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New York University
Library Wayfinding Redesign
As part of the Wayfinding Design class, I worked on a design brief from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Library Administration to enhance the library’s navigation experience.
Within the team, I was responsible for overseeing the completion and scoping of the project, problem analysis from on-site visits, and the creation of the mini-map card and directory plate.
Role
Project Manager
UX Designer
Graphic Designer
Tasks
Wayfinding Design
Graphic Design
UX Design
Service Design
Timeline
Mar 2024 - May 2024
8 Weeks
Based on 20 student interviews conducted on campus...
We learned that most students feel overwhelmed by the NYUAD library after their first encounter with the library.
“I used to avoid going to the library in the first semester of college.”
"The library feels like a maze with a lot of curves inside every path."
"I always have to ask people where specific departments are located."
"I didn't know what's on the 2nd floor because I didn't know how to get there."
Why do students feel overwhelmed by the library?
Zero Signage After Entering
Hidden Upstairs Entrance
Outdated Directory Plate
Unclear Student Accessible Space
Summarizing these problems...
How might we clarify the distinction between
student vs. faculty accessible space and enhance the overall navigation experience?
Our Solution
Vinyl Sticker
Digital Floor Map
Mini Map Card
Directory Plate
1
Adding noticeable signage to the library will...
-
Direct traffic flow to the upper level
-
Increase the visibility of the stairs to the upper level
-
Help differentiate two symmetrical sides of the library
Left Side Mockup
Right Side Mockup
2
There are no
pre-existing
library maps.
Having a digital library floor floor map will...
-
Pioneer a visual reference for everyone
-
Distinct student vs. faculty accessible space
-
Identify all the available study spaces within the library
Stage 1:
Creating an Outline from Evacuation Maps and Campus Floor Plan
(completed by teammate)
Stage 2:
Identifying every room inside the library
Stage 3:
Simplifying the Map
(completed by teammate)
Final Stage:
We focused on highlighting using darker colors that students can access inside the library, including the classrooms, programs, and study spaces. We also identified the location of the stairs to remind people of the upper level.
We finalized the color schemes using the color palette on NYUAD's brand guideline. We decided to emphasize the location of the study space on the map the most because during the design brief, we learned that the key objective of this project is for students to fully utilize the study spaces inside the library.
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(completed by teammate)
How do we make the map a physical resource that students will utilize?
3
-
Make it convenient to carry around in the size of an ID card
-
Distribute during the orientation week school tour (where many's first encounter with the library happened)
Digital Map
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Mini Map
Simplifications from the Digital Map
Enhanced
Text Visibility
Non-student Accessible Room Names
Water Fountain Location
Restroom Gender Classification
4
The existing information on the directory plate is inaccurate. It is also placed in an inconvenient location behind the glass door.
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Original Placement
New Placement Mockup
Impact
Enhanced visibility to inform direction
Increased guidance on decision-making by placing sign perpendicular to entrance
New Direction Icon
New Restroom Icon
(completed by teammate)
Detailed Departments
Previously "Reading Room"
