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 Martin is correct that when we were developing the rotating slide tray 
that we were creating it to give all visitors an equal experience when 
viewing slides. Enlarging the holes would allow the slides to be 
maneuvered for optimum viewing for many, but not all. The primary goal 
in the design was equal accessibility for all.

Dan

Martin Weiss wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
> institutions.
> ***************************************************************************** 
>
>
> Ian;
>
> As I recall the rotating stage that was developed at the Museum of 
> Science was part of a project and commitment by the museum to create 
> "equal" or near equal experiences for disabled visitors. I think 
> therefor there was no, as I recall and I wish someone from MoS would 
> chime in, means of jiggling specimens as you describe as visitors who 
> needed such a rotating stage might not not be able to jiggle the 
> specimen.
>
> For other visitors, you suggestion is a good one.
>
> Cheers,
>
>
> Martin
>
>
> On Oct 23, 2008, at 5:20 AM, Ian Russell wrote:
>
>> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology 
>> Centers
>> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
>> institutions.
>> ***************************************************************************** 
>>
>>
>>
>> Just to spell out something that may be obvious. Any rotating 
>> specimen stage
>> can be hugely improved by enlarging the hole in the central bearing, 
>> with an
>> oversized retaining disk between the enlarged hole and the head of the
>> retaining screw. Having rotated the stage to select your specimen, 
>> you can
>> then jiggle it around in any direction, as far as the enlarged 
>> central hole
>> allows. Being able to 'explore' each specimen rather than just swing 
>> it to
>> left or right makes an enormous difference to the experience.
>>
>> I'm sure most people here know about this, but hopefully it was worth
>> mentioning for the sake of anyone planning a rotating specimen stage 
>> with a
>> 'neatly engineered' central bearing with no sideways movement. This 
>> is just
>> one example of a relatively tiny interactive-design feature that can 
>> easily
>> double visitor engagement time. Its all about degrees of freedom.
>>
>>
>> Promoting public engagement with science
>> through a contagious delight in phenomena
>> *
>> [log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
>> *
>> Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
>> Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
>> *
>> Ian Russell
>>
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>>
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> ____________________________________
> Martin Weiss, PhD
> Science Interpretation, Consultant
> New York Hall of Science
>
> ***********************************************************************
> 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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>
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-- 
Dan MacDonald
Manager, Exhibit Hall Operations
Museum of Science, Boston

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