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Empathy:  Let's meet Mr. GCAA Teacher.  After a long day of teaching, we find Mr. Teacher in the library making copies for tomorrow.  Upon arrival, Mr. Teacher remembered that earlier in the day he printed a science lab handout.  It takes him about 10 minutes sorting through the various papers that are scattered throughout the room to find his copy.  Once he finds it, he makes the rest of his copies.

 

The above story resembled a typical copier experience in our library.  Upon observing I realized the following:

-Teachers are spending a lot of time looking for prints/copies that were run off earlier.

-Teachers often need office supplies that they've left back in their rooms - paper, stapler, scissors, etc.

-Teachers stand because there aren't many places to sit.

-The copy room is messy and unkempt with papers everywhere.

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The library copy area is often the place where teachers are generating ideas for their lessons.  To foster that creativity, the copy room should be a place where teachers enjoy coming and feel relaxed.

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This led to the question: "How might we redesign the library copy area to make the process for efficient and joyful for teachers?"

Ideate:  

Ideas generated included: an on-call masseuse, a cuddly puppy to play with, and soft music and lighting.

 

Prototype:  Following idea generation, one key component was prototyped, the left behind copies box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For teachers to feel relaxed, their copies need to be easy to find.  
This is version 1.0 of the  "Left Behind Copies" box.  
Above the light switch is an opportunity for teachers to give feedback.  

 

Test & Iterate:  Teacher feedback made it clear that version 1.0 was appreciated and somewhat helpful for finding copies, but wasn't necessarily viable.  It did not solve the original problem proposed.  Papers and clutter were still left in many locations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With version 2.0, I upgraded the "Left Behind Copies" board to display more of the papers. 

 

Version 3.0 is pictured below and includes the addition of a table, stapler, scissors, and other assorted office supplies.  There was also an opportunity for users to leave feedback and tally if they found their copies.

 

Next Steps:  It's been so fun to turn our unorganized book room into "Copy Center 3.0."  Teacher feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.  The tally system is being used, and feedback system is full of suggestions and ideas for version 4.0.