Design & Aesthetics

Design & Aesthetics topics in User Experience (UX) research seek to understand how changes made to exhibits, displays, and design choices impact user experience. This page provides resources for librarians to review aesthetics such as lighting, color, green space, artwork, book displays, and other exhibits to increase student belonging and mental health along with creating culturally responsive and inclusive spaces.

Keywords: academic departments, acceptance, accessibility, auditory, belonging, campus faculty and staff, communications, community partners, cultural responsiveness, faculty, first year experience and student activities, gender and sexuality, library workers, mental health, multicultural center, psychological safety, sensory, student affinity groups, student workers, students, trauma-informed, universal design, visual

Readings & Videos

Beauchamp, A. (2025). Rethinking banned books exhibits in the library. In the Library with the Lead Pipe.

Keywords: cultural responsiveness, belonging, trauma-informed

Description: This article describes an exhibit at Florida State University Libraries during Banned Books Week 2022 that confronted this problem directly by trying to understand acts of censorship in Florida history. The exhibit, “Against Liberty: A History of Banning Books in Florida,” deployed primary sources readily available online and in the FSU collections to explore who has challenged books in Florida history, and what were their motivations.

Buck, V. M., & Houzé, A. (2014). Healing library anxiety: How comparing libraries to hospitals can improve service to multicultural populations. Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2014 – Lyon – Libraries, Citizens, Societies: Confluence for Knowledge in Session 221 – Library Services to Multicultural Populations. In: IFLA WLIC 2014, 16-22 August 2014, Lyon, France.

Keywords: cultural responsiveness, belonging, trauma-informed, mental health, psychological safety, library workers

Abstract: In order to find new approaches to better serve multicultural populations in libraries, this paper analyzes studies about services and environments in the healthcare industry for how they serve multicultural populations and, specifically, how they reduce stress for healthseeking users. Healthcare research shows that stress can impede healing. Likewise, information behavior research shows that library anxiety can significantly impede information-seeking behavior.

Duffin, K. I., & Corrigan, E. K. (2023). African American undergraduate students’ perceived welcomeness at a midsized university library. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 18(3), 3–25. DOI: 10.18438/eblip30312

Keywords: cultural responsiveness, belonging, trauma-informed, mental health, students, multicultural center, student affinity groups

Description: Artwork and displays are one of many elements of this article. Excerpt from abstract: Student recommendations will shape the services we provide for an increasingly diverse student body. Changes to make the library as physical place more welcoming include exhibiting student artwork and featuring African American themes in displays.

Esparza, L., Fonseca, C., & Wegmann, M. (2021). Framing a gallery program: Integrating the ACRL Framework into a university library art gallery. Art Documentation: Bulletin of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 40(2), 282–303. DOI: 10.1086/716731

Keywords: belonging, cultural responsiveness, gender and sexuality, visual, students, campus faculty and staff, library workers 

Abstract: The Sonoma State University Library Art Committee curates exhibits and develops programming for its library gallery to support the library and university missions, the library’s curriculum philosophy, and the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. These exhibits complement various disciplines, foster curiosity, provide opportunities for reflection, present primary sources for research and inspiration, and invite campus and community engagement. The Art Committee also develops course-integrated programming and aligns exhibit components with the ACRL Framework to engage visitors with information-literacy concepts. In this article, the authors discuss examples of framework-driven curation and programming, methods for collaboration, lessons learned, and future directions for the gallery program.

Frigo, E., Fisher, E., Schaub, G., & Cadena, C. (2017). Creating connections: How libraries can use exhibits to welcome new students. In the Library with the Lead Pipe.

Keywords: belonging, sensory, mental health, accessibility, universal design, visual, auditory, first year experience and student activities, student affinity groups

Abstract: Feelings of loneliness are common among first-year college students during the start of the academic year. Academic and social integration into the campus community—both factors that can positively affect student retention—are critical yet difficult for any one group to manage. Grand Valley State University Libraries expanded its reach to help foster student engagement through an immersive, multifaceted exhibit showcasing personal stories of students through illustrations and audio recordings. Participants also had an opportunity to contribute to a mural. The exhibit, which ran for the first six weeks of the fall semester, provided students with novel ways to connect and identify with their peers. We will highlight an innovative approach to cultivating student belonging and detail how an exhibit can strengthen the library’s institutional relevance.

Gabriel, H., & Juliani, J. (2025). Showcasing Student Artwork in an Academic Library . Collaborative Librarianship, 15(1), 2. 

Keywords: belonging, acceptance, sensory, mental health, visual, students, faculty, academic departments

Description: In this paper, the collaboration between a Government Documents Librarian, an Art Librarian, and an Emerging Media and Digital Arts Professor in leading students to create artwork around a specific event and anniversary is discussed. The students were engaged and positively impacted by the poster design project. Outlines practical process and shares recommendations and lessons learned in the process. 

