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

Agreed on the importance of physical interface design.

But I also think we should try to leverage (so to speak) museum visitors'
natural tendencies to see how high/fast/hard they can make something move,
instead of always trying to thwart them.

Jeff Kennedy's book "User Friendly: Hands-On Exhibits That Work" (Sold by
ASTC Publications)* *is a great reference in this regard.*


*
--------------------------------------------------

Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator

Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
World Headquarters
1684 Victoria Street
Baldwin, NY  11510

(516) 223-1043

POW! website
<http://www.orselli.net>

Exhibit tips + tricks at the ExhibiTricks blog:
<http://blog.orselli.net/>


On Sat, Mar 9, 2013 at 2:53 PM, Erich Rose <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Joe & Eric are right on with the idea of making sure you don't provide too
> much handle (= lever arm). We are always juggling these various parameters
> and looking for that sweet spot. Especially when designing for one of the
> harshest environments on Earth.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 9, 2013, at 8:59 AM, Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> > ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> > Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> >
> *****************************************************************************
> >
> > On that note, we built a haptic internet based arm wrestling activity in
> 2003 or so with the estimable Lath Carlson.  We used parts built for
> robotic manufacturing of cars.  the kids shredded it in like two weeks.  I
> don't remember how we finally resolved it, but if you design for big
> physical interaction, the visitors will give it to you in large multiples.
>  So part of the question is, is there a way to build it so that it doesn't
> invite this kind of rough treatment.  Big red buttons are to be whammed,
> big cranks give lots of leverage and the opportunity for a few kids to
> "cooperate."
> >
> > From my point of view, it is our design, not the kids "bad" impulses
> that cause these kinds of problems.  We should design for the response we
> are looking for.  Hell, give an adult tools to cause havoc, they will be on
> it in a NY minute...like guns and cars.
> >
> > Eric
> >
> > On Mar 9, 2013, at 9:49 AM, Jason Jay Stevens <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
> >
> >> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers
> >> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> >>
> *****************************************************************************
> >>
> >>
> >> A "torque limiter" can help.
> >> Plus, we always recommend customizing off-the-shelf cranks. They're
> usually designed for big burly men. And as we all know, big burly men can't
> hold a candle to a classroom full of third graders.
> >> BTW-- I recall seeing a pretty solid bicycle powered generator at an
> alternative energy fair several years ago. Like it had been designed for
> the application. I kick myself for not noting the manufacturer, but the
> fellow standing near it said he'd ordered it online. So they're out there
> (or were a few years ago). Of course, again, a gaggle of youth represents
> so much more havoc than any grown-up looking for ways to get off-grid.
> Probably still
>
> ***********************************************************************
> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and
> the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
>
> Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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