Southwark Stamps
Southwark Stamps
This project was developed as part of a partnership initiative for the Macro Unit in the Masters in User Experience Design program at the University of the Arts London, focusing on community-centered design and emotional inclusion.
This project was developed as part of a partnership initiative for the Macro Unit in the Masters in User Experience Design program at the University of the Arts London, focusing on community-centered design and emotional inclusion.
A stamp collection system that encourages international immigrants to visit Southwark’s hidden gems recommended by the locals. Collected stamps can then be preserved and displayed as a unique showpiece. Libraries can implement this system monthly to create their own database of memories over the time.
My Role
My Role
Responsible for driving research methodologies, taking initiative in decision-making, leading conceptualisation and recruiting participants for user testing.
Responsible for driving research methodologies, taking initiative in decision-making, leading conceptualisation and recruiting participants for user testing.
The Team
The Team
Sarthak | Ojaswi | Anwesha | Angelina | Sakshi | Anushka
Sarthak | Ojaswi | Anwesha | Angelina | Sakshi | Anushka
Design Brief
Design Brief
Design a local memory preservation and information sharing system inspired by and integrated with Southwark Heritage Centre & Walworth Library
Design a local memory preservation and information sharing system inspired by and integrated with Southwark Heritage Centre & Walworth Library
The Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library is a vibrant public space combining a modern library with the historic Cuming Collection — a treasure trove of Southwark’s past.
We spent some time to understand the space on a deeper level
We spent some time to understand the space on a deeper level
"We’re more than books, people come here for connection, calm, and care. Members actively use our resources for studying and social support. But many still don’t know about the heritage centre or Southwark’s rich history right here in the building. "
"We’re more than books, people come here for connection, calm, and care. Members actively use our resources for studying and social support. But many still don’t know about the heritage centre or Southwark’s rich history right here in the building. "
Stephano, Manager @ Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library
Stephano, Manager @ Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library
Research Methods Applied
Research Methods Applied
The research aimed to uncover how people navigate, engage with, and emotionally experience the library space, revealing key barriers and opportunities.
The research aimed to uncover how people navigate, engage with, and emotionally experience the library space, revealing key barriers and opportunities.
Behavioural Mapping
Behavioural Mapping
A.E.I.O.U
A.E.I.O.U
Directed Storytelling
Directed Storytelling
What did we find out?
What did we find out?
Users find it hard to access local knowledge: they need easier, more discoverable ways to find meaningful information.
Good knowledge systems build connection: users want platforms that go beyond storage to spark shared discovery.
Value drives engagement: users need ways to contribute and preserve what matters to their community.
Users find it hard to access local knowledge: they need easier, more discoverable ways to find meaningful information.
Good knowledge systems build connection: users want platforms that go beyond storage to spark shared discovery.
Value drives engagement: users need ways to contribute and preserve what matters to their community.
Problem Statement Established
How might we make the Local Knowledge More "Alive" ?
How might we make the Local Knowledge More "Alive" ?
Before the Making
Inviting Locals to Share their stories of Southwark
Inviting Locals to Share their stories of Southwark
Few highlighted experiences
Few highlighted experiences
Before the Making
Connecting the Artefacts with the Locality
Connecting the Artefacts with the Locality
We mapped all the artefacts with their existing locations in Southwark & found interesting details about the places
We mapped all the artefacts with their existing locations in Southwark & found interesting details about the places
Introducing
Southwark Stamps
Southwark Stamps
Bridging the gap between the local community, the locality, and the library.
Bridging the gap between the local community, the locality, and the library.
A stamp collection system that encourages international immigrants to visit Southwark’s hidden gems recommended by the locals. Collected stamps can then be preserved and displayed as a unique showpiece. Libraries can implement this system monthly to create their own database of memories over the time.
A stamp collection system that encourages international immigrants to visit Southwark’s hidden gems recommended by the locals. Collected stamps can then be preserved and displayed as a unique showpiece. Libraries can implement this system monthly to create their own database of memories over the time.
The
George’s Inn
Dating back to the 16th century, this is the only surviving coaching inn in the city.
