SMU Libraries

Project Overview
As a full-time graduate student at SMU, I collaborated on a human-centered design project focused on enhancing the in-person library experience during a major renovation of Fondren Library. The project addressed challenges related to student wayfinding, space utilization, and communication between library staff and students. With the temporary displacement of graduate students who relied on study carrels, the project explored ways to optimize underutilized study spaces across campus while ensuring continued access to critical resources. Through research, testing, and iterative design, the team developed a strategic solution to streamline navigation, improve communication, and enhance the overall student experience.

Problem Statement
Students at SMU rely on library spaces for focused work and collaboration, yet many struggle to find available, appropriate study environments—especially during a construction project.

Key challenges included:
• Lack of clear signage and wayfinding tools to locate open study spaces.
• Inefficient communication between library staff and students.
• Underutilization of existing study areas due to limited awareness.
• The displacement of graduate students relying on private study carrels due to library renovations.
This project aimed to improve access to study spaces and amplify available resources while ensuring seamless navigation for all students.

Role & Collaborators

Role: Designer & Researcher
• Conducted user research through surveys, interviews, and observations.
• Led prototyping and iteration, incorporating feedback from students and library staff.
• Developed a strategic wayfinding and information system to enhance student experiences.
Collaborators:
• SMU Library Staff
• Graduate and Undergraduate Students
• Faculty Members

Research Approach
To deeply understand the problem, the project utilized multiple research methods, including:
• User Surveys: Gathered feedback from students on their study habits and challenges.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Engaged with library staff to understand service gaps.
• Observational Research: Studied student behaviors in different library spaces.
• Secondary Research: Examined trends in post-COVID study habits, coworking spaces, and wayfinding best practices.

Key Findings:
• Students were unaware of available study spaces, leading to overcrowding in certain areas.
• Library signage was inconsistent and lacked clear navigation cues.
• Graduate students used carrels for dedicated workspace, not book storage, meaning displacement was more about workspace needs than lost research resources.
• Library services were highly valuable but often buried in digital platforms, making them difficult to access.

Design Solution
To address these challenges, the project delivered a library navigation and information system designed to amplify the availability of study spaces and streamline student support services. This solution included:
• A digital and physical signage system to enhance wayfinding across campus libraries.
• A structured communication strategy for library staff to efficiently guide students.
• A QR code tracking system to monitor engagement and gather real-time feedback.
Impact & Outcomes
• Improved student experience through better access to study spaces and support resources.
• Positive staff feedback, highlighting the solution’s role in improving service efficiency.
• Actionable recommendations for SMU Libraries to sustain and expand student-centered service improvements.

Lessons Learned & Reflection
• Human-centered research is essential in designing effective user experiences, even in physical spaces.
• Communication gaps can be just as impactful as physical space limitations. Addressing these gaps improved overall student satisfaction.
• Iterative testing with real users leads to more effective and scalable solutions.

This project demonstrates my ability to apply design thinking, UX research, and service design to solve complex, real-world challenges. It highlights my strategic problem-solving skills and ability to translate research insights into tangible solutions—critical competencies for roles in product design, UX, ed tech, and social impact innovation.