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What about "Dance Dance Revolution"  ?  That has a really interesting
interface.  (And, most likely, could be used well in a health-based
exhibit.  Maybe in conjunction with a heart monitor.  Let them know how
many calories they've burned?

Also, it might be worth checking out the Pico Crickets.  I've played
with them a little and it seems like they have a lot of potential.

Mat Vandneyenden
COSI Columbus

>>> [log in to unmask] 7/7/2008 1:17 PM >>>
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Hi Everybody,

I recently attended a Learning in Museums conference put on by AAM. 
The
conference was centered around technology in museums and was actually
really
informative.  

The one thing that I thought was missing was a discussion of exhibit
experiences that use  some sort of alternative interface. (no mouse,
keyboard, or touch screen.) So to solve this problem, I am trying to be
part
of the solution and propose a new session on alternative interfaces for
AAM.

So I am seeking to tap the vast knowledge of the field through this
solicitation and try to get a sense of the best of these devices.  I
will
put forth a couple of examples to get folks started.

The Talking Snack Machine:
This is a sassy snack machine in the Heart Exhibit area at the
Franklin
Institute.  The device looks like an actual snack machine and when a
visitor
chooses a snack the machine either praises or berates their selection.
(think Gilbert Gottfried) For instance if you choose a bran muffin it
tells
you for the same amount of fat and calories you might as well go ahead
and
eat the donut. You know you want the donut more anyway.

This device is actually a pretty simple database that just plays back
a
series of sound and video clips but the exterior sells it because it
looks
like a real, if not slightly off kilter, snack machine.

Shadow Garden:
This is an art installation created by MindWorks.  You interact with it
via
your shadow.  There are several different scenarios but the most
compelling
one is where a shower of computerized beads rains down on a visitor's
shadow.  Visitors are able to catch the beads by raising their arms
and
making a basin.  When their arms are lowered they continue to fall to
the
floor.  
JesterTek:
Most of you have probably seen this camera based interface in shopping
malls
or movie theater lobbies.  One application I have seen includes
unpopped
kernels of popcorn that pop when kids jump on them.  Basically product
placement for Jiffy Pop.

Although engaging in their own right. I have yet to see either of
these
technologies put to use in a more interpretive manner.

One technology that I am looking forward to using in future exhibits is
the
Nintendo wii.  I have a couple of concept designs done but nothing that
has
been built yet.  Does anyone know of a museum that has tried this yet?

I hope these few examples put you in the mood to don on your memory
caps and
send me the best computer based exhibit experiences that use some
interesting interfaces. Examples seen outside the science center world
are
more than welcome. 

Mike


Mike Levad
Lead Exhibit Developer
651-789-4735 (direct)
651-631-2211 xt.735
651-631-0707fax    
Toll free: 800-433-9599
[log in to unmask] 
www.splitrockstudios.com 

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