Project
Co-Design Project
Designing Cultural Connections with the Malmö City Library
Info
Role
UX Researcher
Timeline
January - March 2022
Tools/Lanuguages
Figma
Workshop Design
Co-Design Methodology
Overview
Problem
Libraries in Malmö struggle to effectively facilitate cultural exchange and understanding among locals and new residents, hindering the development of a cohesive community.
Process
Through a co-design process, we conducted research on the cultural landscape of Malmö, then collaborated with librarians in a co-design workshop to create a solution that empowers them to facilitate cultural exchange and understanding.
Product
Three actionable insights that empowers librarians to facilitate cultural exchange and understanding among locals and new residents, leveraging the library's unique strengths and cultural resources.
Project Prompt
Re-envisioning the idea of the library
Libraries are more than just places to access knowledge; they are democratic spaces that promote interaction, inclusion, and cultural exchange within the community. For this project, the design brief centered on one of the core principles of libraries—serving the community’s evolving needs. By collaborating with the librarians at the Malmö City Library, we aimed to address their pain points and co-create a solution that would transform the library into a space that better reflects the cultural diversity of Malmö.
The Malmö City Library, located in Sweden - Pictured, the “Calendar of Lights”, my favorite part of library and the most picturesque part.
The AI x Human System
Initial Interviews
Our team had the opportunity to collaborate with four librarians from various departments within the Malmö City Library. These librarians represented key areas, including the Children’s Department, the Young Adult (Krut) Department, and the Learning and Literature Department.
During our initial interviews, a clear pattern emerged: regardless of their focus on different departments or patron groups, every librarian highlighted the importance of transforming the library into a more culturally inclusive space. As one of Sweden’s most multicultural cities, Malmö offers a unique opportunity for the library to become a living representation of the community’s vibrancy—a hub where different cultures come to life and interact.
Research Insight
Exploring the Role of Culture
Before working with the librarians in the co-design workshop focused on culture, our team first needed to define what culture meant in the context of our project. We explored various definitions, identifying key themes and phrases that would guide the vision for the workshop and help shape our goals.
From here, we realized that to capture the diverse cultural perspectives we explored, we needed a collaborative approach with the professionals (in this case, the librarians). This led to the decision to use a co-design workshop, allowing the librarians to actively shape the cultural vision of the library. By involving those who knew the library best, we ensured that the ideas were grounded in real experiences. The co-design method made it possible to turn our abstract ideas into practical solutions that reflected the diversity of Malmö.
Co-Design Workshop
Empowering Librarians in the Outdoor Space
The workshop aimed to spark excitement among the librarians about facilitating cultural learning in the library while also exploring their own interpretations of culture. We sought to understand their perspectives and identify any limitations they faced in bringing these ideas to life.
We chose to focus on the outdoor area of Malmö City Library because one of the librarians highlighted it as an underused space. Its openness provided a blank canvas, offering low friction for experimentation while still being part of the library’s environment.
Synthesis
Identifying Patterns from the Workshop
Following the workshop with the librarians, the team analyzed the designs and discussions to uncover recurring themes and patterns. We grouped the findings based on commonalities in the environments the librarians envisioned, focusing on how they incorporated sensory elements, cultural symbols, and interactive spaces.
Hobbies as culture
Universal Items to Bond Over
The librarians frequently selected cultural elements like food, games, and music to incorporate into the outdoor spaces. These choices were made to foster cultural exchange by encouraging interaction and shared experiences, using universally relatable activities as bridges between diverse communities.
Hobbies as culture
Hobby Areas for Collabroation
The librarians consistently used hobbies as a means to introduce culture into outdoor library spaces. Many librarians expressed using hobbies would allow patrons to naturally blend hobbies with cultural learning, also by creating community around a common interest.
Interaction
Adaptive Interaction Methods
The librarians, each responsible for different departments within the Malmö City Library, designed smaller, distinct environments within the outdoor space that would cater to the diverse needs of patrons. This thoughtful approach ensured that the outdoor space would engage a wide range of personalities, fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange.
Interaction
Exciting Environments with Similar Icons
All the librarians gravitated towards using similar icons to design their outdoor spaces, with the most popular being the tent, sound shower, and booth. This revealed a clear pattern of creating environments that encouraged sensory-rich, interactive experiences. These elements were chosen not just for their visual appeal, but for their ability to invite engagement through sound, texture, and activity.
Actionable Insights
Conclusions from the Workshop
While we, as student designers, couldn’t directly assist with building a sound shower or invest in tents for the outdoor cultural spaces, our goal was to provide the librarians with actionable insights that would extend beyond the workshop itself. We developed three key insights to guide them forward.
Feature #1
01
Hobbies as Cultural Connectors in Outdoor Spaces
Encourage the use of outdoor spaces to host hobby-based activities that bring people together across cultures. By organizing events centered around shared interests—such as gardening, crafts, or sports—the library can create natural opportunities for cultural exchange and community building.
02
Create Culturally Immersive Environments
Designate specific areas in the outdoor space for culturally themed activities and interactions. These spaces can be tailored to reflect the diverse cultures within the community, hosting events, performances, or exhibitions that encourage engagement and learning. By providing a physical representation of cultural diversity, the library can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation among patrons.
03
Design Multi-Sensory and Inclusive Spaces
Create engaging outdoor areas that cater to various sensory experiences and social preferences. Incorporate elements like textured surfaces, natural sounds, and visual art to stimulate the senses, while also providing distinct environments that accommodate both introverted and extroverted individuals. By designing spaces that invite quiet reflection, social interaction, and creative expression, the library can foster inclusivity and engagement among a diverse range of patrons.
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