3D Design Coaching

Palo Alto City Library’s 3D Design Coaching grant program featured effective community engagement, welcomed community members to the library, and harnessed and generated excitement about technology. Community volunteers lead one-on-one 3D Design coaching sessions with participants and guide them in using software like Sketchup and Blender. As printing an object is often at the end of single-design iteration, the interactive sessions target earlier steps and incorporate a more holistic approach to show users what it means to go from a concept or idea into a physical object.

Target audience: Underserved and marginalized members of the library’s community who express interest in, or are already participating in, 3D design, virtual reality, game development, and other creative technological endeavors. Participants’ skill levels may vary from beginner to proficient-but-needing-help.

Expected outcomes: Participants who otherwise do not have access to resources about 3D design software will increase their knowledge of the software and have a greater understanding of the steps involved in taking a concept from initial ideas to final, physical product. Community members who were not previously engaged with the library will have a greater understanding of how the library can meet their needs and align with their aspirations.

Budget Considerations

  • Compensation for coaches (if not volunteers)
  • Computer with graphics card
  • 3D Printer
  • Software
  • Printer supplies

Implementation Steps

  • Co-design your project with your community: Identify potential participants, focusing on reaching people not currently visiting the library, and gauge interest in the project. Meet with them to discuss the program. Engage them in envisioning the project, planning how to proceed, what activities will take place, and how community members will be invited and encouraged to attend.
  • Recruit and train community volunteers knowledgeable about the software and 3D design process. High school students are often good candidates, though they do require some training/mentorship as they take on new responsibilities. After a few glitches, Palo Alto City Library (PACL) learned it is necessary to emphasize punctuality for their teen volunteers. Discussing responsibilities with volunteers can minimize disappointing participants. Adult volunteers from the community who have the knowledge and skills are another option. Sample training document (PDF)
  • Purchase/acquire Materials, supplies and equipment, including
  • Special consideration: If you plan apply for a LSTA funding grant for this project, in order to purchase Internet service, computers, ebook readers, tablets or other devices that access the Internet, your library must be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), a federal law that requires you to filter your library computers and have an Internet Safety Policy in place.
  • Troubleshoot. Ensure computer is configured properly with required software
  • Reserve space for one-on-one coaching session with a computer; venue should allow coaching pair to interact without being interrupted or interrupting others and have enough space for two people to sit in front of computer.
  • Publicize training series/recruit participants via library website, local media, social media. For examples, see PLCL promotional video.
  • Schedule one-on-one sessions. With high school volunteers, sessions will likely occur on the weekends or during the summer. At PACL, sessions at specific times are posted on the library website, and participants sign up.
  • There is no set curriculum. The content of sessions is driven by the person attending. For example, a participant might start by saying “I don’t know anything, how do I get started?” In this case, the coach will walk through the basics of a given application. Others may have specific questions about a certain software’s features, or be at a point in a project where they need help.
  • Evaluation. Gather feedback from participants and other members of the community. Who participated? Who didn’t? What do they suggest can be changed to make this more successful in responding to community needs in the future? For an example, see 3D Design Coach Survey (PDF).