Project Shared Spaces
Overview: The Taalexplorium project was a collaboration between three public libraries in North and South Holland—De Bibliotheek Aanzet, Bibliotheek Aan de Vliet, and West-Friese bibliotheken—supported by Probiblio, a provincial full-service organization for libraries. The project aimed to redefine libraries as vibrant, inclusive spaces where young adults could explore and experiment with language in innovative ways.
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Client & Stakeholders
​The project served the participating libraries and their communities, particularly young adults aged 18–23. Probiblio acted as a central supporter and coordinator.
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My role
​As part of the design team, I contributed to user research, data synthesis, ideation, and prototyping. I was particularly focused on understanding user behaviors and translating those insights into a creative and user-centered solution. My work was pivotal in shaping the visual communication, from designing user journey maps to developing engaging storytelling and prototyping tools.
Problem Statement
The Challenge
Libraries are often associated with traditional, written language, which can alienate certain groups, such as dyslexic individuals or those who prefer alternative forms of expression. With declining engagement among young adults, the project sought to transform libraries into spaces that celebrate the diversity of language and encourage creative expression.
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Target Audience
We focused on young adults aged 18–23, a transitional age where individuals are exploring their identities, goals, and creative interests. The goal was to attract this demographic by creating a library experience that inspires experimentation with language and fosters community connections.
Research Process
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Methods Used​
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Desk Research: We reviewed existing literature and market trends to understand library usage patterns, forms of self-expression, and how language connects individuals.
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Surveys: We collected data on young adults’ library habits and their definitions of language expression. This helped us uncover barriers to engagement and alternative methods of expression.
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Interviews: Conducted on-site at libraries, these interviews provided personal insights into how language shapes identity and social interactions.
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Observational Studies: Using the AEIOU framework, we observed library environments, noting user behaviors, interactions, and space utilization.
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Scenarios: Participants were asked to express themselves without using verbal language, which revealed creative methods and cultural influences on expression.
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To gather and organize the data in one place we put all of our data cards on a wall and made affinity diagram with clusters. Then we created insights from those clusters. Next step was prioritising our insights by astronomical value, high value, medium value and low value. Lastly we formulated interferences to help guide the process of this project.
Interferences
1. Cultural Influence on Communication: Cultural background significantly influences communication styles and interpretations, often leading to barriers and boundaries in expression.
4. Creative Visualization: Creative visualization, such as art and daydreaming, allows individuals to express complex ideas and emotions that words cannot fully capture, facilitating deeper understanding.
2. Role of Gestures and Body Language: Gestures and facial expressions are powerful tools for conveying messages quickly and effectively, supporting spoken language and enhancing understanding.
5. Language and Identity: Language is a crucial aspect of identity and belonging, with different accents and dialects reflecting cultural backgrounds and shaping social interactions.
3. Libraries as Tools for Expression: Libraries provide valuable resources and social spaces that foster learning, reflection, and connection, serving as tools for expression and personal development.
6. Technology as an Expressive Tool: Mobile phones and other technologies become essential tools for expression when people face communicative challenges, enabling connection through various multimedia formats.
Synthesis
We made User journey map, User persona, Stakeholder map and Floorplan of the library
"Beyond Boundaries"
Our vision reimagines the library as a dynamic space for connection, creativity, and cultural exchange. By combining imagination, linguistic diversity, and alternative forms of expression, we aim to inspire self-awareness, confidence, and meaningful interactions. This inclusive experience fosters personal growth, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging, empowering individuals and communities to explore language and deepen their connections.
Design Vision
Design vision storyboard
Shot 1: [Close up shot of a young man being aware of his diverse surroundings, being part of so many different conversations that he doesn’t understand]
“There he was, standing in the busy street, hearing everything and nothing at the same time, trying to make sense out of the different sounds that come his way”
Shot 2 : [Exterior shot of a traditional-looking library building on a bustling street corner.]
"In the heart of the city stands a grand library, its classical architecture a testament to centuries of knowledge and tradition."
