How to Run a Space Observation Study at Your Library

A low-cost way to conduct UX research at your library

Posted on August 19, 2024 in Blog Posts

Authors:

Robin Camille Davis
A librarian conducting an observation study

What is a space observation study, and what can it do for your library?

The goal of a space observation study is to understand how users actually use spaces, which may differ from how the spaces were designed. An observation study may uncover unknown user needs or preferences, as well as how the space can be improved for users.

For example, at my workplace, NC State University Libraries, my colleagues have conducted several observational studies that have sought to examine how users actually interact with the technology within the library:

  • When observing study rooms, research questions included, “How much do patrons use the wall-mounted screens in each study room?” One finding: 2 out of the 27 people observed in the rooms used the screens.

  • When observing gaming spaces questions included, “What improvements to the Game Space can be made based on observation of its use?” One recommendation: increase signage and add quick-start console guides.

Sometimes, an observation study may simply involve walking by a given space a few times a week and taking notes with a prescribed template. Other times, the study may involve sitting in the space for longer periods of time, observing users completing tasks.

Importantly, an observation study is simply that: observation! It doesn’t include speaking to users or distributing surveys. That means there’s a major pro and a major con. Pro: it’s a low-overhead study, as there is no need to recruit participants or compensate them. Con: the data is limited to the observer(s), who must be careful to avoid including assumptions or biases in their notes.

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How many observations do you need to get a full picture of space usage?

My somewhat arbitrary rule of thumb: around 30.

The real answer: it depends on factors like how big your space is, the rhythm of traffic, staff resources, and how much data you expect you’ll need to convince yourselves (or other stakeholders) that your study is legitimate.

When you plan an observation study, you’ll carefully schedule when your observations should take place. Consider how you’ll…

  • Spread observations out over different hours of the day and days of the week.

  • Balance peak and non-peak hours, so you can observe what users do when your library is crowded and when it’s not.

How many observers do you need?

The more observers you have, the fuller your understanding of the space may be. Multiple observers and data analyzers will catch different insights, based on diverse perspectives and interests. So if you can recruit (or coerce) 1–4 other colleagues into conducting observations, you’ll feel more confident in your study’s results.

That said, not every library has multiple staff to dedicate to a study. So if it’s just you, that’s fine. But run your research goals and note-taking template by at least one other colleague to check your assumptions.

How should you take notes when you’re observing the space?

If you’ll be popping into the space(s) quickly, take notes on paper. If you’ll be spending a while in the space, consider using a laptop unobtrusively.

Before starting your observations, you’ll have finalized the goals and research questions of the study. Create a template based on your research questions. For example, if you’re observing which study rooms get used the most, perhaps you’ll print out the floor plan and write down the number of occupants in each room. Or if you’re counting how many patrons are using computers, you might just have a spreadsheet or simple template.

Example of a note-taking template for a study that seeks to understand computer workstation use:

RoomDate/time of observation# of occupantsWorkstation types in use
Reading Lounge ATuesday August 6, 2024
9:45 AM		4Laptop stations
Reading Lounge BTuesday August 6, 2024
9:50 AM		9Data desktops
Laptop stations
Reading Lounge ATuesday August 6, 2024
4:45 PM		14Data desktops
Laptop stations
Media desktops

One more thing about observing and note-taking: while you shouldn’t go full camouflage-in-the-bushes to hide from your users, you should avoid drawing attention to yourself. No one likes feeling like they’re being watched by a stranger. This can change the patron behavior you’re trying to observe and, worse, make patrons uncomfortable. Consider removing any staff signifiers like a badge, avoid using a clipboard, and (to state the obvious) take care not to stare at people.

Supplement your findings with other data

If possible, include additional relevant quantitative data with your report, such as gate counts or space-specific user counts. (For the latter, we use Occuspace at NC State.) More comprehensive usage data can help you better understand and contextualize your findings.

Sometimes, your findings may uncover more research questions that could be answered with user research like surveys and interviews. These methodologies can answer “why” questions, such as “Why isn’t anyone using the new lounge furniture?”, which usually can’t be ascertained by an observation study alone.

Resources

If you’re interested in designing a space observation study at your library, these resources can kickstart your project:

  • Overview of field studies: Observation studies are a type of field study. This overview from the Nielsen Norman Group, a user research firm, includes tips for planning and conducting field studies.

  • Short read: Fly on the Wall: A brief description of space observation studies and their advantages.

  • Case studies: Collecting Space Use Data to Improve the UX of Library Space: Two case studies published in Weave (a journal about UX in libraries) illustrate how space observation studies were designed to answer research questions. They use different data collection methods. Come for the case studies, stay for the great use of Excel.

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