The Technology Barrier

We live in a technlology driven world now more than ever before in history.

Take the humble keyboard and mouse… The combination seemed perfect for so many years but to many this now appears obsolete and clunky.

Technology such as touch screen devices and “personal assistants” have changed the way we interact with computer-based technology. We expect our technology to now adapt to more human methods of interaction, such as sound and touch. The good old mouse and keyboard creates a barrier to the computer, compared to more natural input methods.

As new ways to interact with technology become more common, people expect the same level of technology in all areas of their life, especially children.

If you have an information display within touching distance, guests now expect it to be fully interactive. A simple map with event times listed on a screen is no longer enough. People will try and “get” more information out of it. If a event is pressed, why is it not showing me on the map where this event is located and how I would get there?

The computer keyboard and mouse are now dead. At least in terms of user interaction with exhibits. But what has replaced this?

What you need is a way for your audience to be able to interact with technology without anything creating a barrier between them and the information.

Simple “press to interact” buttons are still very popular. They provide tactile feedback to a user and it is very clear that pressing a button will start something. But have you thought of implementing newer ways of interactaction with technology?

Motion sensors, the use of the guests own devices, such as mobile phones and touch screens are a few common ways to create a more natural interaction with technology. Improving their experience and engagement but there are many other methods. With the explosion of devices like the Arduino, driving small and cheap ways to technology, the possibillities seem to be endless.