DAT203: Interface for interactive kiosk part II: the pages

Designed with ease of use in mind, the interface is inspired by mobile tablet devices, namely the iPad, and also, some of the principles of the Metro interface used in the upcoming Windows 8 operating system, which is optimised for use on touchscreens. In addition, some pages use a concertina design, where the contents are displayed once the menu item is pressed, and information is expanded below. When the item is pressed again, the information retracts, and other menu items are displayed once again. Here are the pages from the interactive kiosk:

The map's overlays are provided by the Urban API, which provides information about where the points of interest are, your location, and zones, such as pedestrianised areas.

The Travel Information page is split into 3 different colour schemes: green for buses, red for rail, and blue for ferries. Data would provided via a central source, or a dynamic source, e.g. rail information would be provided by the station and National Rail, whilst bus information would be provided by real-time GPS tracking.

 Here, the Early History section is expanded. Although the user can go back to the History menu by pressing the header, the user can also advance to the next section by pressing the button on the bottom right-hand corner, and vice versa.

The Tourist Information Page, like the Travel Information, is split into different colour schemes.

The colour of the day highs and night lows vary according to the temperature: hottest is brighter, coldest is darker.

DAT203: Interface for interactive kiosk

Whilst we were planning on how we're going to implement the interface, the idea we had was to design the interface like a tablet computer. Tablet computers like the iPad, for example, is known for its usage of icons laid out like a grid, which makes it perfect for the environment and context the kiosks are going to be used in.

Because of this, I had to design the interface with large and easy-to-read text, in case of people with visual impairments, as large icons are regarded as being easy to understand, even if only part of the icon can be seen, and also, with metaphors, which helps people, even those that may not speak English very well, still understand the basic meaning of each section of the kiosk interface:

The weather, news, information, events and the time are updated in real time, meaning that whenever each is updated, it will be reflected in the kiosk. Also, the weather icon will be dynamic, which will update according to the weather, like for example: when it's clear and sunny, the weather icon will display just that. Transport information will be picked up from each respective source; bus information will displayed real-time, train information will be relayed from National Rail, and ferry times will be relayed from the main ferry port.

DAT203: Idea for kiosk platform: Raspberry Pi

Since the release of the miniature Raspberry Pi system last week, this has given an idea of cutting down the footprint and cost for the information kiosk systems. Costing only £22 each for the Model B variant (with Ethernet), Raspberry Pi reduces the need to build large housings for the touchscreen terminals, and due to the open nature of the platform, it also doesn't require licensing, unlike the Windows-based embedded systems.

DAT203: Interactive Information Column/Kiosk for Bretonside

This is a mockup of one of the information kiosks that are being proposed for Bretonside; this one is situated outside one of the entrances to the Bus Station outside the RBS building:

The kiosk will provide information about the city, a map to help visitors find their way around the city, and advertise events. Touchscreen monitors will be placed in a hexagonal configuration, with the screens tilted back at a slight angle. The software will be provided by PCs that will be mounted behind each display, and both the PC and the display will have weatherproof casings to protect the equipment from harsh weather and interference. Auxiliary information, such as the time, weather, outside temperature and events feeds will be broadcast from a scrolling dot-matrix display that will be mounted around the column structure.

DAT203: Ideas for Bretonside: interactive, visual and architectural features

After we identified key areas of improvement at Bretonside, we've outlined some suggestions for our project:

• Installation of interactive kiosks inside the bus station, and at the information column outside of RBS
•  A full, proper facelift of the façade, including some architectural sails (similar to the Sainsbury's in Marsh Mills, but done in a style that is closer to the sails that feature in yachts, thereby reflecting Plymouth's sea-faring heritage), and the interior
• Visual effects and light features installed on the exterior, and projections onto the station floor through translucent tiles on the public footpaths that run above the station interior
• A collaboration with the local College of Art to produce a mural on one of the walls
• Installation of interactive departures and arrivals boards for bus and coach services, to be placed at convenient locations, and to be linked with the GPS systems utilised by local bus operators (Plymouth CityBus and First Devon & Cornwall)

The idea of an interactive departures and arrivals board came from a coach journey to Edinburgh; whilst waiting at London Victoria Coach station, an airport-style information board detailing the departures is used, and this is very useful for providing more information to passengers, something of which Bretonside lacks. The idea has been taken further to become an interactive feature, with a wealth of travel information provided for passengers.

As we didn't notice the translucent tiles on the footpaths that run above Bretonside, we were given the suggestion to provide environmental and interactive projections that can project images, moods and effects onto the station floor, which would brighten the atmosphere for the bus station and make the environment safer for visitors.

In addition, we also suggested that the information column outside of the RBS building could be converted into an interactive information kiosk, since it has become under-utilised, slightly vandalised and fly-posted over the past many years it has been standing. Because the information column is situated closer to the city centre, and to the footpath leading into the main shopping district, it made sense that we also included that in our plans, because a rather under-utilised feature could be put into good use in an era of interactivity.