Interactive
Touch Screen Kiosk Project
This Web site is a collaborative working site of the core team
for the National Marine Sanctuary Interactive Touch Screen Kiosk
Program. The kiosks offer a high-impact visual and auditory
showcase of all the treasures the sanctuary has to offer. With
the click of a button, users learn about the various activities
of the sanctuary; educational and outreach programs, research
projects and resource protection programs as well as extensive
information about species and habitats. Each kiosk offers real-time
weather information from the National Weather Service, site
specific as well as National Program information. It is also
tailored to include information about institutions that partner
with the sanctuaries.The kiosks meet Section 508 and ADA guidelines.
The National Marine Sanctuary Program’s user interface
is one of the most in-depth and content rich kiosks anywhere.
Maintaining the program’s commitment to outreach and education,
the kiosk serves as an interactive collection of knowledge and
information. Information is available about all the sanctuaries
with a video-based “Visual Journey” of the different
sites. Because each sanctuary has its own unique makeup of attractions
and marine life, much of the kiosk’s content is specific
to its location.
For example, there are nearly 200 documented shipwrecks in
the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
(CINMS), therefore there is a section of the interface where
users can read about and watch video explorations of several
underwater expeditions. In-depth information of the sanctuary’s
unique marine life and environment is available to educate users
on the area’s ecological makeup. Sanctuary visitors can
view interactive maps of the area, nautical charts or even see
3D animations of the ocean floor.
The interface includes an entire section just for children called
“Kids Corner” where children can see and learn about
aquatic life in a fun and entertaining way. Several Flash games
give children a fun activity but also teach important messages
central to the NMS program.
The Kids Corner has quickly become one of the most popular sections
of the kiosk.
Local sailors and fishermen can use the kiosk for up-to-the-minute
reports on weather and ocean conditions. In addition, the weather
section provides reports on various weather related topics.
Forecasts, wind models, satellite and radar images, tide and
current conditions and even data streamed from weather buoys
are all available though links to various web services. The
kiosks software maintains the ability to lock down the web interface
when information is streamed from a web source (such as the
National Weather Service) the user only sees the specific map,
forecast or radar image for their area and can not use the kiosk
to browse the web. This ensures that the kiosk cannot be accidentally
or intentionally compromised.
System Requirements
Although similar in its interface with
the users, kiosks are intrinsically different from websites, requiring
specialized programming tools. Setting up a system of kiosks at
a sanctuary location requires management of the content and design
process, coordination with the kiosk team and the various sanctuary
partners. In addition, graphic materials need optimizing, photos
and other elements need editing and formatting to fit the kiosks
specific requirements. Because each kiosk is monitored remotely
24/7, 24 hour high-speed internet access is required for all units.
The Technical Team
The Technical Team is responsible for all aspects of
planning and implementing the Sanctuary Interactive Kiosks.
The team coordinates with other NOAA agencies, sub-contractors
and the various local partners in the development of the sanctuary-specific
kiosk.
The Content Team
This team is designated on a project basis. Each sanctuary site
has provided content creation and collaboration along with various
partners to work with the technical team.
Content on This Site
Content on this site are only examples of the Interactive Kiosk
Program’s content.
These are primarily preliminary materials, and these illustrations
are intended as informational material.
For Further Information
NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
Matthew Stout - Communications
Branch Chief
Francis Gilbert -
Project Lead
Amy Cale - Designer / Kiosk
Liaison
For more information about the kiosk design project click
here
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