Illuminating Interface bypasses Screen to Activate Exhibits

A flashlights that animates the object on which its light falls was the innovative interface introduced at the London AIGA experience design meeting by Tobi Schneidler, an architect directing projects at the Smart Studio in Stockholm.

He described work at the disused Avesta steelworks in northern Sweden to turn the buildings into an educational space. The industrial monument would also be a 'visitors experience'. Schneidler stressed that the intention was to go 'beyond conventional exhibition design, scenography or interactive information kiosks. Interactive technology … is intuitively embedded in the environment and the experience of this dark and mysterious place.'

The blast furnace hall is full of artifacts that animate when a torch is shone on them. This way the natural darkness of the building and the sense of the specific activities involved in making steel are kept.

The flashlights focus not only light but also an infrared beam onto exhibits, which interacts with the yellow hotspots that identify potentially active components. When a button on the light is pushed, the beam will trigger the event to start – such as conveyor trolleys on the ceiling progressing round.

Events and information are customisable, since different torches can be issued to different visitors. Schneidler gave the example of the different needs of a steelworker's widow and a school party.

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