Name: Why Retail Stores Learn Faster Than Libraries—and What Libraries Can Do About It
Start: 2026-11-19T14:30:00-0500
End: 2026-11-19T15:30:00-0500

Why Retail Stores Learn Faster Than Libraries—and What Libraries Can Do About It

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Retail environments rarely assume their first design is perfect. Instead, they continuously observe how customers behave in a space, test changes, and adjust layouts based on real-world feedback. Libraries, by contrast, often operate on long building cycles: a facility is designed, constructed, and then remains largely fixed for decades. Yet library spaces are behavioral environments where patron needs and usage patterns constantly evolve.
This session introduces the concept of the retail feedback loop and explores how libraries can adopt similar approaches to improve space planning and renovation outcomes. Drawing on methods from consumer research, retail analytics, and UX (user experience) testing, presenters will explain how libraries can observe patron behavior, run small experiments, and collect meaningful feedback about how spaces actually function.
Attendees will see examples of UX testing in library environments, including task-based user testing that visually captures where patrons struggle, hesitate, or succeed in navigating spaces and services. These short video examples demonstrate how direct observation can reveal insights that traditional surveys or meetings often miss.

Participants will leave with practical ideas for incorporating patron observation, UX testing, and rapid feedback loops into their own renovation or redesign projects.

Speakers

David Vinjamuri

Over 30 years of understanding consumer behavior in the private sector and with libraries. 20 years teaching students at NYU. Working with over 100 libraries in 26 states, New York University

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

2026 Core Forum

David Vinjamuri

Attendees (3)

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2026 Core Forum

David Vinjamuri

Attendees (3)

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