Interface decision

Posted Mon, Nov 29, 2004 at 12:44 PM

Oh, I also want to comment on another reason why I chose a floor panel over a window display. I like to joke that PoC is an "interactive floor mat" because it simplifies how the user engages with the LED display.

I want the user to actually make physical contact with the glass surface but short of a sign saying, "Yes, you can actually touch me," I don't think many would want to leave their fingerprints on a so-called piece of art. Even the Bloomberg ICE display that I posted the photo for earlier has a recorded voice that lets people know that it's interactive.

Now if I put the panel on the floor -- and not just anywhere, but rather on one side of a doorway -- then it would seem very obvious/natural to walk over it. In fact, they would probably be already on top of it before they realized that the panel is there.

I also prefer the idea of constant traffic through a doorway rather than "objectifying" PoC as the main attraction for going into a room. The art gallery paradigm just doesn't appeal to me.