Name: Priya Ganadas
Status: Graduate Student
Program: Tangible Interaction Design
Background: Electrical Engineering, Interaction design
Homepage: http://priyaganadas.in
GitHub: https://github.com/ypag
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Priya013, @priya013
Example Project- “CMU-View from Afar” with Claire Hentschker
Why
In our initial research process we spoke with many current CMU students who had taken a campus tour prior to their arrival at school. They all mentioned that the tour took place outside of the buildings on campus, so they were unable to see inside the some of the labs, lecture halls, and eating areas in an adequate fashion. Many international students also mentioned that they were unable to visit CMU for a campus tour before their academic career here began, due to an inability to travel to pittsburgh just for a short visit. With this information, we attempted to create a tool for potential students, or anyone interested for that matter, to view the inside of rooms at CMU without leaving the comfort of their home, wherever that may be.
How
The project aims to provide an ‘inside’ view of Carnegie Mellon’s facilities. Our website, cmuviewfromafar.tumblr.com, provides this experience. It is a three step process:
1. A PDF is downloaded and printed out. This becomes the interface for the tool. (see fig. 1)
2. An instructional video can be watched on the website, explaining how the printed PDF is then folded into a paper box. (See fig. 2)
3. A .apk file, an application for android devices, can be downloaded from the website, and installed on a desired android smart device. (see fig. 3)
Now, when the application is opened a camera view is held over the box and a [glitchy but recognizable] room within Carnegie Mellon University is augmented onto the box, on the screen of the device. Different rooms can be toggled between, using a small menu located on the side of the screen.
View From Afar from Claire Sophie on Vimeo.
In this prototype, three rooms are available within the menu. An art’s Fabrication lab located in Doherty, a standard lecture hall and Zebra Lounge Cafe, located within the School of Art.