Forest Haven: A Nature Break within a library
Forest Haven: A Nature Break within a library
Service design for future services in RARA’s new Tõnismäe building
Service design for future services in RARA’s new Tõnismäe building
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
October to December ‘23
October to December ‘23
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
National Library of Estonia, Dan Mikkin, IxD.ma
National Library of Estonia, Dan Mikkin, IxD.ma
MY ROLE
MY ROLE
Ideation, Research, UX design
Ideation, Research, UX design
INTRO
INTRO
Together with my fellow students from the IxD.ma master’s program, we were challenged by the National Library of Estonia, RARA, to delve into research and design thinking, to craft potential services to support its future endeavors. The building should be ready as per the plans by 2025, and the services will be opened by 2027. So these services are still in development.
Our exploration involved studying notable libraries such as Helsinki’s Central Library OODI, as well as many other libraries in Tallinn, along with contemporary bookstores.
Together with my fellow students from the IxD.ma master’s program, we were challenged by the National Library of Estonia, RARA, to delve into research and design thinking, to craft potential services to support its future endeavors. The building should be ready as per the plans by 2025, and the services will be opened by 2027. So these services are still in development.
Our exploration involved studying notable libraries such as Helsinki’s Central Library OODI, as well as many other libraries in Tallinn, along with contemporary bookstores.
PROCESS
PROCESS
Since the building has been under construction for a while, they have gone through different fazes of service ideations and design, therefore, we first examined RARA's past initiatives and in-place plans. We mapped stakeholders and employed various design methods to brainstorm ideas, which led us to identify and focus on key target groups.
Since the building has been under construction for a while, they have gone through different fazes of service ideations and design, therefore, we first examined RARA's past initiatives and in-place plans. We mapped stakeholders and employed various design methods to brainstorm ideas, which led us to identify and focus on key target groups.
My smaller team concentrated on students, specifically art school students within the vicinity of the RARA building, particularly those from EMTA, EKA, and MUBA. We carried out interviews with students and faculty, to gain insights into their current perceptions of libraries and their future needs for RARA specifically. Based on these insights we created our persona Helin, a music student.
My smaller team concentrated on students, specifically art school students within the vicinity of the RARA building, particularly those from EMTA, EKA, and MUBA. We carried out interviews with students and faculty, to gain insights into their current perceptions of libraries and their future needs for RARA specifically. Based on these insights we created our persona Helin, a music student.
We mapped Helin's user journey when she visits the new building for the first time. What we learned from interviews was that the majority of students seem to be overwhelmed, sensory oversaturated, and overworked. They don't have time for well-needed breaks and rest between their obligations. And this was the part of the journey and the problem I chose to focus on, leading me to my HMW.
We mapped Helin's user journey when she visits the new building for the first time. What we learned from interviews was that the majority of students seem to be overwhelmed, sensory oversaturated, and overworked. They don't have time for well-needed breaks and rest between their obligations. And this was the part of the journey and the problem I chose to focus on, leading me to my HMW.
HMW give the youth a comfortable and relaxing environment to boost their energy and ability to focus on the tasks at hand?
HMW give the youth a comfortable and relaxing environment to boost their energy and ability to focus on the tasks at hand?
IDEA DESIGN
IDEA DESIGN
I delved into a cycle of ideation, research, prototyping, and testing of my concepts. I investigated the profound impacts of nature on mental health, focusing particularly on the remarkable benefits of moss, often referred to as the "green lungs". Immersing oneself in nature not only uplifts mood and sharpens cognitive functions but also alleviates stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Moss, acting as a natural purifier, captures an array of pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles, thereby cleansing and oxygenating the air. The presence of greenery is known to induce well-being and relaxation, even boost productivity, all in a fairly short amount of time.
Imagine laying on the forest moss floor on a warm summer day, being one with Mother Nature, and getting that energy boost straight from the ground.
I delved into a cycle of ideation, research, prototyping, and testing of my concepts. I investigated the profound impacts of nature on mental health, focusing particularly on the remarkable benefits of moss, often referred to as the "green lungs". Immersing oneself in nature not only uplifts mood and sharpens cognitive functions but also alleviates stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Moss, acting as a natural purifier, captures an array of pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles, thereby cleansing and oxygenating the air. The presence of greenery is known to induce well-being and relaxation, even boost productivity, all in a fairly short amount of time.
Imagine laying on the forest moss floor on a warm summer day, being one with Mother Nature, and getting that energy boost straight from the ground.
OUTCOME
OUTCOME
From there the idea for the sensory botanical break room "RoheNäpp" was born The space would provide a revitalizing oasis amidst greenery, moss walls, and moss-like textured carpet floors.
"Rohenäpp" is a botanical oasis nestled within the confines of the building, providing a vital natural boost for anyone studying, working, or using RARA’s many services and facilities. Serving as a daily retreat area, this space also partners with the educational department to host informative sessions on flora and workshops for the communal winter garden.
From there the idea for the sensory botanical break room "RoheNäpp" was born The space would provide a revitalizing oasis amidst greenery, moss walls, and moss-like textured carpet floors.
"Rohenäpp" is a botanical oasis nestled within the confines of the building, providing a vital natural boost for anyone studying, working, or using RARA’s many services and facilities. Serving as a daily retreat area, this space also partners with the educational department to host informative sessions on flora and workshops for the communal winter garden.