Pick-a-Book: Redefining Libraries, Netflix Style
Duration
15 Weeks (2018)
/
Role
UX Designer / Service Designer
/
Type
College Project
Overview
The aim was to use technology to aid the existing libraries while creating an experience for the consumer. The outcome of the project is a service designed for readers to utilise technology integration to enhance the experience of reading a book
My contribution
Owned the entire project journey, from concept and research to solution design, with mentorship support from my professor.
This is a very detailed case study, tying in the solution very well
Parsons School of Design - SDM Head
Such a great way to actually connect with people who like the same books as me
Fellow classmate (avid reader)
Pick-a-Book: Redefining Libraries, Netflix Style
Duration
2 Weeks
/
Role
UX Designer
/
Type
Client Project
Overview
The aim was to use technology to aid the existing libraries while creating an experience for the consumer. The outcome of the project is a service designed for readers to utilise technology integration to enhance the experience of reading a book
My contribution
Owned the entire project journey, from concept and research to solution design, with mentorship support from my professor.
This is a very detailed case study, tying in the solution very well
Parsons School of Design - SDM Head
Such a great way to actually connect with people who like the same books as me
Fellow classmate (avid reader)
4.5
rating (highest among competitors)
Pick-a-Book: Redefining Libraries, Netflix Style
Duration
15 Weeks (2018)
/
Role
UX Designer / Service Designer
/
Type
College Project
Overview
The aim was to use technology to aid the existing libraries while creating an experience for the consumer. The outcome of the project is a service designed for readers to utilise technology integration to enhance the experience of reading a book
My contribution
Owned the entire project journey, from concept and research to solution design, with mentorship support from my professor.
This is a very detailed case study, tying in the solution very well
Parsons School of Design - SDM Head
Such a great way to actually connect with people who like the same books as me
Fellow classmate (avid reader)
Pick-a-Book: Redefining Libraries, Netflix Style
Duration
15 Weeks (2018)
/
Role
UX Designer / Service Designer
/
Type
College Project
Overview
The aim was to use technology to aid the existing libraries while creating an experience for the consumer. The outcome of the project is a service designed for readers to utilise technology integration to enhance the experience of reading a book
My contribution
Owned the entire project journey, from concept and research to solution design, with mentorship support from my professor.
This is a very detailed case study, tying in the solution very well
Parsons School of Design - SDM Head
Such a great way to actually connect with people who like the same books as me
Fellow classmate (avid reader)
Context
Context
What would it take to make public libraries feel magical again?
What would it take to make public libraries feel magical again?
Public libraries are foundational to a thriving economy and society. But today, many are struggling to stay alive, low footfall leads to reduced funding, creating a vicious cycle of neglect. This project explored how technology could rejuvenate public libraries and reimagine the reading experience for a new generation.
Public libraries are foundational to a thriving economy and society. But today, many are struggling to stay alive. This project explored how technology could rejuvenate public libraries and reimagine the reading experience.
Universal Principles of UX
Brainstorming
Learnings
Process
Pick-a-book
Target Audience
Universal Principles of UX
Brainstorming
Learnings
Process
Pick-a-book
Target Audience
Universal Principles of UX
Brainstorming
Learnings
Process
Pick-a-book
Target Audience
Try hovering here <3
Try hovering here <3
Try hovering here <3
Target Audience
To deeply understand modern readers, I spoke with 20 students and casual readers to learn about their habits, motivations, and pain points when it came to borrowing books.
“I love the physical feel of a book.” 💬
“Reading makes me interesting, I relate to more people now.”
However, Library timings don’t match users’ schedules
Readers prefer the comfort of home
The deeper insight? While people still love reading physical books, the logistics of borrowing — timing, access, effort — often push them toward buying books or switching to digital.
So...
Meet Saumya, who gets lost in stories but couldn’t make time for the library.
Library hours didn’t align with her busy schedule, and home delivery was never an option. She loved reading, but her experience felt broken, so she began buying books on sale.
Now, what if public libraries came to her, instead?
Pick-a-book
Pick-a-Book brings the treasure trove of public libraries right to your fingertips, we’re helping you borrow them from real libraries around you.
Because honestly, libraries have way more hidden gems than you would expect
Pick-a-Book brings the treasure trove of public libraries right to your fingertips, we’re helping you borrow them from real libraries around you.
