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Dina John

The i-DIGIPAL

Design for Context: Enabling Scottish libraries to fulfil strategic goals for digital inclusion.

Problem Statement

Scottish libraries are central to the national priority of reducing the digital divide, hampered by slow, ageing computer equipment and stretched volunteer mentors.

Composite image showing a library and someone helping a computer user with the text 15% of Scotland's adults population lack foundation level digital skills. Drawing under the heading 'Problem: constructive discontent' says six desks in a line, cramped space, old substandard equipment, stained and heavily used whiteboard and flip chart. The flip chart says no paper and points to a waste bin.

My Process

Experiencing the issue first‑hand as a digital mentor. Established a co‑design partnership focus group with library staff and two adult learners. Used associative thinking and SCAMPER to sketch multiple ideas that met library constraints:

  1. Affordability

  2. Spatial compatibility

  3. Technological integration

Conducted precedent research on‑the‑market alternatives and used a selection matrix to evaluate 8 > 3 > 1 ideas.

A mind map of library challenges. Key areas are identified as inferior functional resources, user barriers, volunteer mentors.

Design Intervention

The inclusive and accessible “i-DIGIPAL” enables adult learners to “Watch, Learn and Practice” digital skills through guided offline (USB) micro‑lessons. The low‑tech kiosk is built from separate reclaimed components, supporting sustainability and circular design principles. A wooden surround houses a 24” portrait touchscreen, while a side‑lever mechanism lowers the outer housing over a metal plinth, adjusting the height from 1250mm to 750mm for seated or standing use without expanding the footprint. Replaces the traditional desk and PC set-up.

Digital realisation of the Digipal idea, showing the booth in two modes, one used standing and the other lowered for use by a person in a wheelchair. The users are shown interacting with the touch screen. Annotation points out: Skill stick USB pre recorded offline lessons, lipped raised edge, sideshelf and tablet with a tilt mechanism, as lever on the side for adapting the height from 1250mm to 750mm

Dina John, Business Analyst in Change Management. Post‑graduation aim: develop my design portfolio and volunteer to gain experience.

About me

Instagram: Dinas_39

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