Reimagining the Library for a Digital Generation
Project: A multi-featured library services application integrated within Telegram and VK Mini Apps.
My Role: As the UX/UI Designer, I was responsible for the end-to-end design process, from initial user research and journey mapping to creating high-fidelity, developer-ready prototypes and establishing the visual identity.
Status: In active development.
1. The Opportunity: Re-engaging a Digital-First Audience
Modern libraries provide a long list of services, but they face a growing disconnect with younger, tech-savvy audiences. Our initial research revealed a significant opportunity: while many users valued the library's offerings, the process of accessing them was seen as outdated and inconvenient. Users had to navigate clunky websites or make in-person visits for simple tasks, creating a high barrier to engagement.
This led to our core challenge: How might we transform the traditional library into a seamless, modern experience that integrates directly into the digital lives of its community?
2. The Vision: A Library Platform in Your Pocket
Our solution is a robust, all-in-one mini-app that centralizes the library's entire service catalog into an intuitive, user-friendly interface within Telegram and VK. By meeting users on the platforms they already use daily, we eliminate the friction of downloading a new app.
The vision is guided by three strategic pillars:
Accessibility: Make every service, from booking a 3D printer to reserving a study room, available in just a few taps.
Community Engagement: Build a vibrant digital space where users can share their love of reading and learning.
Gamified Discovery: Motivate users to explore the full breadth of library services through rewarding, game-like experiences.
3. My Process: From Insight to Blueprint
I led a comprehensive, user-centric design process to ensure our solution was not only beautiful but also deeply aligned with user needs.
Phase 1: Discovery & Research
I began by conducting user interviews and analyzing existing library websites and apps to understand user pain points and behaviors. A key insight was that users were often unaware of valuable services like photo studio rentals or 3D printing. This discovery directly informed our strategy to prominently feature these services.
Phase 2: Strategy & Information Architecture
With a clear understanding of the user, I mapped out user flows for all core tasks. A major architectural decision was to create a simple three-tab navigation (Library, Services, Profile) to prevent cognitive overload and ensure users could always find what they needed intuitively.
Phase 3: Design, Prototype & Test I translated the wireframes into a clean, modern, and accessible visual design. The card-based layout was chosen to present diverse information in a scannable, organized manner. I then built high-fidelity interactive prototypes in Figma, which we used to validate the usability of key flows, like the calendar booking system. This iterative testing allowed me to refine the time-slot selection UI for maximum clarity and ease of use before handing it off for development.
4. Solution Highlights: Key Features & Their Impact
A. Unified Service Hub: We designed a centralized "Services" screen that elegantly showcases everything the library offers. Instead of being buried on a website, high-value services like 3D Printing and Photo Studio Booking are now front and center, each with a clear call-to-action. This design decision aims to increase the utilization of underused resources.
B. AI-Powered Concierge ("Librarian GPT"): To provide instant, 24/7 support, I designed a conversational AI assistant. The key UX challenge was to make it feel genuinely helpful. By designing clear onboarding prompts and suggested questions, we guide users to discover its capabilities, from finding a specific book to getting a personalized reading recommendation based on their history.
C. The Social Bookshelf & Gamification: The user profile is more than just a settings page; it's a personalized reading hub. I designed the virtual "Bookshelf" to empower users to curate and share their favorite books and reviews. This, combined with a system of challenges, milestones, and user levels, transforms reading from a solitary activity into a rewarding, community-driven experience.
5. Measuring Success: Defining Our KPIs
To ensure the app achieves its goals, we are tracking the following key performance indicators (KPIs):
User Adoption Rate: Percentage of library members actively using the app.
Service Booking Conversion: Success rate of users booking workspaces, equipment, or services.
Engagement with Social Features: Daily/monthly active users interacting with the Bookshelf, reviews, and challenges.
AI Chat Satisfaction Score: User ratings on the helpfulness of the Librarian GPT.
6. Impact & Reflections
This project has been a powerful exercise in translating a traditional institution's offerings for a modern audience. By moving from design into active development, we are on the cusp of delivering a product that will make the library more accessible and engaging than ever before.
What I Learned: The biggest takeaway was the importance of balancing a feature-rich experience with a simple, intuitive interface. Through rigorous prioritization and user flow mapping, I learned how to avoid overwhelming the user while still showcasing the immense value the library provides. This project solidified my skills in information architecture and my belief in designing for the user's context—in this case, the fast-paced environment of a social media app.