Because honestly, libraries have way more hidden gems than you would expect
Pick-a-Book brings the treasure trove of public libraries right to your fingertips, we’re helping you borrow them from real libraries around you. Because honestly, libraries have way more hidden gems than you would expect
Not just another delivery — Pick-a-Book kiosks bring community and convenience together. These smart stations, set up at central locations serve as physical hubs where users can pick up and return books without doorstep logistics
CONCEPT
How can we deliver?
Not just another delivery—Pick-a-Book kiosks bring community and convenience together. These smart stations, set up at central locations serve as physical hubs where users can pick up and return books without doorstep logistics
CONCEPT PITCH
How can we deliver?
Not just another delivery—Pick-a-Book kiosks bring community and convenience together. These smart stations, set up at central locations serve as physical hubs where users can pick up and return books without doorstep logistics
CONCEPT PITCH
How can we deliver?
Deep Dive Into the Book World
Ever read a book and instantly want more from the same author, with the same vibe and energy? We get it. Tap on a book to meet the author (well, kind of), explore similar reads, follow them like your favorite band, and even find which nearby library shelves it.
Deep Dive Into the Book World
Ever read a book and instantly want more from the same author, with the same vibe and energy? We get it. Tap on a book to meet the author (well, kind of), explore similar reads, follow them like your favorite band, and even find which nearby library shelves it.
Deep Dive Into the Book World
Ever read a book and instantly want more from the same author, with the same vibe and energy? We get it. Tap on a book to meet the author (well, kind of), explore similar reads, follow them like your favorite band, and even find which nearby library shelves it.
Friends brought you here.
Now let them bring you to people like you. Scroll through readers who share your genre crush. See what they’re loving right now. Say hi, or switch to anonymous if you’re feeling mysterious. It’s like Hinge for bookworms, minus the awkward intros.
Books brought you here. Now let them bring you to people like you. Scroll through readers who share your genre crush.
Not a fan of one-on-one? Slide into bookish threads instead. Gossip about plot twists Drop a hot take Ask, “Was that ending just… bad?” Join conversations that don’t end in spoilers (unless you want them to).
Not a fan of one-on-one? Slide into bookish threads instead. Gossip about plot twists Drop a hot take Ask, “Was that ending just… bad?”
SOLUTION
Suprise
Suprise
Feeling indecisive? Let us play matchmaker.
Swipe through dreamy covers and juicy blurbs. We’ll figure out your type and send you a surprise book based on your picks.
You pick the dates, no peeking. Just a parcel of mystery waiting to sweep you off your feet.
Feeling indecisive? Let us play matchmaker.
Swipe through dreamy covers and juicy blurbs. We’ll figure out your type and send you a surprise book based on your picks.
You pick the dates, no peeking. Just a parcel of mystery waiting to sweep you off your feet.
Feeling indecisive? Let us play matchmaker.
Swipe through dreamy covers and juicy blurbs. We’ll figure out your type and send you a surprise book based on your picks.
You pick the dates, no peeking. Just a parcel of mystery waiting to sweep you off your feet.
Lost card? Late fine? Who needs that stress?
With Pick-a-Book, your entire reading life is just a tap away: Your library card lives here. We even nudge you when it’s time to return or renew
Lost card? Late fine? Who needs that stress? With Pick-a-Book, your entire reading life is just a tap away: Your library card lives here. We even nudge you when it’s time to return or renew
Lost card? Late fine? Who needs that stress?
With Pick-a-Book, your library card lives here.
Deep Dive Into the Book World
Tap on a book and: Meet the author (well, kind of) Check out similar reads Follow them like your fave band AND find which nearby library shelves it, so you can borrow without a wild goose chase
How did we get here?
01
Process
In a project defined by scale and collaboration, the real achievement was the process we built. Working with a large, cross-functional team over time helped
How did we get here?
01
Process
In a project defined by scale and collaboration, the real achievement was the process we built. Working with a large, cross-functional team over time helped
how did we get here?
01
Process
In a project defined by scale and collaboration, the real achievement was the process we built. Working with a large, cross-functional team over time helped
how did we get here?
02
Process
In a project defined by scale and collaboration, the real achievement was the process we built. Working with a large, cross-functional team over time helped
PROCESS
RESEARCH
PERSONAS
JOURNEY
TRENDS & SERVICE BLUEPRINT
PATTERN FORMING
Double Diamond
What it revealed: A broad to narrow exploration showed that the core problem wasn’t just about access, but disconnection. Readers often felt alone in their journey.
