Astronomy from iPod to Facebook

What's the Point?

This is an exercise in designing an interface.

How's It Done?

• Astronomy museum hands you an iPod Touch.
• The iPod knows when you're near an exhibit. Your Magic happens.
• If you enter your email, a Facebook App from the museum emails you and gives you access to Your Magic so that you can play with it or share it with friends on Facebook.

Goals:

• Engage visitors
• Extend the learning beyond the museum

What’s Your Magic?

One of the reasons we need this: most people don't understand basic concepts like how the phases of the moon work and how the seasons work. See Harvard grads get it wrong: A Private Universe (movie at bottom of page)

You Do It!

Build a prototype that illustrates your idea of what "The Magic" would be. It needs to be focused on a specific task or activity.

Your interface can be digital or paper.

If you have time, try it with some users.

Explain It!

After you do this activity, write a blog post that answers these questions:

• What was your interface? (Show a picture)
• What was the thinking behind your design? What was your task? Metaphor used? etc (50 words is fine)
• What were the results from your informal evaluations with potential users?

Now Think Again

Here's a blog post describing a real Starbucks vending machine that's in the works, but this may just be a rumor. I couldn't substantiate it on the web.

Also, here's a similar activity in which you design a cell phone interface (click the 3rd activity on the page). If that link is giving you problems, try this one.

Prototyping Photos

Paper Prototypes

Prototyping Demos

Prototyping Team 1

Prototyping Team 2

Prototyping Team 3

Prototyping Team 4

Prototyping Team 5