What would be the optimal medium to present air quality data visualization in public? In previous research, it was suggested that a table-top kiosk with multiple touch-points could encourage audience engagement and conversation. Keeping this project vision in mind, our team initiated suitable kiosk research, exploring various types and sizes.
We outlined specific questions to narrow down our kiosk research:
- What are the suitable screen sizes for the kiosk?
- Should it be a table-top or standing kiosk?
- Is audio necessary to attract the audience?
- Should it be one-sided or double-sided?
- How many touch-points do we require?
- Is it intended for indoor or outdoor use? If outdoor, does the device have weather resistance and internet connectivity?
- What coding language should we use for programming the data visualization?
Before addressing these queries, Dr. Roberts introduced our team to visit Dr. Magerko’s previous projects involving Ideam table—a coding learning with music.
Yixuan and Jaeri visited the LMC lab to explore potential medium device exploration and to identify possible kiosk screen sizes. The Ideam table featured multiple touch-points integrated with a computer, aimed at teaching children coding through frog movements and music. To prevent overwhelming touch points from children in the museum, they placed three stickers at specific positions under the frog dolls on the table, allowing the screen to recognize the frog doll only when placed on the surface.
It was fascinating to observe how different interactions could be stimulated, sparking ideas for innovative methods to deliver our interactive air quality data visualization. This experience also prompted us to consider strategies for audience engagement, drawing inspiration from Ideam’s vibrant colors and gamification elements.