01

OVERVIEW

New York Public Library’s mobile app makes content hard to access.

New York Public Library’s mobile app makes content hard to access.

New York Public Library’s mobile app makes content hard to access.

While NYPL offers a vast collection of books, research materials, digital resources, and community programs, its complex and unclear mobile app design makes it difficult for users to access content, often leading to frustration.

While NYPL offers a vast collection of books, research materials, digital resources, and community programs, its complex and unclear mobile app design makes it difficult for users to access content, often leading to frustration.

While NYPL offers a vast collection of books, research materials, digital resources, and community programs, its complex and unclear mobile app design makes it difficult for users to access content, often leading to frustration.

The new NYPL app focuses on improving functionality and aesthetics to enhance the user experience.

The new NYPL app focuses on improving functionality and aesthetics to enhance the user experience.

The new NYPL app focuses on improving functionality and aesthetics to enhance the user experience.

Project Type

UI/UX Design, Motion Design

UI/UX Design, Motion Design

Team

Liya Yan, Cloe Jeong, Michelle Kong, Hailey Hosang

Liya Yan, Cloe Jeong, Michelle Kong, Hailey Hosang

My Roles

User Research, UI/UX Design, Motion Design

User Research, UI/UX Design, Motion Design

Tools

Figma, Illustrator, After Effect

Figma, Illustrator, After Effect

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02

DESIGN PROCESS

1

Discover

1

Discover

2

Define

2

Define

3

Ideate

3

Ideate

4

Design

4

Design

03

USER PERSONA

04

HOW IT WORKS

Identified four core features to enhance the redesigned app.

Identified four core features to enhance the redesigned app.

Identified four core features to enhance the redesigned app.

Feature 1

Event Sphere

Feature 2

Reserve Spot

Feature 3

Peer Society

Feature 4

Research Hub

Feature 1

Event Sphere

Feature 2

Reserve Spot

Feature 3

Peer Society

Feature 4

Research Hub

Feature 1

Event Sphere

Feature 2

Reserve Spot

Feature 3

Peer Society

Feature 4

Research Hub

FEATURE 1

Event Sphere

Event Sphere

Problem

The app offers no personalized data tools or interest based recommendations, has an inefficient interface, and lacks community insight.

Solution

“Event Sphere” offers a unified dashboard where users can manage events with personalized, community informed planning.

Impact

Success will be measured by a 30% increase in event sign ups and participation, along with a 20% rise in return visits to physical NYPL locations.

Explore Prototype

Explore Prototype

FEATURE 2

Reserve Spot

Reserve Spot

Problem

Students struggle to stay focus and find a distraction free, quiet study environment during exam season.

Solution

Users can check the crowd levels, seat availability and study zones of all NYPL branches before visiting. If needed they can reserve a select space or seats to ensure they get the spot they need to stay focused.

Impact

Success will be measured by reaching 10,000 reservations per month, achieving a 75% successful reservation usage rate, maintaining a 40% user return rate, and increasing overall seat occupancy to 85% across NYPL branches.

Explore Prototype

Explore Prototype

FEATURE 3

Peer Society

Peer Society

Problem

Users struggle with networking and collaboration, they require a diverse community of individuals to connect and engage with in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Solution

Users can access “Peer Society” to explore various peer generated content, filter it based on their preferences, and network with others at events.

Impact

Success will be measured by maintaining an average engagement rate of 15% including likes, comments, and shares. High participation and consistent, valuable contributions will indicate the platform’s effectiveness.

Explore Prototype

Explore Prototype

FEATURE 4

Research Hub

Research Hub

Problem

Users struggle to find NYPL’s valuable resources in one organized place, and sharing them requires extra steps.

Solution

A systematic folder space helps users organize their resources in one place and share them easily with others.

Impact

Success will be measured by a return rate of 40% of users using Research Hub is achieved as well as a 25% increase in saved resources.

Explore Prototype

Explore Prototype

05

DESIGN SYSTEM

The redesigned NYPL app uses playful design and vibrant visuals.

The redesigned NYPL app uses playful design and vibrant visuals.

The redesigned NYPL app uses playful design and vibrant visuals.

The NYPL’s design system is re-envisioned to embrace creativity and innovation, reflecting its mission of inspiring lifelong learning and strengthening communities. Through playful compositions, vibrant and intentional color usage, and valuable experience, the NYPL app is positioned at the forefront of supporting an informed society.

The NYPL’s design system is re-envisioned to embrace creativity and innovation, reflecting its mission of inspiring lifelong learning and strengthening communities. Through playful compositions, vibrant and intentional color usage, and valuable experience, the NYPL app is positioned at the forefront of supporting an informed society.

The NYPL’s design system is re-envisioned to embrace creativity and innovation, reflecting its mission of inspiring lifelong learning and strengthening communities. Through playful compositions, vibrant and intentional color usage, and valuable experience, the NYPL app is positioned at the forefront of supporting an informed society.

View Full Design System ->

06

CONCLUSION

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway

We’ve reimagined the New York Public Library as a collaborative, community driven hub for shared learning. More than a place to borrow books, it’s now a dynamic space for growth, creativity, and connection where every interaction sparks engagement and empowers a new generation of learners.

We’ve reimagined the New York Public Library as a collaborative, community driven hub for shared learning. More than a place to borrow books, it’s now a dynamic space for growth, creativity, and connection where every interaction sparks engagement and empowers a new generation of learners.

Next Step

Next Step

While the app redesign has improved mobile access, the library’s full potential can be realized by creating desktop and in-library kiosk versions that provide location based navigation, resource discovery, and real time community program access.

While the app redesign has improved mobile access, the library’s full potential can be realized by creating desktop and in-library kiosk versions that provide location based navigation, resource discovery, and real time community program access.

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ria9984yan@gmail.com

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ria9984yan@gmail.com

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ria9984yan@gmail.com

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