The Aquatarium

Client/College

A completely different application of UX principles. A real time client problem to be solved by conducting observational research for a given physical space.

Self-checkout System

Roles
UX researcher & UX designer

Team size
Solo

Time frame
7 business days spread 2 months

Tools
Microsoft power point, excel

Figure: The Singer Castle Library is a multi-dimensional place with a lot of elements foe the visitors to interact with

Scope

This research project was based on a spatial place in the city of Brockville, called the Aquatarium. The goal is to observe how their visitors use their space and find out where there is scope of improving the user experience. The observational research mainly focused on user interaction with the elements of this space and how they react towards it. These observations are tabulated and were then analyzed to come up with the requirements list. Which will inform us of the design solutions that we shall propose to the client. The project was spread across a time frame of two months with multiple visits to the site.

Goal of project

Singer Castle Library on St. Lawrence River Dark Island is the inspiration Aquaterium used to create their own library. The library is equipped with a large media screen and projector, electronic piano, and a math coloring interactive screen. It has books, puzzles, pencils, coloring sheets to keep kids engaged and entertained. The room furniture includes 4 large wooden tables with chairs, a big book stand with shelves, and 2 couches. The goal of this research project was to see how the visitors use all these elements and what challenges they face. Also, to see which elements have higher interaction rate and which have the least. Simultaneously, we have to understand the client goals and make sure that at the end of the project the design solution we propose are aligned with the business goals of the client.

Overview

Rapid Wirframig

Research plan

Since, this project was spread across two moths , it was imperative that we design a time line and a research plan which will keep us on a focused track. For this we defined elements like the objective of this project, the research questions we will be addressing, what data points will be collected and how these data will be used. And a timeline was created to keep the progress of the project in check.

Figure: Research Plan for the observatinal research plan

Gantt Chart

Once we have identified all the elements that we will be addressing in the project, a Gantt chart was created to define roles and timelines for each team member. The Gantt chart was created keeping the strengths of the team members involved and roles were assigned accordingly. At the end of each step a final deliverable has also been identified which will be delivered to the client in the end as a client package.

Figure: Gantt chart for the project

Data template

Once we had identified the data points and the elements in the Singer Castle Library, we designed the template for data collection. This was a two part template which was divided between the two team members. One set was to record the emotional response of the users and the second set was to observe number of interactions. Thus, in this fashion we collected qualitative and quantitative data. To have both member's point of view of observing the user, we swapped places and responsibilities half-way on the day of actual observation.

Figure: Defining the goal of the project and the system functionalities

Planning

Pesona Building

Competitive scan

While this was primarily a first hand research project, we still conducted a secondary research in the form of competitive scan. This was done to inform us about how a modern day library facilitates its users keeping in mind accessibility and other defining factors. It was interesting to note that SCL is a unique setup and its model is not to be seen anywhere. Thus, we had to look at many different competitors to identified modern trends and then synthesize them to apply to this history based library setup.

Figure: Competitive scan and analysis

Observing the space

The first step was to identify the actual space for which the research is being conducted. Identifying the sections we wish to focus on, what issues are there with the current setup and what areas can be major focal-points of change. Based on these principles we conducted a first look survey of the place and identified all the accessibility issues, the signage issues and usage of space issues . And these were the main areas which we addressed in our design solutions.

Space usage issues

At first glance, the Singer Castle Library appears to be a charming old world place but upon closer inspection the proprietors have made changes to make it attractive to children and adults. Thus, this juxtaposition creates some space usage issues where the entire floor space is not used properly. For example the four large tables usually distract the visitors from reaching the far corner of the library where the books and couches are.

Figure: Analyzing the spatial arrangement of SCL

Signage issues

Informational signage

Too much text to read
Fonts too small
Design not inviting

Instructional signage

Too much text to read
Design does not hold attention

Directional signage

Directions to various activities are missing

Figure: Observing various type of signages used at SCL

Accessibility issues

Library books are too high for children to reach.
Vintage photographs are placed at above eye levels for children and adults to observe.
Carts are heavy for children to take off from the shelves themselves.
Signage for various elements are placed at places not obviously visible to visitors.

