6. t
t
Proposed Solution
Print Direction Prototypes - The next slides contain prototypes for s
step by step.
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .6

7. t
Design Process
Further user printing flow research.
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .7

8. t
t
Proposed Solution
Print Direction Prototypes: Printing Steps - V.1
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .8
This content area will contain
individual instructions for each step of
the printing process.

9. Proposed Solution
Print Direction Prototypes: Printing Steps - V.2
PPL Design Proposal - Brandon Herford .9
This content area will contain
individual instructions for each step of
the printing process.