// September 2021 – October 2021 (4 week)
Timeline
My Role
// UX Designer - Working along side with a partner from class to research and figure out innovative solutions.
Problem Definition
Lending library Problem definition: With lending out electronic equipment, the problem that we would like to focus on is loss prevention, keeping track of inventory, and receiving feedback from community members.
Community Living Room Problem definition: The problem we would like to focus on is overall engagement, an accessible way to register and book the space for events, and feedback from the community
Our goals:
- Tracking items
- Creating a system within the community that is based on trust and responsibility
- Loss prevention and retrieving lost or stolen inventory
- Digital feedback system that can be implemented into the program
Purposed Solutions
The Lending Library
– Create a website that will allow community members to use services that are offered within
the Lending Library
– Build a relationship with the community through online workshops on how to use the
website
– Cultivate trust by allowing them to extend the borrowing period on the item without
consequence
– Maintaining the quality of the item and ensuring that products are returned through bricking
and item checks when they are returned
– Create an easy and accessible way for the administration to keep track of items and report
accidental damages
– Accessible ways to contact the administration
– Accessible ways to sign up for classes, services, email updates, etc.
– Creating an online feedback form that members can submit
Community Living Space
– Come up with offline and online feedback forms that can be found on the website and in person at the Community Living Space
– Have an online calendar where groups or individuals can check and book availability for the space
– Learn more about the communities needs and what programs or services they need access to
– Set up posters for services and programs around the living room so that new community members are aware of the services and programs that are accessible to them
– Have digital movie nights and other activities so that members can get together and connect
– The user gets to view what items are available.
– Check their own profile to see what they have rented currently and previously.
– Each user will have an ID number that will be on their Rental Card.
– In the checkout pages the user will be given a QR code that the worker can scan to quickly find their order in the system.
– The QR code will also contain information like the return date.
– The user will still have to show their Rental Card.
– The admin can see all borrowed items.
– They can register a new device to the system’s inventory by scanning an associated QR code for the device or carrying case.
– The admin can create an account for the user in person or the user can create an account online.
– They can update the user’s basic and account information.
– They can see the user’s account history, currently checked-out items and credit status.
Our Expected Impact
Members
– Community members will have access to technology that they can bring home.
– There is a built trust within the community as members have the opportunity to be responsible for the products they are borrowing
– There is an incentive for the community to return the borrowed items
– Good behaviour is rewarded through the credit system and members are given a fair opportunity to extend the borrowing period without consequences.
– Members can learn more about technology and how to use it as a tool to further their skills and knowledge
Admins
– Administration can oversee, track, and brick devices
– Administrators can easily sign in and sign out devices
– Administration can connect the community to further online resources
– The online and physical feedback systems allow better understanding of the Community’s needs
Takeaways & What I’d Do Differently
From being able to work on this project my main thought was how can we lend out items for free and not punish those who might bring back items late or break something by accident. Since this was a delicate project I wish I had more time to explore this realm of thinking. Being able to do user interviews would have been tremendously helpful because it is always important to understand the needs of the users you’re designing for.