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In general, my perspective is solidly in line with that of Erich -- the 
design expertise is essential and the incorporation of digital exhibit 
elements moved (along with other factors) the design exhibits and 
exhibitions from single individuals toward teams of individuals with diverse 
expertise --  and to more systematic development processes to accommodate 
those demands. Since I started in the museum field in the early 1990's that 
is one of the biggest changes I have seen. It was not an easy transition, 
and sometimes I think we forget how much better we are now at team work than 
we used to be.

In terms of influential of hardware, I would nominate for your consideration 
the use of the humble track ball as an interface device. Who did that first? 
Track balls  were a piece that allowed digital-human interface in the 
context of constant and not very gentle visitor behavior. They also adapted 
to exhibit components that moved beyond the "computer station" to large 
screens or even devices that allowed visitor input in combination with 
sensors.

Carey



Carey Tisdal
Tisdal Consulting
[log in to unmask]
314-496-9097



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erich Rose" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: Influential uses of digital technology in exhibits?


ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
institutions.
*****************************************************************************

When it gets fully broken down it may be in fact affordable computers that 
made the biggest impact.  No matter what I/O device is attached it has been 
the ability to run programs that can do so much more than simple mechanical 
or graphic devices. I know that is a very broad statement and I can hear the 
moans and groans already.  But maybe that is why there doesn't seem to be 
any great leaps since then. Everything else has just been an incremental 
chipping away or building upon of various input and output devices.

Computer tape > floppy discs > laser discs > CDs > solid state memory > etc.

Punch cards > keyboards > mice > trackballs > touch screens > machine vision 
 > gestural recognition > etc.

Monochrome monitors > full color monitors > video walls > video projectors > 
LCD projectors > laser projectors > 3D > etc.

All just more of the same.

I realize your students want to understand the issue from the standpoint of 
technology but it really is all about the content in the end.  Those early 
Computer geeks had it right when they coined the "GIGO" phrase.

As a designer it has always been a frustration when money goes to hardware 
and physical environment and not to content development or even more 
importantly good copy and script writing.

a little more than 2 cents worth...

Erich Rose

Erich Rose Design
807 The Living End
Austin, TX 78746
512-626-9930; [log in to unmask]




On Jan 13, 2011, at 3:07 PM, Eugene Dillenburg wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
> institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> "[I]t is not the technology but the content that is important"
>
> I agree, but that's not the question my student asked.  People are using 
> digital tech to tell their stories, to convey their content.  Where did 
> that come from?  Which installations have influenced the field at large?
>
> Perhaps there is no single, simple answer, and that's good to know, too. 
> But thanks to everyone for the input so far!
>
> -- Eugene
>
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