A Dickensian Landmark, featured in Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit”, it’s a place where history meets a good pint.
saint mary’s church
Home to a magnificent 1764 pipe organ by John Byfield II.
The Cinema Museum
Located in the former Lambeth Workhouse, where Charlie Chaplin lived before becoming a film legend. Golden Age of Cinema Houses vintage cameras, projectors, and film posters, offering a nostalgic trip.
The Thames Tunnel
Situated in the Brunel Museum, the world’s
first underwater tunnel stands as a groundbreaking feat of engineering.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
This is not only the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery but also a cultural gem. Designed by Sir John Soane, this is a must-see for art lovers.
Sands Films Studio
Famed for its authentic period films, like the 1987 adaptation of Little Dorrit, Sands Films also houses the Rotherhithe Picture Research Library—a treasure trove of local history and vintage imagery.
Custom Stamps
It rewards and motivates users to visit culturally significant places, inspired by local library artefacts and community suggestions
Memory Book
Memory Book
Preserves respondents beautiful memories, stories and experiences
Preserves respondents beautiful memories, stories and experiences
AR Experience
AR Experience
Serves as a digital archive, bridging artefacts with the memories of present-day Southwark
Serves as a digital archive, bridging artefacts with the memories of present-day Southwark
Try AR Experience yourself
Try AR Experience yourself
Illustration by: Ojaswi Kejriwal
Have a look at the user journey
Have a look at the user journey
Start by browsing the cards displayed at the library
Post-visit, answer the prompt whenever you prefer
In return, you’ll receive a unique stamp for your journey.
Pick one & visit the location, whenever you prefer
Tear off the prompt section along the perforated edge
Stick the stamp on the card, its now your souvenir to keep!
Explore the story on your card- set in the place around you
Next library visit, hand in (only) the prompt piece
Choose your next card and continue the adventure
Start by browsing the cards displayed at the library
Post-visit, answer the prompt whenever you prefer
In return, you’ll receive a unique stamp for your journey.
Pick one & visit the location, whenever you prefer
Tear off the prompt section along the perforated edge
Stick the stamp on the card, its now your souvenir to keep!
Explore the story on your card- set in the place around you
Next library visit, hand in (only) the prompt piece
Choose your next card and continue the adventure
The Complete System
The Complete System
Tried & Tested
Evaluating Experience Through Testing
Evaluating Experience Through Testing
30+
30+
Visitors picked up the card from the display and conveyed their clear interest in the concept
Visitors picked up the card from the display and conveyed their clear interest in the concept
Improved
Improved
Footfall & retention in the library’s artefact display
Footfall & retention in the library’s artefact display
My learnings
I realised that this project was not just a collaboration among six team members, but a deeper learning experience about people, their cultures, histories, and localities. It taught me the value of co-design in community building and how design can emerge meaningfully through shared experiences and collective input.
I realised that this project was not just a collaboration among six team members, but a deeper learning experience about people, their cultures, histories, and localities. It taught me the value of co-design in community building and how design can emerge meaningfully through shared experiences and collective input.
The
George’s Inn
Dating back to the 16th century, this is the only surviving coaching inn in the city.
A Dickensian Landmark, featured in Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit”, it’s a place where history meets a good pint.
saint mary’s church
Home to a magnificent 1764 pipe organ by John Byfield II.
The Cinema Museum
Located in the former Lambeth Workhouse, where Charlie Chaplin lived before becoming a film legend. Golden Age of Cinema Houses vintage cameras, projectors, and film posters, offering a nostalgic trip.
The Thames Tunnel
Situated in the Brunel Museum, the world’s
first underwater tunnel stands as a groundbreaking feat of engineering.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
This is not only the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery but also a cultural gem. Designed by Sir John Soane, this is a must-see for art lovers.
Sands Films Studio
Famed for its authentic period films, like the 1987 adaptation of Little Dorrit, Sands Films also houses the Rotherhithe Picture Research Library—a treasure trove of local history and vintage imagery.
Custom Stamps
It rewards and motivates users to visit culturally significant places, inspired by local library artefacts and community suggestions