Prototyping Study
Platform Description

Layout Variations

Structural System

System Components

Taxonomy of Interactions
Prototype Team

System Components ThinkeringSpace environment structures are based on a “kit-of-parts” system model where factors such as installation size, location, functionality, content and interaction goals guide configurations. The initial list of system component parts is based on prototyping needs identified through early study models and interaction prototypes currently being explored at the Institute of Design. Although the component parts inventory will evolve over time as new environments, models, programs and technologies emerge, the dimensional system will provide a framework for applying the system to environments with varying users and content and enable evolution of the system while minimizing legacy issues. Envisioned Component Categories In-fill Element spanning columns with functions such as interactive screens, display or storage. Corner-post Desk clustering around columns, providing individual or small group working areas. Carrel Desk creating free-standing, individual work places. Projection Tables providing tangible interface surfaces, physical to digital interplay. Sand Box providing tangible interface object assortment, also supporting physical to digital interplay. Awning providing sound and light control and extending into porches creating a sense of place. Information Kiosk providing information about other users, procedures, opportunities, priming. Accessory outfitting the space with seating, lighting, and other environmental elements. Floor Covering providing a protective surface that defines the activity space. Prototype Component Combinations and Applications						Various component studies have been fabricated from inexpensive materials such as particle-board, simple hardware, ready-made furniture parts and foam-board.
Low Wall Modules Multi-function wall modules can be used individually or in stacked multiples. When combined with related components such as utility or work surfaces, soft materials or shelves, they form tables, seating, carrels and storage. In configurations where they become activity nodes, they connect to form clusters or combinations of functional modules.				Interactive Wall Interactive walls span between posts of the structural frame. Change of scale combined with ability to move work from place to place, at different scales (private to public and back again), will enable open sharing of individual work. Sharing work in process is a way to encourage collaboration and enable co-construction of ideas. Large screen walls create opportunity for passive participation as well.
Awning Awnings effectively extend usable space and identify ThinkeringSpace as a special place in the library. Made of light-weight, translucent material, awnings create “porches” that invite users both into and out from the space. While the post and beam footprint is ten feet square, there is an opportunity to extend both the visual and functional boundries beyond the frame perimeter. Awnings may provide both lighting opportunities and sound control as well.				Interaction Table Interaction tables provide multiple “island” configurations supporting different use modes. They can be arranged to form small or large interactive surface and image areas. Kids interact with surface image content using tangible interface artifacts and appropriate interaction technologies. Spatial position or other activity characteristics such as body movement may be part of the interaction as well.
Multi-Control Table Freestanding, multi-control tables support cooperative interaction with up to 15 simultaneous controllers. The circular configuration illustrated provides six trackball controllers for simultaneous use. This model employs an internal projector for image or graphical content although flat display screens are an option. Kids can sit-down for individual activities such as drawing or manipulating models or stand-up when they are part of a group doing cooperative building or table screen interaction.				Teardrop Desk The teardrop desk supports multiple configuration modes: working alone where personal privacy is important, working adjacent to others in small collaborative group settings and supporting both sitting down or standing up user positions. Teardrop desks link to form groupings with reversed orientation. The interactive surface images are LCD display or rear projected images.
In-Fill Tables/Desks Table/Desks span the ten-foot Pathways post module. Configurations relate to activities they support and contours vary based on user relationships. Modes support working-alone where personal display area is important and working adjacent to and with others in small collaborative groups. Table /Desk spans effectively block access to the inner space from outside the structural frame while the area above can remain open, include large displays or contain other elements.				Alcove Desk The interactive screen Alcove Desk is based on the multi-function, individual wall module. The desk or activity node has two use modes: sit-down desk for individual or pairs doing activities such as drawing or manipulating; stand-up desk for individual or pairs doing building. Alcove panels link to form complete circular bases, cluster to enable for small group interaction or invert for s-curve configurations supporting individual use.
Gantry The gantry provides a flexible mounting deck for video projectors, web cameras and other motion sensing, tracking or monitoring devices. It spans the Pathways structure side rails and can be moved laterally to locate these devices anywhere within the frame footprint. Accessories are built on moveable platforms to enable positioning along the gantry axis. Above head level, the gantry provides cable and power management as well.