Overview: This project transformed the Undergraduate Admissions lobby at RIT by replacing a static PowerPoint display with a dynamic, interactive touchscreen interface. Built using web technologies, the system ran as a fullscreen browser-based application on a large Dell touchscreen TV, offering prospective students and families an engaging way to explore campus life.
The Goal: The primary objective was to create an interactive experience that enhanced visitors’ understanding of RIT, addressed their most common questions, and showcased what made the university unique. An extensive survey was conducted to understand what information prospective students valued most, guiding the feature development process.
Features Implemented: Although not all planned features made it to the final product, the project delivered several standout functionalities, including:
- Dining Module:
- Showcased real-time information on campus dining locations, including current hours and menus, powered by APIs from the RIT Information Hub.
- Highlighted restaurants nearing closing time, helping visitors plan their meals.
- Weather and Date:
- Integrated with the Dark Sky API to display live weather updates, paired with animated Skycons for a visually appealing experience.
- Video Showcase:
- Played videos from the RIT News playlist, cycling through content and shuffling on repeat. Titles updated dynamically to match the video currently playing.
- Interactive Map:
- Included an iframe of maps.rit.edu, allowing users to explore the campus and find directions to key locations, including the Admissions Office.
- Meet the Ambassadors:
- Displayed profiles of student ambassadors, including their majors, clubs, and areas of expertise.
- Allowed visitors to tap on profiles for detailed information, fostering opportunities for meaningful conversations.
- Sketch Pad:
- Introduced a creative touch with a digital sketch pad, offering a fun way for visitors to interact with the display.
Technical Highlights:
- Built with modern web technologies for cross-platform compatibility.
- APIs were developed to fetch real-time data, such as dining information and weather updates.
- Optimized for kiosk mode, with features like text selection disabled and auto-updating content.
Lessons Learned:
- User-Centered Design: Starting with a survey of prospective students helped align the project with their needs and interests.
- API Reliability: Leveraging third-party APIs added functionality but required fallback mechanisms for failure scenarios.
- Iterative Development: Regular updates and bug fixes ensured a smoother user experience over time.
Reflection: This project was a leap forward in leveraging interactive technology to enrich the campus visit experience. It showcased RIT’s commitment to innovation while addressing prospective students’ needs in a memorable way.
