Research
We began by testing RIT Libraries' original book cart to determine design objectives.
While the existing book cart fit well within doorways and corridors, once it reached its destination there were few options to display the library materials. Librarians would often needed to rely on other furniture within their chosen space to adequately display their contents. The books were not displayed in an intriguing way, which lead to few College of Art and Design students stopping to peruse them.
Even if a student was interested in checking out a book, they weren't able to do so at the pop-up. They would have to walk to the Wallace Center and check out the book from there; a major inconvenience.
RIT Libraries' original cart did not provide enough adequate display space for its contents.
In summation, the Libraries' current cart is: difficult to transport across campus, does not protect its own contents, and often needs to rely on other objects and surfaces to help with display. The current pop-up displays aren't striking enough to get proper engagement, and do not currently function as a pop-up that can check out books or other materials from the Library.
To meet these demands, the final design solution needed to: travel easily on rough surfaces, protect contents from the elements, & have plenty of display space.
Ideation
My First Sketch of what would become the final design.
Foam Core Model
Working Prototype
Hexacart on the move
Getting set up
Opening the Shelves
Displaying the books
Taking out the seats
Final Product
Pop-up set-up complete!
Hexacart in-use
Full Display Capabilities
