Inspired by the Local Project's "Memory Maps" I thought about an interactive object that could:

  • Be physically located in a public space, such as supermarket, in order to enable physical interaction between its users;
  • Fulfill the same role in building and maintaining communities that local magazines and newspapers play;
  • Yet, be inexpensive to maintain (minimum labour costs, no printing costs);
  • Be environment-friendly (minimal or none waste);
and
  • Be future-friendly!!!
The solution seemed obvious!
































The pictures above illustrate several variations of widely used digital kiosks - computer terminals that provide information access via electronic methods:
  1. Movie tickets kiosk;
  2. Telephone kiosk;
  3. Vending kiosk (for DVD rentals and libraries);
  4. Visitor Management and Security Kiosk (airports, GP's surgeries);
  5. Photo kiosk;
  6. Giving kiosk;
  7. Internet kiosk;
  8. Financial services kiosk (cash machines);
  9. Building directory & way finding kiosk (shopping malls, airports).
There is a variety of ways this digital kiosks could be used in supermarket, especially if we design a device that could combine more than one of the above functions.

But if we were to provide long-term community service, we've got to look further than that.
How would digital kiosk be used in the future?
How could they serve the local community?
How could they allow for the interaction between many users?

If you are interested in this sort of interactive device and wish to have a closer look into latest design and technology developments, have a look at the blog below: