Integrating physical objects Into digital displays : design of a 3D campus map for the MIT Atlas Center

Abstract

An emerging trend in consumer technology has been to build smarter technology into physical objects and to control those objects through digital interfaces. This blend of different interfaces for the internet of things reflects a response to a need for integrating technology more deeply into everyday life and providing more intuitive and natural interfaces. As these technologies advance, the line between digital information and physical objects will blur. This project explores how physical objects can be integrated into digital interfaces through the development of an interactive 3D campus map, a component of the new MIT Atlas Service Center. The installation combines physical objects with a large touch screen table in order to create a blended engaging experience. Through the design of both the experience and interface of the installation, we explore how digital information and physical objects can work together to help people understand spatial and contextual information. The campus map allows users to explore various aspects of MIT culture from basic navigational information to the latest MIT research to what's going on around campus right now, and also provides a modular platform for any location-based data visualization.