iSerendipity

Over the course of this project our final concept and interaction have changed and evolved since our initial proposal. This is our final concept for iSerendipity Lounge:

iSerendipity is an ambient lounge that enhances mood, sociability and interactivity among people. Organic-shaped pods float amongst each other through space and light up once a person steps on. These pods detect the activity levels of people on each pod and drift through space, either isolating people for contemplative reflection or clustering active groups to enable chance encounters – serendipity. Pod lights are time- and context- sensitive: initial activation of a pod stimulates a glow that intensifies over time and colour hues change according to activity levels. The exterior façade displays the harmonious movement and colour intensity of each pod as aesthetic visual information to passersby.

Images

Videos of iSerendipity’s interaction points in motion

Download final presentation here.

Motion of the pods will follow natural clustering behaviour based on noise and activity level on each pod. Colours change based on the activity occuring on the pods.

The pod movement can digitally “paint” its track on the floor marking a history of the path and levels of activity during a visit. Leaving a pod will cause the track to fade away for marking other pod tracks.

Stepping on a pod will activate its movement. After having sat in the pod, standing up will cue it to stop so the user can setp off safely.

Pod components can link up when it detects certain directed gestures and attention between two particular pods. 

The digital table can act as a coaster to keep a drink hot or warm.

Low fidelity prototype of our initial café concept. Coloured pods float around within the space. Floor projection is played on the exterior façade as a form of aesthetic visual information about the interior.

Track and gears system of pod movement

Initial Idea Exploration

Examining how to apply our working mechanisms from the first exercise: pulley, circular gears, and opening/closing.

A sociable space of moving circular pods. Ideas of configuration and sociability in the context of an office, workspace, cafe, bar, or speed dating…

iSerendipity Café Concept

This ambient café enhances mood, sociability and interactivity among people. Organic-shaped pods float amongst each other through space and glow with colour once a person steps on. Using interactive touch-screen countertops and tables to record and learn individuals’ preferences, pods carrying people with similar recorded preferences will experience more chance encounters – serendipity. Pod lights are time- and context- sensitive: initial activation of a pod stimulates an intense glow that dims over time, and time limit is based according to the present human activity and pod vacancy. The exterior façade displays the harmonious movement and colour intensity of each pod as aesthetic visual information to passersby.

Concept sketches

Overall plan

Pod Seating

Existing Spaces, Forms and Technologies

 We searched for some existing ideas and products to further communicate our concept ideas, and to act as additional sources of inspiration for more detailed planning and implementation.

Source: http://www.core77.com/gallery/MATERIAL%20TRENDS%202006/44.asp?current_image_number=15&album_id=20&context_id=1&current_photo_id=2644

Microsoft Surface multi-touch table

Source: www.microsoft.com/surface/index.html

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/endquote/521069794/

Sonic Chair pod seating

Source: http://www.bornrich.org/entry/sonic-chair-throws-audiophiles-in-true-acoustic-isolation/

IKEA Round Bed configurable seating

Source: http://ikeanblog.com/media/round-bed.jpg

 
Cafe Interiors

Starbucks
Source: http://leolaksi.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/starbucks-ekamai.jpg

coolbar
Source: http://tabetai.blogspot.com/2004/05/chilling-out-coolbar-on-anzac.html