Figure: Observing various accessibility issues at SCL

Client interviews

The next step was to understand the business goals. This was done through client interviews. In an unstructured interview we were able to ask questions about the space, its purpose from the business perspective as well as challenges and plans. Also, we asked what pain-points specifically would they like us to focus upon. This gave us an opportunity to have an expanded discussion on how the current situation at the Aquatarium is and how the client eventually envisions it to be. Thus, making it easier to define client goals and align our project goals with it.

Observing the user

The actual research activity of the research project was to observe the user. On the day of the activity, we chose to vantage points from where the users will be observed undisturbed. Although our presence was conspicuous as note takers and observers, we tried our professional best not to let that distract the users. half way through the process , we switched positions and gave each other a breathing space as well. This was done so that both members can collect both type of data sets and understand the various difficulties that come with them. While it was a challenge as the SCL is an attraction for children primarily and kids move very fast from one activity to the other. The other challenge was when observing the adults , keeping our own bias in check. Overall this was a successful and at the end we were able to genrate some good insights into user behavior and user experience.

Figure: Actual data collected

Figure: Defining the various data points for observing the users

Research

Accessibility Report

Stoyboarding

Quantitative data

Once we had collected the data, it was time to synthesize our findings and analyze it. The quantitative data collected was presented in the form of graphs and charts. This was done to make the data comprehension easy for the client. Also, this was an effective method of identifying trends and patterns in user mental model.

Figure: Quantitative data represented

Qualitative data

Unlike to quantitative data, the qualitative data cannot be represented on a graph. This needs to be done as an independent study, going through each client behavior and then establishing trends in user behavior. At the end of it, we generated a list of identifiable points for each element of the Singer Castle Library.

Library

The Library is a valuable resource.
Remains mostly unused due to inaccessibility.
Only one stakeholder came and used the books.

Couches

The couches are used less because the visitors are distracted and usually sit at tables because they are nearer.

History Signage

Their placements and design is a reason to not attract visitor attention.
Only one visitor went to look at them and did not spend much time going through the content.

Tables

The tables are inaccessible to children because of their height.
Their placement is not optimal and wastes valuable space.

Coloring screens

Visitors usually struggle with understanding how to engage with this activity.

Creative Carts

Children and adult like playing but find instructions challenging.
The children cannot access the carts on their own.

Secret Passageway

There is no excitement to find the room.
Many visitors accessed the room from the ropes section and hence did not interact with the room as expected.

Piano

As it is at the entrance it has high engagement
Visitors do return to it as music is entertaining to most.
Both children and adults enjoying playing music.

Come Alive Paintings

The main attraction of the SCL.
Visitors who know how it works enjoy it.
First time users struggle with finding and understanding the instructions.

Requirements

Once, all the data was compiled and analyzed, it was time to create an exhaustive list of the requirements. This list is made keeping in mind all the factors hat we need to define in order to assign priorities to the list items. The higher the priority, the urgently the requirement needs to be addressed. To define the priorities, various factors affecting the requirements were defined and assigned a point. These factors were based on the amount of resources, the time needed, the financial expenditure involved and how strongly will it affect the user experience. This requirement list makes it easier for the client to decide which issue they should address urgently and which issues can be planned and attended to later.

View Requirement List

Analysis

Recommendations

Culminating all the research activities, we finally made design recommendations to the client. As devised earlier, we identified the three areas of study; area usage, signage, accessibility. These design changes suggested were made keeping in mind the user goals and the business goals and aligning the two in order to optimize the existing resources and time. This was done in the form of a final presentation to the client. All the presentation all client queries were answered and a fianl package of client deliverables was also handed to the client.

Redesign Signage

Signage should be designed keeping the overall theme of SCL in mind.
Information provided should be precise and engaging.

Missing Signage

Directional signage for introduction to Singer Castle Library should be at the entrance.
Directional signage for the wind equipment should be placed.
Informational signage telling visitors about the history of the secret passage and its use should be placed.

Placement of Signage

Signage for the couches can be placed on the pillar instead on top as it decreases the distance for the user to read.
Signage telling the story of the Broncho Buster should be placed closer to the statue as it will connect the two elements for the visitors.

Reconsider Room Layout

The central area can be occupied with one table which will make the couches more visible and accessible.
Library books can be placed near the couches so everyone can see and access them.

Reconsider Accessibility

Use furniture which both children and parents can use comfortably.
Bring elements like the carts, books, historical photos within reach of children to improve engagement.
Library storage can be built to add more storage to the space.

Figure: A diagram to explain the design solution for a new layout