Exploring spatial meaning with a tangible map

In this paper, we describe the Tangible Map, an interactive, table-mounted tactile / digital display aimed at facilitating exploration of an environment and the data generated therein. For visitors in an urban setting, translating abstract map symbols into comprehensible information can be a challenging task due to the level of abstraction and the disconnect between flat displays and spatial information. We address this question by combining a tangible user interface (created with 3D-printed buildings) and dynamic spatial information. To explore these concepts, we designed and fabricated the Tangible Map to serve as an interactive centerpiece within the MIT campus. Through application of user-centered design principles, we demonstrate strategies for managing user attention across beyond-field-of-view displays.