Connecting Voices: Elevating the ALOUD Event Experience

Project Description

A design initiative to enhance attendee engagement, streamline event navigation, and foster deeper connections during the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ ALOUD events through a volunteer crew, stickers, and a seasonal program.

Problem

Attendees often experienced difficulty navigating venues and connecting with others during ALOUD events, resulting in missed engagement opportunities. Additionally, the limited and often unrecognizable ALOUD staff made it challenging for attendees to find assistance when needed.

Insights

Our research highlighted several key challenges: attendees often felt lost or unsure of where to go due to unclear wayfinding, leading to stress and reduced engagement. Additionally, the limited visibility and recognizability of ALOUD staff left attendees without a clear point of contact for assistance. These findings underscored the need for approachable and informed volunteers, as well as better tools to foster connections among attendees and promote engagement with the event’s mission.

Solutions

Final deliverables included a volunteer program accompanied by a comprehensive volunteer guide, conversation starter stickers to spark attendee interactions, and a seasonal program highlighting upcoming events. Clear wayfinding, proactive volunteer engagement, and personalized touchpoints enhance the sense of belonging and ease within event spaces. By fostering human connections through volunteer interactions and conversation starter tools, attendees feel more welcomed and empowered to explore the event. Additionally, thoughtful seasonal programming and well-communicated event highlights help build anticipation and a stronger connection to the ALOUD community.