Gad, S. E. S., Noor, W., & Kamar, M. (2022). How does the interior design of learning spaces impact the students health, behavior, and performance?. Journal of Engineering Research, 6(4), 74-87.

Keywords: mental health, accessibility, sensory, universal design

Description: Begins with a review of research on the impact of lighting, interior colors, ventilation, and acoustics and noise in the educational environment. A qualitative questionnaire reveals a preference for natural light and colors other than white in University classrooms and offers a glimpse of important options when reviewing current library study spaces.

Jackson, J., & Hazlitt, J. (2021). Hiring student graphic designers: Benefits, challenges, and lessons learned. Journal of Library Outreach and Engagement, 1(2). DOI: 10.21900/j.jloe.v1i2.823

Keywords: belonging, visual, student workers, communications

Abstract: This article explores the benefits and challenges of utilizing students as part-time employees to create graphic design materials for academic libraries’ promotional needs. The authors describe their experience recruiting students through faculty recommendations, onboarding new hires, and the project management lifecycle for graphic design work.

Kandiuk, M. (2017). Avoiding controversy: Academic freedom and the library exhibit. Art Documentation, 36(1). DOI: 10.1086/691374

Keywords: cultural responsiveness, belonging, trauma-informed 

Abstract: University libraries have a range of exhibit spaces used to promote their own collections that they also make available to different communities. The American Library Association Library Bill of Rights provides guidelines regarding exhibits and exhibit spaces to assist libraries in upholding free speech and rights. The author provides a review of library exhibit policies in the context of the Library Bill of Rights and examines whether these policies support the principles of intellectual freedom and freedom of expression. The policies reveal limits on academic freedom that question the concept of library neutrality.

Karnik, M., Printz, B., & Finkel, J. (2014). A hospital’s contemporary art collection: Effects on patient mood, stress, comfort, and expectations. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 7(3), 60-77. DOI: 10.1177/193758671400700305

Keywords: sensory, mental health, visual

Description: Nature art is often cited as having positive effects on mood. This study analyzed the effects of a diverse collection of contemporary art on patient experiences in a hospital. Patients described the effect of the artwork on their mood, stress level, and anxiety. They were asked whether the artwork reflected cultural diversity and other factors. They were also asked to respond to a number of adjectives potentially describing the artwork. Researchers found that a diverse collection of artwork could have a positive impact on mood, stress, and satisfaction.

Kushnarov, V., Udris-Borodavko, N., & Skachenko, O. (2025). Creating an exhibition space to attract students in the University Library of Ukraine in times of crisis. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 31(2), 150-168.

Keywords: mental health, belonging, trauma-informed, cultural responsiveness, psychological safety

Description: Begins with a review of library space usage, and shares practical challenges to exhibitions throughout COVID and in periods of violence and local unrest. Authors speak to the importance of community building and sharing cultural history during these times. Shared exhibitions include online and in person events and a discussion of conversations about when to do which.

Law, M., Karulkar, N., & Broadbent, E. (2021). Evidence for the effects of viewing visual artworks on stress outcomes: A scoping review. BMJ Open, 11(6), e043549. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043549

Keywords: sensory, visual, mental health 

Description: The reviewers examined 14 preliminary studies intended to measure the effect of visual art on stress. The strongest findings were that viewing art does have a stress reducing effect, and that nature scenes have the greatest effect. Abstract art may increase stress in viewers who find it challenging and ambiguous. Provocative works can elicit feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, and should be chosen with caution in areas intended to produce calm, positive feelings.

McDaniel, C. (2022). Art and visual displays: Reflecting antiracist and library values. Alki: The Washington Library Association Journal, 38(1), 5–8.

Keywords: cultural responsiveness, belonging, multicultural center, student affinity groups

Description: The article presents information on how the University of Washington Tacoma Library created space for the display of artworks reflecting antiracist and library values, at the time of making space for the Center for Equity and Inclusion in the library building. It is stated that renovations were completed to accommodate the research help and the writing center along with some collections which were relocated from the Snoqualmie building.

Natal, G. R., & Remaklus, D. (2023). The library is my canvas: Art and experiential learning in an academic library. College & Research Libraries, 84(2), 169–179. DOI: 10.5860/crl.84.2.169

Keywords: sensory, visual, belonging, cultural responsiveness, students, faculty, academic departments

Abstract: The literature concerning experiential learning in academic libraries generally pertains to opportunities for student workers and library and information science students, along with case studies of experiential learning integration into the classroom. This article details the successful partnership between an academic library and university art program, demonstrating the library’s progression from provider of traditional resources and space for displaying student artwork to experiential learning environment for project-based learning opportunities requiring total student involvement from conception to completion. These experiences provide for unique learning opportunities, beautification of the library, and expansion of the library’s identity on campus as a learning space.

