Mybrary: An Immersive Reading Pod

A Social Impact Buildfest Creation

What is the Social Impact BuildFest?

Theme

Audience engagement, Storytelling, Fabrication

Timeline

2 days

Role

Researcher, Fabricator, Visual Designer

The Social Impact BuildFest is an annual event hosted by the Texas Immersive Institute. It is a weekend-long event that brings UT Austin students, professionals, and innovators together. Our goal is to inspire and encourage this diverse group of participants to embrace community, storytelling, design and XR in order to create solutions for real problems they see around campus and Austin every day.

Summary

Our Story

Every decision we make is shaped by a clear sense of purpose. Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.

What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.

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.

Mini 4D cinema-style Library Pod for immersive reading
Wheelchair-accessible for inclusive use
App integration with VPN for global book access
Soundscapes, motion effects, and sensory features enhance engagement
Accessibility features support disabled users
Newsletter provides banned book updates and advocacy initiatives

This Year’s Social Impact

Library Advocacy and Fight against censorship
PRSSA 2025 Bateman Case Study Competition with EveryLibrary

The University of Texas’ Bateman competition team wants to discover innovative and impactful solutions to position EveryLibrary as the leading library advocate in the Austin area. EveryLibrary is a national political action committee, working to support library budgeting, fight against book censorship and promote state legislation supporting issues surrounding libraries. These solutions will engage and empower EveryLibrary supporters to act on the initiatives created by EveryLibrary.

This Year’s Tech

We are combining this social impact initiative with Haptics Technology developed by DataFeel!

DataFeel® is a technology company focused on utilizing data to improve the efficiency of human decision-making, wellness, and lifestyle experiences. Our multi-energy technology combines vibration, heat, cold, and light to deliver haptic solutions that amplify human interaction and wellness outcomes. Our team of world-class experts are continuously conceptualizing new use cases for these proprietary technologies and looking for B2B partners to help bring them to life! Meet the DataFeel Team!

IMPACT & FUTURE POTENTIAL

- Private space for reading textbooks, news, research, and digital media.
- Mirror-sharing and library access ensure versatility and unrestricted knowledge.
- Traditional libraries lack sensory- friendly spaces for diverse needs.
- The pod includes text-to-speech, adjustable lighting/sound, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Universities & research centers
- Bookstores
- Cafés & co-working spaces
- Hospitals & wellness centers
- Airports & transit hubs
- Libraries, schools, community centers, and museums
- Bookstores, cafés, and other reading spaces
- Neutral, multi-use design prevents easy censorship