Jaden Mansfield

The Problem

How might we help students in New York City discover and utilize ideal study spaces equipped with the resources they need while also motivating them to actively engage in these study spaces?

The Solution

Design a mobile app that allows students in NYC to locate ideal study spaces equipped with the resources they need.
Integrate features to motivate and reward users for trying out new study locations.

The Process

We started this project from our own experiences. As students residing, studying, and working in New York City, we frequently encounter challenges in finding conducive work environments. It is often impossible to locate spaces with dependable Wi-Fi and accessible power outlets online.

By consolidating all available study spaces within the city onto a single platform, students can effortlessly discover an ideal workspace tailored to their preferences.

Initial Research - User Interviews

Key Takeaways:

Students had difficulty reserving study rooms
Libraries not catering to users physical needs
Users had a wide range of studying preferences

User Persona

Jack is a full-time student, majoring in Game Design in New York City. He moved to the city 2 years ago for college, and is still discovering new things about the city everyday. If he is not studying at home, he goes to his university’s library, because he knows they have comfortable chairs, reliable wifi, and outlets. Jack wants to try new places to study because he feels the most productive when he is around other people, but doesn't know where to go.

Pain Points & Needs

Doesn't know where to go. Jack passes many coffee shops and libraries everyday, but which one should he try?
Jack is never able to find clear answers on if the study location is going to have enough tables, comfortable chairs for his bad back, wifi, outlets, etc…
Jack often works late into the night to finish his projects.
Jack has so much on his schedule from homework, to classes, to his part-time job, and his social life, he doesn't want to waste his time and money at a place that might not be conductive to his productivity.

Opportunities to Help Jack

Initial Research - Immersive Research

Our team visited NYU's Bobst Library and The New York Public Library.

The major function of libraries has changed overtime.
Libraries are multifunctional buildings.
Lack of navigation system within both libraries.
The digital system is clunky and difficult to navigate.

Competitive Analysis

Offers suggestions and reviews for new places to eat/experience/explore
Difficult to find real time data, specific information on resources

Allows users to rank and save restaurants, coffee shops, and bars
Also lacks specific information on seating, wifi, outlets, ect.

Concept Testing

In this first iteration of our design, we were focused on both helping users find libraries and other study spaces as well as improving the booking process of study rooms within libraries.