Operation: Recommendation centers on building a system of book recommendations for children that is focused on interactivity, education, and community to build a positive library environment. To do this, we created a 'choose-your-own-adventure' game that is integrated into library programs like story-time. In order to pilot this idea, we put our focus on the Columbus Metropolitan Library: Dublin Branch. By visiting the branch and talking with librarians, we determined the best and safest way to integrate this recommendation system into that library. This overarching idea could then be replicated into different libraries in their own unique way, incorporating their existing floor plan and shelf layouts. This project was created in collaboration with Peter Maczuzak and Mark Celestina.
Divergent Scenarii Axes
To develop strategies and ideas for our games, we used a two-way axes system that allowed us to find our focus points and see where our thoughts currently fell.
Differential Moral Framing
In order to come up with more ideas and broaden our perspectives, we used the tool of differential moral framing. This allows the designer to think of ideas strictly in 6 different worlds which are the inspired, opinion, civic, industrial, domestic, and market worlds. When brainstorming on these ideas, we found the most interest in the ideas that lay with the inspired and opinion world. Some examples would be a ticket tornado book recommendation system or a candy land inspired board game within the library. After finding a commonality in humor, play, and interaction, we were able to narrow down our final idea and meld it more into the domestic and industrial worlds.
Design Conjecture
Our unique approach to offering individualized reading recommendations consists of a curated activity program in the children's section of a library. The goal of this program is to enhance the reading experience and encourage book recommendations through interactive and engaging activities while promoting community building and enriching literary skills.
Station/Clue Examples
These clues would be laid around the children's section of the library to encourage them to learn more about the structure and function of the library while also having fun. This allows for an educational game that encourages literacy and ends with a book that a child will love.