Interaction design for learning
We all know it; it is the mantra of our time: Our lives have changed a lot in the last years through information and communication technology. It has changed the way we work. It has changed the way we communicate. New technologies like mobile computing, new tools and interfaces not only have a major impact on our work and social experiences, we can rightly claim that they have improved our lives in various areas. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the field of education. Here, it seems as though things are moving slower than anywhere else. The following article proposes various engagement points for interaction designers to make technology count for education.
Interactive Installation Creates Awareness for the threatened Cape Leopard
Recognising that education is the key to protecting Cape Mountain Leopards, Leopard’s Leap commissioned Formula D interactive to design and build an educational leopard display for their visitor centre, which was recently designed by Makeka Design Lab.
The result is an interactive wall projection loaded with game-enhancing technology. The 3-meter projection loops realistically rendered animations of Cedearberg landscapes. Three different sets of day and night scenes are displayed.
When visitors step in front of the wall, their virtual avatars appear on the screen in front of them. Each visitor is randomly assigned an avatar and up to 3 people can interact with the multimedia application at the same time.
Innovating education in South Africa: Formula D interactive presents a virtual, yet tangible Chemistry Lab.
Formula D Interactive recently developed a Virtual Chemistry Lab, as a safe, low cost alternative to the standard chemistry laboratory in schools. The heart of the system is a so called object recognition table. The interactive platform consists of a 50″ High Definition rear projected screen prepped with lots of computing power. Sophisticated pattern recognition technology allows users to navigate content information by placing physical cards onto the table’s glass surface.
Gandhi prison interactive museum project in South Africa seeks funding
The old Burger Street prison in Pietermaritzburg has exceptional historic significance for South Africa and its people. The building is a monument for the ill-treatment of human rights in South Africa during colonial rule and Apartheid regime.
Formula D interactive has been commissioned by Project Gateway to present a conceptual road map for the creation of a state of the art museum within the walls of the prison. Whilst maintaining the original layout and harsh features of the location, the proposed exhibits enhance the authentic experience with information graphics as well as cutting edge multimedia displays.
Opportunities and challenges of digital interactive media in museums and science centres
Museums, Science centres, zoos and aquariums are undergoing a transition with regards to funding, mission and adaptation to a new generation of visitors and their expectations and needs. Digital technology has become part of our everyday lives. Still, it seems that museums, science centres, zoos and aquariums only very slowly embrace new interactive display technology. This text takes a glimpse at the opportunities and challenges of new media technology in these environments offering professionals an overview and inspiration to adapt new technology in their facility.
Gold Loerie Award for interactive digital museum exhibition design
Two of this year’s Loerie Awards were awarded to Formula D interactive and partners for their work on the recently opened Museum of Science and Technology of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Loerie gold was given in the Digital Craft category for the overall design excellence achieved. The outstanding timeline multitouch table was awarded silver. Commissioned [...]
Multimedia innovation centre in Pretoria showcases cutting edge media technology for the public sector
The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) has opened the doors to its multimedia innovation centre in Pretoria which aims at creating a learning and incubation facility for the public sector on innovation implementation, in support of government’s efforts to entrench the culture and practice of innovation. Inaugurated in June 2010 by Minister for Public [...]
Cape Town design firms develop giant interactive touch-table for Saudi museum
How would a museum display a timeline of more than 300 historic events across 1500 years of history in an interactive, entertaining and innovative way?
This was only one of the challenges set for two Cape Town-based design companies who teamed up to produce twenty interactive exhibits for a newly opened museum in Saudi Arabia. Appointed by exhibition maker MTE Studios to design a variety of multimedia displays, Formula D Interactive and Wireframe Studio played a leading role in the making of what will become known as Saudi Arabia’s most sophisticated museum.
Educational multi-touch wall installation at Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town
The Interactive frog Touch Wall is an educational media space at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, designed to immerse visitors in the wet habitats of threatened frogs through playful interaction. The installation fosters understanding of, and support for, endangered species. A new exhibition has been opened at the Two Oceans Aquarium [...]