This is an ongoing project that i currently have at Malmö Uni. The libraries role in todays society is challenged, we see less people reading physical books and the library see an decline of visitors. This creates an opportunity where the library need to adapt their focus and
The aim of the project is to, with participatory design try to find opportunities of how to draw people to the library and what services the library should offer.
Some of the insights that we have throughout a probe, where we tried different ways that the library can communicate to the people in the community. The probe people are very invested in the library's activities, but does not show
The role of participatory design
Using participatory design is a good way of focusing on both the users and the stakeholders, where the designer is more of a mediator that facilitates the design activities. We are going to focus on this, since the aim is not only to focus on the stakeholders or the users, but more on the relationship between them. Here is where participatory design comes to play.
The main objective is to create a space where the stakeholders and the users can meet, and become part of the project, creating not only a possible solution that aids both parts, but also create understanding between the different agents, seeing what they can do for each other and not focusing on what the other can do for them.
In this particular case we aim to create channels between the library and the population of different areas, where the users can express their needs, wants and desires, then the library can express their view on the role of the library and the challenges they see further down.
The main objective is to create a space where the stakeholders and the users can meet, and become part of the project, creating not only a possible solution that aids both parts, but also create understanding between the different agents, seeing what they can do for each other and not focusing on what the other can do for them.
In this particular case we aim to create channels between the library and the population of different areas, where the users can express their needs, wants and desires, then the library can express their view on the role of the library and the challenges they see further down.
