design + the library
A traditional understanding of design is that it is a creative problem-solving process that results in a “product”. However, design is increasingly being recognised for how it can be used by organisations to iterate and refine how they engage with their audiences.
For libraries, the outcomes of using design to innovate services can be many and varied. Practicing design-led innovation in a library setting could result in more targeted programming, new communication processes, development of new service ideas and more. However, the focus of design-led innovation in libraries is not just about idea development it is also about planning the process for executing an idea. This may mean determining the best way of executing a concept with limited resource or it could mean starting with a small scale roll-out that grows over time.
In design, the end point is never finite and requires persistence in trying new things. Using a design-led process in libraries means learning how to innovate, experiment and play alongside stakeholders and visitors to create more meaningful and engaging library experiences.
“Using a design-led process in libraries means learning how to innovate, experiment and play ”
Why should innovation in libraries be design-led?
It is a process for community participation in the library.
Following a design process is a way for library employees to involve a wide range of stakeholders in the process of understanding a library’s context and connecting that directly to idea generation. It’s a process that facilitates conversation with visitors and users of the library. It is a way for libraries to “make with” their stakeholders rather than
“make for”.
It is a fast paced strategy to kick start the idea generation process.
Following the design process means developing many possible
outcomes, not just one. Having many ideas to draw on provides
even more opportunity to reach an intended result.
It is a process that helps libraries to understand their users.
A fundamental part of the inquiry process is to create empathy with users. This is a necessary step for identifying challenges that a library should be addressing and determining ways to overcome them.
Originally published in
Design-led innovation in libraries toolkit, written for Design Minds
Photograph by
Orion Zuyderhoff-Grey