Shhh! UX design comes to the local library

Libraries are places where we expect to follow rules. Be quiet, sign books out at the counter, and take the key to use the restroom. That’s why it’s refreshing to see that the Canadian Library Association recently invited UX designer Hilary Little to give a talk titled How to Make Happy Patrons.

Little, whose work has been featured in UX Magazine and Mashable, posted the slide deck she presented as part of her talk, which is embedded below. Though aimed at libraries, many of the ideas could be applied to other industries and organizations.

 

Many businesses are recognizing the importance of apps, but developers still occasionally need to create a compelling business case. A post last week from RobotsAndPencils, a startup based in Edmonton, recently looked at the trend around consumer technologies invading the workplace and provided a great example of how the gamification mindset can emerge:

Think of it this way: when I was in University, I would write a paper the night before it was due (of course!). To help crank it out, you would try and beat personal bests – I wrote a page in 15 minutes, now lets write it in 14. Or you got through 40 pages of reading in an hour, next time try and do it in 57 minutes. This tacit goal setting is applying a game mechanic to an everyday activity.

RobotsAndPencils may be a firm to watch.

 

Placed-based media could be the next big thing in interactive display, according to a recent video clip from Charlottetown, PEI-based ScreenScrape, who produced the segment to help explain the idea to those new to digital signage. Worth a look:

Elsewhere:

• PSFK talks to an ad agency exec to explore How Brands Can Leverage UX To Build Meaning and Purpose
• The Content Brief video series looks at how gamification can be applied to marketing strategies
• NPD DisplaySearch says Global revenues for LCD public display shipments rose 22 percent, from $733.6 million in Q1 2012 to $896.9 million in Q1 2013