1. Create services which inspire interaction in Aula

2. Blend information, user interfaces and architecture in a way that looks and feels natural yet opens up a new dimension into Aula

3. Create synergies between existing Aula services such as aula.cc and Hunaja and the Aula Cooltown concepts

4. Introduce new uses for HP Cooltown technology already in use in Aula,

The overall approach was iterative. First an initial set of concepts were created which were then iterated based on findings from observational research. Aula members involved in the design process through workshops. Aula members, HP and other interest groups were asked to validate of the final concepts before prototyping and implementation.

The project was planned to last from Spring '01 to Spring '02. However, the project ended in the Fall '01 because resources for prototyping and implementation of the concepts were not available.

Three research methodologies were used to learn about member expectations, behavior and the affordances of the Aula space. Over a three week period member activity in Aula was observed and recorded. A focus group kept a visual diary of their Aula related activities. Finally a participatory design workshop was held to brainstorm concepts.

From the observational research it was discovered that the identity of the Aula space does not correlate with the strong ideology behind the overall Aula concept. In other words, the purpose of Aula and the uses of the space were not clear to the members.

Two concepts were developed to stimulate Aula activity in the Aula space.

The playLux is a set of ambient displays for non-intrusive communication of identity and activity in Aula. The playPad is a pen-based digital sketch-pad which makes the online transfer of sketches easy and efficient. Both concepts enable play and openess in Aula. They introduce Aula's design principle of play between production, exchange and consumption into Aula’s physical layout and subsequently, into the experience of being and doing there.

Research into ambient displays and mixed reality inspired the Aula Cooltown project.

Ambient \Am"bi*ent\, a. Surrounding, encircling, encompassing, and environing. -Oxford English Dictionary
Display \Dis*play"\, n. An opening or unfolding; exhibition; manifestation. -Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Eversion = mixed reality: virtuality that is no longer contained by the technologies that support it but is cast inot our midst and projected onto our architecture. - Novak, Marcus (1998)

Jokko Korhonen
Observational research, Concept design, Scenarios, Project management, Web design

Mika Ihanus
Observational research, Concept design, 3D modelling

Intial Team (March 01 - June 01)
Mika Ihanus, Erkki Kirjalainen, Jokko Korhonen, Tuuli Somma