The iFloor project is developed by researchers at interactivespaces during the hybrid library project. The intention with the project is to engage users of the library in social interaction through an interactive floor installation. By using and interacting with the floor users can post messages - questions and answers - onto the floor by sms or email. By tracking body positions users can interact with the content of the floor.

The idea was developed through workshops and bodystorms with library users, librarians and researchers at interactivespaces.

The floor concept was developed for the system and interaction setup and alot of tests regarding graphics and tracking was conducted at the center and later adjusted to the context at the local municipality library.

The setup ended up being quite simple using a webcam, a projector, a pc running the interface application and a pc running the database maintaining incoming questions and answers. The prototype turned out to be very robust even in changing light conditions. Furthermore the iFloor is very easy to maintain because of the cieling mounted technology. This means that the projection surface is fully washable and durable for use in public space.

We did qualitative observations at the library during a three weeks period and further tests with pupils from 7th grade using the floor as a quiz where the answers had to be found in the physical library.

The iFloor was presented for his royal highness crown prince frederik and crown princess mary at a royal visit at katrinebjerg in the summer 2004. