Marije Kanis

Should Public Displays be Interactive? Evaluating the Impact of Interactivity on Audience Engagement

This paper describes a comparative case study that aims to uncover the quantifiable differences between non-interactive and interactive public displays in the urban environment. The study involved a large temporary interactive public display on a central city square showing a selection of custom-made content. We have evaluated the effect on passers-by and spectators in two conditions: 1) non-interactive (2102 passers-by, 228 viewers), by showing a content loop, and 2) interactive (1676 passers-by, 257 viewers), by adding physical pushbuttons for content selection and gaming. We discuss the influence of non-interactive and interactive public displays on: 1) attracting attention, 2) engaging people, 3) improving social dynamics within and among groups of viewers, and 4) catering for the suitable time of day. Based on our observations, we provide quantitative support for the hypothesis that interactive displays are more successful than non-interactive displays to engage viewers, and to make city centers more lively and attractive.

Living Labs as Educational Tool for Ambient Intelligence

The way that innovation is currently done requires a new research methodology that enables co-creation and frequent, iterative evaluation in real-world settings. This paper describes the employment of the living lab methodology that corresponds to this need. Particularly, this paper presents the way that the Amsterdam University of Applies Sciences (HvA) incorporates living labs in its educational program with a particular focus on ambient intelligence. A number of examples are given to illustrate its place in the university’s curriculum. Drawing on from this, problems and solutions are highlighted in a ‘lessons learned’ section.

Designing Persuasive Interactive Environments

Ambient Intelligent environments are interactive environments that can sense human behaviour and can respond intelligently. This workshop explores how interactive environments can be designed with persuasive quality, hereby influencing human experience and behaviour. The workshop follows a research-through-design approach in which practise-relevant insights are gained while designing. The focus will be on intuitive and rational decision-making, the role of aesthetics in persuasion, social and spatial influences as well as technological influences on persuasion, evaluation methods for persuasion, and the ethics of designing for persuasion.

BiebBeep: an interactive screen for supporting public Library 2.0 information and social services

This video presents BiebBeep, an interactive touchscreen system that has been developed with the aim to support information and social services for the New Library in Almere, The Netherlands. The constantly updated information displayed on the interactive screen concerns not only the library itself, but also features happenings in the local area. The systems distinctive feature is that people can add information to the screen themselves, such as tweets, photos, local and cultural news announcements, so that the library and its visitors can inform and connect with each other. Over the course of almost one year, several studies were conducted, including focus group, interview- and observation-based studies that have motivated the functionality, and particularly the user-generated and localized content the system supports. Consequently, the services and functionality the system offers are aimed towards supporting Library 2.0, the next generation library.