Reed, R., & Lohnes, J. (2019). Tripping the Black fantastic at a PWI: Or how Afrofuturist exhibitions in an academic library changed everything. Alexandria, 29(1-2), 116-129. DOI: 10.1177/0955749019876383

Keywords: cultural responsiveness, belonging, visual, campus faculty and staff, community partners

Description: Taking Afrofuturism as a theme, librarians created an exhibition called Black Space, and asked a contemporary artist to create an installation piece in the library, bringing art into a space where nontraditional viewers would encounter it, and depicting an underrepresented community. They worked with teaching faculty to integrate Afrofuturist content into a number of college courses.

Sherman, L. R., Barmon, J., Bradley, D. S., & Mathews, C. (2024). Creating art in the library at Florida State University: Integrating art exhibitions and academic libraries. Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 43(1), 129–150. DOI: 10.1086/732863 

Keywords: belonging, cultural responsiveness, visual, campus faculty and staff, library workers, students 

Abstract:  This article traces the development of the newly formed Art in the Library Committee at Florida State University Libraries, with a special focus on its exhibitions programming. The scope of this study spans planning the first Art in the Library exhibition in mid-2022 through the fall 2023 show. The conclusions offer lessons learned and takeaways aimed at art librarians and other information professionals working specifically in academic libraries who may be interested in founding such an art exhibitions program at their home institutions.

Thomas, K., & Houlihan, M. (2025). Finding your place: Assessing diversity, equity, and inclusion in an academic library. Evidence Based Library & Information Practice, 20(1), 117–147. DOI: 10.18438/eblip30569

Keywords: belonging,trauma-informed, cultural responsiveness

Description: An exploratory study was conducted to identify the key factors that influence students’ perceptions of a sense of belonging in an academic library, focusing particularly on gaining insight into the perspectives of students from historically marginalized communities. 

Vleet, Z. V., K C, A., Lee, K. J., & Fernandez, M. (2025). The effects of green space on college students’ mood. Journal of American College Health, 73(3), 1280–1288. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2252931

Keywords: accessibility, universal design,sensory, visual

Description: Research on the effect of green space concludes: “Study findings highlight indoor green space is also conducive to positive moods. Thus, in addition to protecting outside greenery, universities may invest in indoor greenery (e.g., indoor plants, posters/artwork featuring nature) that can be placed in classrooms, libraries, dormitories, and other spaces frequented by students.” 

Examples

Alliance Examples

CWU Libraries, Central Washington University. Exhibit and display policy.

OSU Libraries & Press, Oregon State University. Displays policy.

OSU Libraries & Press, Oregon State University. Intellectual freedom.

UW Libraries, University of Washington. Odegaard Undergraduate Library exhibit space: Use policy & description of facility.

UW Libraries, University of Washington. (2024, February). UW Libraries exhibits policy.

Examples from Other Libraries

American Library Association. Exhibits, displays & artwork censorship. Part of Meeting rooms, exhibit spaces, and programs.

American Library Association. Visual and performing arts in libraries: An interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.

Art Libraries Society of North America. Best practices for library exhibitions.

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Library exhibits policy.

DC Public Library. Arts and exhibits policy.

Madison Public Library. Art policy.

Oberlin College Libraries. Exhibits policy.

The Seattle Public Library. Exhibits.

Transylvania University & Lopez, A. Visual Arts Committee established to increase representation, enhance belonging through art. 1780: The Official Blog of Transylvania University.

University of Missouri Libraries. Ellis Library exhibits.

Usability Techniques

Usability Techniques to Consider for Design & Aesthetics:

  • Graffiti wall. “A graffiti wall is a temporary public canvas that allows anyone who passes through the space in which it’s hanging to write or draw their response to the question or prompt written on it.” This may be useful with a small example of existing or potential artwork.
  • Interviews. Andy Priestner suggests that attitudinal approaches to UX such as surveys and interviews should be included along with behavioral or observational approaches to UX. In this brief write-up, he suggests simple ways to be effective in an interview, stating, “The interview is not about you, it’s about your subject, but you can only fulfill this aim if you let the user speak and become comfortable with your own silence.”
  • Photo studies. “Users take photos to highlight important aspects of their lives and context. The photos are assembled into collages and studied to highlight opportunities for new technologies and barriers to their acceptance.”
    • Wilson, C., & Bevan, N. (2005). Photo study, Usability Body of Knowledge.
  • User-led library tours / Touchstone tours. “With a touchstone tour…, you are essentially flipping a traditional library tour on its head. Rather than you giving the tour, you ask the user to show you around instead.” This would be particularly useful for permanent artwork and displays.
    • Priestner, A. (2019, April-May). Touchstone tours (PDF). Information Professional, 45.

Partner Groups

Partner Groups to Consider for Design & Aesthetics:

  • Facilities
  • Individuals, departments, or committees that manage and maintain campus artwork
  • Office of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (exact names vary)
  • Student-led organizations
  • Campus advocacy groups
  • Community art organizations
  • Alumni