This document outlines a user experience study conducted at six colleges to gather student feedback on library spaces. The study used several methods including mapping, observations, touchstone tours, focus groups, and reflective logs to understand student behavior and needs. The study was conducted over multiple phases from April to October 2015. Insights from the study were intended to inform quick fixes, long-term planning, improve student satisfaction, and influence future library design through an embedded user experience methodology.

1. UX Pick ‘n’ Mix – Bringing back a
selection box from UXLibs1
Leo Appleton,
Associate Director of Library Services
@leoappleton

2. Six Colleges, one service
• Camberwell College of Arts
• Central Saint Martins
• Chelsea College of Arts
• London College of Communication
• London College of Fashion
• Wimbledon College of Arts
CSM Library; Ana Escobar 2015

3. Why user experience ?
• A different way of gathering
feedback
• Commitment to user
engagement
• Focus on student behaviour
and usage of space
• Planning for new build projects CSM Library; Ana Escobar 2015

4. Method / Student engagement
• Mapping
• Observing
• Love letters
• Touchstone tours
• Focus groups
• Reflective logs
LS UX Project: LCC; Leo Appleton, 2015

5. Schedule
Phase Activity Timeframe
Phase 1 Recruitment to observation team April 2015
Briefing and training of observation
team
April 28th 2015
Movement observations 29th April – 13th May 2015
Static observations 29th April – 13th May 2015
Touchstone tours 29th April – 13th May 2015
Phase 2 Focus groups May – June 2015
Phase 3 Reflective logs June – July 2015
Phase 4 Briefing analysis team July 2015
Analysis July – August 2015
Phase 5 Reporting and next steps October 2015

6. Mapping

7. Observations / Touchstone Tours

8. Focus Groups
• Observer feedback: informed focus group themes
• In-depth and reflective theme-driven discussion:
• Types of space
• Silent or quiet / group / IT
• Layout of space
• Environmental: heat / light / signposting
• Proportions and amount of space
• Behaviours in space
• Staff support

9. Love Letters

10. Reflective logs

11. So what?
• Analysis and reporting
• Actions – Feedback to students
https://spark.adobe.com/video/HkqN9yvE

12. Impact
• Quick fixes – Responsiveness
• Long term planning
• Student satisfaction (closing the loop)
• Influence and lobbying
• Embedded methodology

13. Thank you for listening…….
UX Pick ‘n’ Mix – Bringing back a
selection box from UXLibs1
@leoappleton