Display Cabinet
A proof-of-concept prototype exploring an unobtrusive yet magical way of conveying information in the domestic environment. As our visual world becomes ever more cluttered with information vying for our attention, it is increasingly important to be able to filter this data into manageable, glanceable chunks. This system comprises of a number of physical avatars, each of which would represent one specific area of data.
A small model train would signify the local underground network. A bus would represent the bus terminals in the immediate vicinity of the home. A Lego figure could even become an avatar of a family member. Each of these avatars would contain an RFID chip, with a reader being located underneath a table surface, hidden from view. When an avatar is placed within the reader's field, a micro-projector would overlay information relating to that avatar around the physical object. Your house keys show the energy usage of you home and whether it's warm enough outside to leave your jacket. A wallet could trigger the balance of an oyster card, reminding you to top-up before you get to the station. A figurine could show your Dad's last known location based on the GPS data from his phone. A toy bus would show when and where the next buses are due to arrive. A small train gives pre-warning of any problems with the underground network.
As long as the data sets are available, the end user would be free to choose the information that they want to see. The system is designed to be completely unobtrusive when not in use, disappearing into the fabric of the building until it is required. Once activated, the information it conveys is concise and to the point, imparting just the required information and nothing more.
Designed and built with Ben Bashford and Dan Williams.
