RISD NAVI

A System Design that helps to improve navigating experence at RISD Museum

Product Designer

Figma

Individual Project

Role

Team

Timeline

Advisor: Derek (RISD Museum graphic design department head)

Tools

12 weeks

OVERVIEW

RISD Navi is a navigation system design that helps to solve the main pain point in the RISD museum (navigation) due to the complex architecture. This navigation design allows visitors to find the artwork quickly and efficiently.

This Project is advised by RISD Museum graphic design department head - Derek to address the primary challenge at the RISD Museum (navigation) stemming from its intricate architectural layout. My goal is to really understand the reason why and how to solve it in a easy and straight forward way.

PROBLEM

Navigation at RISD Museum can be a challenge for visitors

As a student at RISD, we always have to go to the museum to find artwork for drawing assignments or inspiration for our essay writing. But finding the artwork in the museum is a time-consuming experience for people unfamiliar with the museum. Therefore, many complaints have shown up.

SOLUTION

Utilize Elevator to build a system for Navigation

Leveraging the available resources (Elevators) and amenities within the museum, patrons can effortlessly locate their desired artworks by adhering to the provided directions. Assistance through tablet and augmented reality smartphone navigation offers an immersive and comprehensive guidance experience within the intricate architectural space.

USER RESEARCH

Understand the paint point from Visitors

By conducting interviews with over 20 students from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), I have gained valuable insights into visitors’ overall experiences when visiting the RISD Museum. Throughout these discussions, I discovered that a significant number of students often feel confused or disoriented when they first enter the RISD Museum, particularly when it comes to locating specific artworks and exhibits that they are eager to explore.

VALIDATION

Understand the main pain point from Museum Staff

To receive more detailed information and constructive feedback from the expert perspective, I also made the effort to reach out to four knowledgeable experts from the RISD Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the museum itself and its various offerings.

PROBLEM

PROBLEM STATEMENT

“RISD students face significant challenges in efficiently locating specific artworks in the museum, leading to frustration and reduced productivity”

SECONDARY RESEARCH

Building Analysis - Exterior

To understand the cause of the complexity of the RISD museum, I started analyzing the external and interior factors to conclude about the big picture. Throughout the space research, I have clearly defined the points that help me figure out the problem I want to tackle.

Building Analysis - Interior

I also looked closely at the floor plans, paper maps, and interior design to analyze the causes of confusion. Here are another four main factors that lead to the problems.

Target Users

I also visited the museum several times to observe and collect information about the visitors’ behavior during their visiting experience.

Journey Map

By building up the journey map for the visitors, I can clearly see the visitors' experience during the museum visit. In this case, analyzing and understanding each part will be necessary for my design thinking later.

INSIGHTS FROM THE RESEARCH

I found out that visitors feel confused when they are looking for specific artworks or places due to the architecture of the RISD museum. And, most of time, students are the main groups that complain about the museum visiting experience.

What do THEY need?

Guiding Assistant

Assisting in effective navigation with essential directional guidance

Better Understanding

Gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the museum and confidently navigating its premises without feeling disoriented

Save Time

Refrain from suqandering time searching aimlessly for the apropriate topic or resource for your assignment

Encourage

Encourgae visitors to delve into the museum by catering to their individual interests and providing clear guidance for their exploration

FINAL DESIGN

1.0 Understanding Existing Solution

Existing Methods - Staff

To solve the problem of being confused everywhere at the museum, RISD Museum has decided to hire many staff, which we call "guards," located in every room and hallway to help answer visitors' questions. In this case, visitors can ask at any time if they need help finding the way or understanding the map.

Existing Elements - Assigned Colors & Elevators

To solve the problem of being confused everywhere at the museum, RISD Museum has decided to hire many staff, which we call "guards," located in every room and hallway to help answer visitors' questions. In this case, visitors can ask at any time if they need help finding the way or understanding the map.

FINAL DESIGN

2.0 System Design

Design Brief

The whole system is composed with Tablets, QR codes, and Mobile AR app. Based on the color, I decided to use elevator as a waypoint to help visitors easily locate elevators, which following with restrooms and entrances. In this case, the whole museum will break down into several sections assigned by existing color code. And visitors can use the system to navigate to the gallery they want to go.

System Components

Tablets

QR Code

App (With AR navigation)

System Design

Workflow

FINAL DESIGN

3.0 Interface Design

Design explanation

Here are explanations of two platforms and how each part works in order to get the access for next action

Interactions Demo Video

App Interface Design (With AR function)

SECTION 008

REFLECTION

If I was to further develop RISD NAVI, I would...

  • 1) Conduct broader user testing by observing how they use the new navigation system

  • 2) further develop the UI interface for people who are having disability

  • 3) Generate real system to make it work in the real life to receive validation in a real situation

What I learned…

  • 1) Sometimes the problem is hard to be addressed by just using one method

  • 2) Understanding the user’s journey is always the gateway to lead to a successful design

  • 3) It is always effective when reaching out to some subject-matter experts to further understand how the problem formed instead of figuring out by myself