Intel Student Design '09

Million Story Building
Data Visualization

For the Intel Design Expo, we intend to create visual displays that artistically represent the data that is streaming throughout the new SCA building. We mean to introduce the users of the building to their environment by displaying an otherwise invisible layer. In some ways, we are using strong visualizations to advertise the data in the building, and through awareness, prompt users of the building to pull from, and add to, that data.

To connect these graphs thematically, each display will create some visible relation between the "part and the whole." Each will hint at how the smaller parts either a.) aggregate & accumulate overtime or b.) work in harmony (like gears or organs) towards a greater result. Via a user's mobile device, he or she will be able to explore their personal contribution to the whole of the building. The "part of a whole" theme extends beyond the mechanics of the building to the employees themselves working in relation to one another.

Prior Art
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/08/02/data-visualization-modern-approaches/
http://infosthetics.com/archives/locative/
http://gizmodo.com/5110633/120-feet-of-video-art-final-exams-at-nyus-big-screens-class
http://stamen.com/projects
http://stamen.com/clients/mysociety
http://stamen.com/clients/adobe_kuler
http://good.is
http://well-formed-data.net/
http://www.visual-literacy.org/periodic_table/periodic_table.html

For the second meeting, our goal was to tie down a specific metaphor and mechanic for visualizing our data. How would people within the building affect this mechanic, as well as how would the building itself play a part in it. We needed something that could address all of these questions, as well as provide the ability for users to interact with the visualizations and possibly control or change them. We both agreed that the String and Node metaphor could be applicable to all of the aspects we are looking to represent in the final project. Below is our initial exploration of the String and Node concept, as well as several other ideas that came in close behind.

This week we began the design concept concept, as well as nailed down a few of the variables of the system.

System Variables
Of course we can't exactly give away, just yet, how the system is affected by data input, but the data we are looking at relates to:
- Entering and Exiting the building, as well as starting the building phone app
- Walking / Movement with the building
- Text message activity
- Email message activity
- Wireless traffic of phones and computers
- HVAC data

If you get a chance to see our presentation at the Intel Design Expo, great! If you get to see our live demo, even better! If not, below are downloads of our presentation materials, as well as a few demo links for the videos we're running at our booth.

Overview Presentation Slides (PDF)

1 Page Overview Handout (PDF)

Pendulums Demo Video (on Vimeo)

Pendulums User Experience Demo Video (on Vimeo)