Mybrary: An Immersive Reading Pod

A Social Impact Buildfest Creation

MyBrary is a wheelchair‑accessible, mini 4D library pod + companion app that lets readers privately engage with any book (including banned titles) using text‑to‑speech, haptics, and adaptive lighting/sound—turning reading into an immersive, inclusive experience.

Theme

Audience engagement, Storytelling, Fabrication

Timeline

3-day Sprint

Role

Researcher, Fabricator, Visual Designer

Problem Framing

Clients/Partner

EveryLibrary, Texas Immersive Institute (TXI), DataFeel (haptics)

Core Problem Statement

The absence of a truly immersive, accessible environment for uncensored reading prevents book lovers, particularly those with disabilities, from fully experiencing, exploring, and deeply connecting with their favorite literature.

Why Now?

Rising book bans and funding threats; libraries’ role as essential third spaces; uneven access for disabled and neurodivergent readers.

Impact hypothesis

If we offer a private, adaptive, and multisensory reading environment + clear advocacy actions, more people will safely access diverse texts and support pro‑library initiatives.

Concept to Ideation

How might we create a neutral, portable, and inclusive “third space” for reading that feels safe, sovereign, and sensorially supportive?

Concept: A wheelchair‑accessible pod with adjustable soundscapes, light temperature, and haptics; paired with an app enabling secure mirror‑sharing via VPN so readers can bring their own licensed materials.

SOLUTION

SOCIAL IMPACT PROBLEM STATEMENT

The absence of a truly immersive, accessible environment for uncensored reading prevents book lovers, particularly those with disabilities, from fully experiencing, exploring, and deeply connecting with their favorite literature.