interactivedesign

Learning happens through interaction

successful design

start with the information

shape a story

find the best ways to engage the audience and move them through your space

with an emphasis on visitor experience the goal of interactive design is: to communicate, to convey character and to enhance the visitor experience

in interactive design graphics, color moving images all play an important role

interactivity can be hands on, or digital

it enhances the communication of information

combining interactivity with 1. flat graphics and 2. 3-dimensional elements creates the greatest dynamic

this will be the goal of your next project.

you will be given an outdoor space in Calgary for which to design an interactive exhibit.

you will include 3-dimensionality in your piece, a digital component and an interactive component
but first, some tips and examples . . .

move your viewer through your exhibit, with a combination of :

typography color scale 3-D elements interactivity

typography

typeface(s) grid to organize use of scale

carefully develop your typographical system heirarchies font choices grids

they create a sense of order & visual interest and a brand or look for the exhibit

horizons (locations) : Larger typographic elements : Between 750mm and 2000mm from floor level (29 1/2 - 78 3/4) Detailed text (and objects) : 1200 to 1600 mm from floor level (47 - 63)

horizons (locations) and viewing angles :

Color color can be treated like a brand, in an exhibition display. branding your exhibition design in this way, makes your design memorable and..dynamic

color can also draw attention to key elements in your exhibit

Bruce Mah : Massive Change 3-Dimensionality, Color, Scale

color can direct traffic, showing the viewer where to go next

Cologne, 2000 : Kodak Display : circulation routes (with arrows) were marked using Kodak-colored pathways. The familiar colour code on the Kodak film box inspired the exploration of colour as the theme of the installation.

scale
scale is what makes all of your tools dynamic scale in typography color 3-dimensionality use of images

Voices, Barcelona Forum, 2004 This exhibition explored the aspects of human communication using a sphere that represented images of cultural diversity in a display of light, color and sound.

In addition to the central sphere, global languages were celebrated using speaking tables and projections around the perimeter (seen here).

scale : projections become larger than life and create a sense of 3-dimensional space

3-dimensional elements

words (and graphics) can be elaborated in three dimensions to engage walls and become a figurative and spatial element

scale : everything is more dynamic when its larger than human scale, especially when its 3-dimensional color: simple and bright

Bruce Mah : Massive Change Image wrapping Floors, 3D elements, walls

creating 3-dimensonal graphics is another powerful way to make graphics dynamic such as the following example

6,000 paper flip books Each flip book has a message : an animated sequence of illustrations showing a panoramic view of the Fire towers, a recent architectural development of this company in Spain (Layetana)

allowing graphics to become part of the architecture of the exhibit is also a powerful way to make graphics dynamic

creating 3-dimensional structures to house graphics / text like a viewing room, within the exhibition space itself.

creating 3-dimensional structures to display and/or project graphics, images, text. (note Illumination and color through lighting design). Universal Forum of Cultures, Barcelona, Spain 2004 Refugees and displaced persons : living on the Run - designed for Doctors without Borders : five organic structures using the same fabric used to build shelters for displaced persons. Backlit projection image shows refugees in different phases.

Continuation of previous slide. Circular walls allow viewing from outside, and easy access inside. Text is projected onto LED screens. Note: typographical considerations of font choice, grid, scale, use of white space - well-considered.

Arms for Disarmament : emphasizing the importance of disarmament in the prevention of conflicts. Seven exhibition areas depict the serious consequences of the use of certain weapons. Walls are made from tubular curtains hanging down to the ground, lit by lights located in the round curtain rods which are suspended by cables

Note text on the floor, use of scale large elements (circular form), medium elements (LED projections), detail (typographic message), use of color to draw attention to elements.

interactivity

1. familiarity

moving and interactive displays use forms of entertainment that are already familiar to us

The best way to learn about recycling is learning how to do it! In this interactive kid-sized recycling truck, visitors sort through various recyclable products and place them in the appropriate slot. The back of the truck can release the recyclables from a conveyor belt inside. The inside of the cab is complete with a steering wheel and buttons to interact with lights and sound effects.

Kids and parents alike are drawn to this highly interactive exhibit that uses ball launchers and vaccums to teach visitors about smart banking. Whether it's launching balls from the loans counter or into the piggy bank, Moneypalooza makes saving money fun!

Visitors walk between walls that provide basic and unknown facts about swamps, wetlands, and marshes. The display can be interacted with by pulling and turning handles to reveal more information.

A visual representation of how wetlands and lawns handle water differently shows visitors the secret to why their lawns behave differently.

interactivity

2. motion based visuals

animated, projected graphics can form a constantly shifting pattern of information and images

interactivity

they are especially effective when they respond to visitor comments and movement patterns

Sparking Reaction, Cumbria, UK 2002 An interactive exhibition that was established to stimulate the debate about nuclear energy, presenting scientific information in an impartial manner. Written words are the basis of the concept, projected onto simple screens and minimal planes, color and lighting. The scale of the moving graphics makes them merge with the architecture (walls/floors) to appear 3-Dimensional.

interactivity

3. scale, color, typography, image these are equally important in interactivity because they are tangible and engaging

Summary : you can move your viewer through your exhibit, by the use of : horizons of typography and graphics color Scale 3-D elements interactivity

case study

The history of Nike, evoking the concept of speed.

A good example of typographic style, grid, scale, a timeline, wall projection for a dynamic display, 3D elements to engage the viewer, neutral color palate where the shoes become the color accents.

Simple concept: speed Clean typographic system incorporating scale of type Limited color (the shoes)

Keep it simple.

Make it dynamic.