Key insight: Readers crave meaningful interactions around books, especially outside formal spaces.Opportunity: Enable low pressure, organic engagement between users.
PROCESS
RESEARCH
PERSONAS
JOURNEY
TRENDS & SERVICE BLUEPRINT
PATTERN FORMING
Double Diamond
What it revealed: A broad to narrow exploration showed that the core problem wasn’t just about access, but disconnection. Readers often felt alone in their journey.
Key insight: Readers crave meaningful interactions around books, especially outside formal spaces.Opportunity: Enable low pressure, organic engagement between users.
PROCESS
RESEARCH
PERSONAS
JOURNEY
TRENDS & SERVICE BLUEPRINT
PATTERN FORMING
Double Diamond
What it revealed: A broad to narrow exploration showed that the core problem wasn’t just about access, but disconnection. Readers often felt alone in their journey.
Key insight: Readers crave meaningful interactions around books, especially outside formal spaces.
Opportunity: Enable low pressure, organic engagement between users.
PROCESS
RESEARCH
PERSONAS
JOURNEY
TRENDS & SERVICE BLUEPRINT
PATTERN FORMING
Double Diamond
What it revealed: A broad to narrow exploration showed that the core problem wasn’t just about access, but disconnection. Readers often felt alone in their journey.
Key insight: Readers crave meaningful interactions around books, especially outside formal spaces.
Opportunity: Enable low pressure, organic engagement between users.
Addressing design hiccups
03
Learnings
What follows is a look into the real conversations that helped us move forward—how we addressed roadblocks, challenged assumptions, and came together to find the right solutions at different stages of the project.
Addressing design hiccups
03
Learnings
What follows is a look into the real conversations that helped us move forward—how we addressed roadblocks, challenged assumptions, and came together to find the right solutions at different stages of the project.
Addressing design hiccups
03
Learnings
What follows is a look into the real conversations that helped us move forward—how we addressed roadblocks, challenged assumptions, and came together to find the right solutions at different stages of the project.
Addressing design hiccups
03
Learnings
What follows is a look into the real conversations that helped us move forward—how we addressed roadblocks, challenged assumptions, and came together to find the right solutions at different stages of the project.
FUTURE FOCUS
FIRST LEARNINGS
EARLY EXPOSURE
Professor
FUTURE FOCUS
FIRST LEARNINGS
EARLY EXPOSURE
Professor
FUTURE FOCUS
FIRST LEARNINGS
EARLY EXPOSURE
Professor
FUTURE FOCUS
FIRST LEARNINGS
EARLY EXPOSURE
Professor
Credits
People
Shamit Shrivastav
Gavin Remidos
SDM class mates
Platform
Figma
Framer University
Mock-up world
Gemini
Credits
People
Shamit Shrivastav
Gavin Remidos
SDM class mates
Platform
Figma
Framer University
Mock-up world
Gemini
Figma
Framer University
Mock-up world
Gemini
Target Audience
To deeply understand modern readers, I spoke with 20 students and casual readers
“I love the physical feel of a book.” 💬
“Reading makes me interesting — I relate to more people now.”
However, Library timings don’t match users’ schedules
Readers prefer the comfort of home
The deeper insight? While people still love reading physical books, the logistics of borrowing , timing, access, effort, often push them toward buying books or switching to digital.
So...
Meet Saumya, who gets lost in stories but couldn’t make time for the library.
Library hours didn’t align with her busy schedule, and home delivery was never an option. She loved reading, but her experience felt broken, so she began buying books on sale. What if public libraries came to her, instead?
Credits
People
Shamit Shrivastav
Gavin Remidos
SDM class mates
Platform
Figma
Framer University
Mock-up world
Gemini
Discover More
Ideation Station
Workshop
Workshop
A curated showcase of brainstorming workshops that grew from small sessions into a studio-wide favorite across our offices.
Would you like to view the next case study?
Ideation Station
Workshop Facilitation
Workshop Facilitation
A curated showcase of brainstorming workshops that grew from small sessions into a studio-wide favorite across our offices.
Discover More
Ideation Station
Workshop
Workshop
A curated showcase of brainstorming workshops that grew from small sessions into a studio-wide favorite across our offices.
Before you go,
check out these links
Contact
Before you go,
check out these links
Contact
Before you go,
check out these links
Contact
Before you go,
check out these links
Contact