Shot 3 : [Inside the library, shelves filled with books, softly lit by antique lamps. People isolated in their own worlds, interacting with their devices]
"Amidst the hushed whispers of the library, a young man walks in, his curiosity piqued by the promise of exploration."
Shot 4:[The young man browsing through rows of books, his expression thoughtful as he scans the titles.]
"He wanders through aisles of literature, seeking books that mirror his interests, his fingers tracing the spines as if searching for a hidden treasure."
Shot 5 : [The young man seated in a cozy reading nook, completely sunk into the book, a smile playing on his lips as he encounters interesting characters and vivid worlds.]
"With each turn of the page, he is transported to distant lands, immersed in the rich tapestry of culture and identity intertwined by the author's words."
Shot 6 : [The young man approaches a girl across the room, holding out his book with a shy smile, inviting her to share in his discovery.]
"With a gentle gesture, he offers her the book, a symbol of his openness and a bridge to create new friendships. As they talk, the workshop/event buzzing around them fades into the background, leaving only the warmth of genuine connection and the promise of future meet ups."
Shot 7 : [Wide shot of the library, now filled with diverse groups of people mingling and conversing, united by their shared love of literature and language.]
"And so, in the heart of the library, strangers become friends, and the power of language binds them together in a community of seekers and storytellers."
Ideation
To keep ourselves aligned to our research insights and ignite creativity, we started our ideationprocess with HMW questions. These, along with specific requirements derived from user stories, guided our brainstorming sessions, ensuring that our ideas were user-centric, research basedand are relevant to the client’s needs. The prioritization of requirements (MoSCoW) was based on the impact of each user story/requirement to the user experience, how relevant it is in solving the initial problem statement and how it aligns with client’s expectations. For ideation sessions we used techinques like lotus blossom, brainstorming, brainwriting.
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How might we leverage non-verbal communication to overcome linguistic barriers?
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How can we integrate elements of pop culture into library to bridge cultural divides and spark meaningful dialogue among those from diverse cultural backgrounds?
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How might we use imagination to form deeper connections between individuals by cultivating an understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences?
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How might we design an environment that caters to different communication styles (both verbal and non-verbal), for a more inclusive and engaging experience?
HMW questions
After ideation sessions we concluded on were three conceptual directions:
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The Past, with focus on the users’ previous experiences and targeting their inner childthrough gamification
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The Future, with focus on the users’ dreams and goals for their personal development (an integral characteristic of the target audience)
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Innovative Creativity, with focus on allowing the users to express and define their identityand feelings through creative methods
Concepts
Based on those directions we created 3 concepts for the client. Initial ideas focused on gamification, storytelling, and immersive technology. Feedback led to pivoting towards music and gesture-based interaction, highlighting universal and non-verbal forms of expression.
Concept development
Concept proposal:
The concept combines music and technology to enable non-verbal emotional expression. Users enter a booth, select an emotion, and use gestures to create music, fostering personal growth and connection. Targeted at young adults, the experience leverages multi-sensory interaction and gamification to enhance engagement and creativity.
Testing & Iterations
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Music and Emotion Association: Validated music as a medium for emotional connection.
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Prototyping Walkthroughs: Explored user flow and refined technical feasibility.
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Booth Testing: Observed real-time interactions to enhance user engagement and comfort.
Key Iterations
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Transition from AR goggles to QR codes for accessibility.
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Shift from screens to soundproof booths for immersive experiences.
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Inclusion of mementos and an online archive for community building.
Final Concept
E-Motion - An interactive booth where every emotion has a sound.
Reflection
Challenges Faced:
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Misalignment of initial concepts with client expectations required rethinking the direction.
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Adapting to feedback and redefining "language expression" beyond traditional paradigms.
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Key Takeaways:
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Clear communication with clients and teams is essential.
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Iterative processes are critical for refining user-centered solutions.
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Stepping back for fresh perspectives helps overcome creative blocks.