Objective
The classrooom project was to enhance the experience in a particular area in the campus. Knowlege Management Centre(Library) was selected as the area of study. The various activities in different parts of the library was observed and mapped.
From the observations there were two category of readers.
One- who knew what book/genre of book they wanted to read. Other- who skimmed throught the bookshelves and selected any book that might quirk their interest. The brief was to enhance the process of picking out a book to read from an overwhelming set of choices for both category of readers.
The Concept
When making a choice, we look for opinions and recommendations from friends and people we know. The reviews and suggestions from others make us feel good and safe about our choices.
This has fueled the social media like facebook, where options like ‘SHARE’ and ‘LIKE’ helps you express your opinions and connect with like minded people. The idea was to implement this in a physical space like a library, thus creating a way for students and faculty in campus to express their view and recommendations about a book that they have already read. This in turn would help others in choosing a book.
Bookmark likes
A book mark can be used to LIKE a book, which can be visible from outside and can be fit in the library card pouch so that they do not get lost while the book is being issued.
The icon is inspired from the facebook like icon, to give a familiarity to the users.
The top part of the bookmark has a projection so that it’s visible when the books are stacked in the shelves.
The bookmarks allow the readers to like the book they have read. The book marks are kept in the librarian’s table and you can place the bookmark in the book you like and wish to recommend it to others.
The projected end of the book mark makes the "LIKE" look prominent in a sea of books. The likes are available on both the sides
When the book which already has a like is being issued, the bookmark can be kept safely in the library card pouch in the back of the book. The reader can use the bookmark whenever needed. The bookmark are put back when the books are returned.
More likes can be given to a book by pasting stickers over the bookmark.
This helps the reader to choose one from a sea of books. Also it helps in selecting a book that has been read and reviewed by others.