Survey→ Google Docs Working Environment Survey
Post It Brainstorming→
All are very normal
TOP 3
- More chair options, adding in more choices for users
- Rearranging space so there are different areas for different types of work
- Changing the chair design to accommodate different sitting positions
Solutions:
1) Diverse Chair Options
To create a more comfortable environment for all types of people who come to the library to study and do work, more diverse chair options can be available in the room. Several problems are present with the current seating options. The hard wooden chairs which are offered in the room squeak with every movement and do not cushion the person when sitting. Those that sit there for hours on end tend to receive back pain which can be reduced with a better chair. Introducing wobbly stools to the room can help those who have trouble with focusing, kneeling chairs to help those who are more used to sitting crossed legged. Adjustable chairs are also widely used for the comfortable height between desk and chair. Those that work better looking at different perspectives may want to sit or squat on the floor with beanbag chairs or on a little stool.
2) Rearrange the Space
Students all have different needs when coming to the library, maybe they value open space over privacy or they might need a lot of natural light over a cool dark space. To help accommodate the diverse range of needs, furniture in the study room can be rearranged to create special nooks. Using the bookshelves, the room can be divided into sections which leaves parts of the room open for some people, while some are blocked in area for some who need private time. The room is full of natural light which helps make the place not feel stuffy. A lot of those who entered the library want distance from others, coming in alone and the little blocks of space help to shield the person from feeling too close to another person despite being back to back.
3) Change Chair Design
When observing my surroundings at the library, I understood that people got tired of sitting in the same position within the first 15 minutes. They constantly shifted in their seats and I could visibly see their discomfort not only in the chairs but also the need for blood flow. By changing the chair design to something that can be 1) intuitively sat on by the user and 2) practical for all types of people to use, it might be worth it to change all the wooden chairs out for it. It will be a sustainable option for those who want to conserve energy finding a good position to sit in and to sustain one’s joint health. From my survey, I found sitting with one leg up and criss cross apple sauce were the most popular choice of sitting positions which led me to believe there can be a design that does not follow the traditional 4 legged seat with a the flat back. One can use preexisting material from the wooden chairs for the parts in the new chair design making it more sustainable for the