The following images illustrate both the positive and negative aspects of the library learning space analysed. Together with the VAST heuristic, they have allowed for a specific design problem within the space to be identified.
The image below is a basic floor plan of the learning space as it looks on a typical day. Please note it is not to scale.
The map is further supplemented with images to provide a more detailed understanding of the space. The images demonstrate both the positive and negative aspects discovered during the analysis.
Positive Design Aspects
There are many positive aspects of the library learning space which contribute to it being a comfortable and safe space for the students.
Negative Design Aspects
The application of the VAST heuristic has highlighted various aspects of the library learning space that require further attention to better cater for the educational needs of the users.
Design Problem
Currently, the library learning space does not encapsulate the school mission of empowering students to confidently and creatively enrich their world (school website, 2019). Even though most of the furniture is moveable, its typical composition, along with the placement of hardware, supports the use of teacher-directed pedagogies. Additionally, some areas of the library, namely the outdoor space and the quiet reading alcove, value the teacher-librarian and teachers rather than the students in their use. The re-creation of these areas will allow teachers and students greater freedom in their choice of learning activities. These areas can be redesigned to enhance the flexible learning design of the library space where students can creatively inquire into their areas of passion.
Outdoor learning space
Quiet reading alcove
The Oasis 