Situations:

Situation 1

What: Students spend a significant amount of their free time searching for available study spaces between classes.

Why: They do not have access to real-time information about which spaces are available on campus.

How: By walking around campus and checking multiple locations until they find a place.

Who: University students.

Situation 2

What: Students end up studying in spaces that are not ideal for their needs.

Why: Many available places lack power outlets or have unsuitable conditions such as noise or weather exposure.

How: By settling for outdoor areas, noisy spaces, or places without electrical outlets.

Who: University students.

Situation 3

What: Students repeatedly use the same study areas instead of exploring other options.

Why: They only know a limited number of spaces and tools, such as the study room reservation system.

How: By relying on familiar locations and avoiding searching for new or unknown spaces.

Who: University students.

Situation 4

What: Students feel frustrated and lose productivity during breaks between classes.

Why: A large portion of their free time is spent searching rather than studying or resting.

How: By delaying studying tasks or choosing to read casually instead of working.

Who: University students.

Insights

1.The main problem is the lack of real-time visibility, not the absence of spaces. The interviewee perceives that free spaces exist across campus, but without clear and reliable information, students are forced to search blindly, wasting time and effort.

2.Searching for study spaces significantly reduces productivity and increases frustration. A large portion of students’ free time between classes is spent looking for a place instead of studying, working, or resting, turning breaks into a stressful and inefficient experience.

3.Power outlets are a fundamental requirement that drastically limits usable spaces. Even when tables and seating are available, the absence of power outlets makes many spaces unusable for academic work, effectively shrinking the pool of viable study locations.