Junke Zhao

Ambient InfoHub

Interactive & responsive information hub for the home of CMU SoA and SoD with spatial computing.

Team Member
Junke Zhao
Na Eun Kim
Sharon Fung
Duration
Nov 2023
Contribution
Concept Design
User Experiment Study
Technical Drawing

Concept Origin

Our goal is to effectively organize information that is both relevant and meaningful to foster daily gatherings and meetings. Since MMCH serves as a campus corridor, connecting students not only within the same school but also from different schools, we aimed to design with this dynamic in mind. Ultimately, our vision is to establish MMCH as a spatial information hub, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration between D&A and creating stronger connections among students.

We aim to activate the first floor of MMCH as an information hub. Transferring, sharing, and altering information via the interaction of students, professors, and visitors of the past, present, and future. How can we connect the greater university to the rich history of the school of design, school of architecture, and the original women's college?

Overflow of Information
1st Floor as Campus Connector
Overflow of Information (e.g. emails)
MMCH 1st floor as CMU's Campus Connector
Cross-collaboration of SoD & SoA
Student Disconnect in School
Cross-collabration of SoD & SoA
Student Disconnect in School

User Scenario

Information Recommendation

Our system enhances personalized interaction through a series of dynamic touchpoints:


North Vestibule Interaction: Upon entering from the north, students can scan their ID cards in the vestibule. This action activates a billboard that displays surveys, events, and other relevant information. By analyzing your interests, the system reshuffles the billboard content, prioritizing items that align with your preferences.


Rotunda Billboard: At the rotunda entrance, the ID-activated billboard caters specifically to graduate students and professors. It suggests connections with individuals who share similar research or design interests, fostering collaboration across the Schools of Architecture (SoA) and Design (SoD).


Interactive Corridor Floor Tiles: As you walk through the corridor, floor tiles present information hierarchically, starting with the most relevant to you. This includes events, plans, surveys, and projects displayed in sync with the billboard.


Engaging with Tiles: By tapping or stepping on a tile that intrigues you, the system responds by resetting the displayed information and illuminating a path to the relevant professor's office or student group's classroom, enhancing accessibility and engagement.

Information Exhibition

The exhibition encourages exploration without a fixed order, with content tied to specific locations, offering an engaging and dynamic experience:


Historical Portraits: Outside Room 103, five portraits of Margaret Morrison come to life. They blink and speak, sharing stories about the history of the building and its legacy as a women's college when visitors approach.


Activity Mapping: Infrared cameras and high-definition microphones enable a color-mapping activity. This system translates classroom activities onto mobile devices, allowing students to check who is present or what is happening in a space while on the go.


Archival Billboards: The remaining billboards on the first floor offer access to the archives of past works. These digital displays provide a curated glimpse into the building's creative history.


Interactive Music Playback: The music practice rooms log the sessions of different groups. Later, the hallway can replay these audio recordings, creating a soundscape that reflects the building's vibrant musical activities.

User Storyboard

Story 1 - Avery: Information Exhibition

Story 1-1

Scene 1

Heinz School student Avery was caught in heavy rainfall while going back home after studying at the Hunt Library. Avery had no choice but to stay out of the rain for a while. Seeing the MMCH building, Avery hid under the canopy. Then suddenly a hologram popped up! The hologram woman introduced herself as Maggie Mo, suggesting Avery go inside and dry wet clothes and shoes.

Story 1-2

Scene 2

When Avery went inside, suddenly the portrait on the wall started to talk! The woman in the portrait was the same person from outside - Maggie Mo. Not only Maggie Mo but also other oil paintings in the picture frames were moving and talking. Maggie Mo suggested Avery take the stairs on the back, telling that women in portraits will guide Avery's journey.

Story 1-3

Scene 3

As soon as Avery took steps, portraits were telling their own experiences in this building. Their stories created holograms of letters in the air and floated in front of Avery. It was a very exotic experience - meeting people from the past and hearing their voices. Their passion for studying and curiosity in academics also gave insights to Avery.

Story 2 - Alex: Information Recommendation

Story 2-1

Scene 1

Alex is a design school student. It's only 11:00 a.m., but Alex received 15 emails from school already. But it's okay. MMCH building will sort all the emails and important notifications just for Alex while Alex walks in through the building. Alex tagged the student ID card to the scanner in front of the billboard.

Story 2-2

Scene 2

As soon as Alex tags the card, papers on the billboard start to shuffle, reflecting Alex's interest and preference. Free lunch? YES. That's super important. When Alex entered the hallway, internet-connected LED tiles started to present important information and news that appeared on the billboard.

Story 2-3

Scene 3

The most crucial one is the free pizza event held in 304. Then tiles drew arrows, guiding Alex to MMCH 304. Alex thought this function was so convenient, especially at the start of the new semester - no longer needing to wander around searching for the classroom.

Spatial Flow Diagram

Spatial Flow Diagram

Technology Diagram

Technology Diagram
Technical Diagram 1: How to interact with Digital Tiles
Technology Diagram
Technical Diagram 2: Activities color mapping