The tangible map : designing the user interface for a public installation

Abstract

The Mobile Experience Lab in the MIT Comparative Media Studies Department is developing the Tangible Map in order to determine the potential of three-dimensional digital displays as a medium of providing information about the physical world. The Tangible Map is a three-dimensional digital map installation in the Atlas Service Center that aims to provide an interactive and personalized experience with the MIT campus. The Tangible Map will provide users the opportunity to both search for specific facts about the campus as well as learn new and surprising insights about their own community. Through a sequence of development, design reviews, and user testing, the Tangible Map investigates the capabilities of providing information through various access points in a public installation, and the Mobile Experience Lab aspires to better inform and unite the greater community at MIT.