24 Hour Inclusive Design Challenge 2010, Boston, USA, organised by the Institute for Human-Centered Design (IHCD) 17-18 November 2010
Team State Street
Team leader: Herb Nolan (Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Fund)
Design partner: Nora Nagle (UMass Boston )
Today, the rich history of Boston's surroundings is unavailable, buried or otherwise inaccessible to most people. The current navigational and learning elements are difficult to use for people with a physical impairment, and not very engaging.
Paper maps are difficult to read and even more difficult to wrangle when holding a cane or a child's hand and location maps at the site are outdated and sparse. The bas relief historical markers are incommunicative, difficult to locate for people with low vision and potentially undesirable to touch. In addition, if a person is of the 'know before you go' mindset, chances are that they will research from home, plan a direct route to the destination and complete the errand without straying from the chosen route.
The team proposes a solution to support the exploration and discovery of new things, places and people using an interaction model that is easy to use and familiar. Where's Charlie? is a network of benches and stantions in a specific historic location or across a city that delivers historical and local information in a fun and socially engaging way. The content is activated by tapping one's CharlieCard and the flexible interaction allows for many different experiences.
Passive
Active
Guided exploration
Discover surrounding environment
Social interaction
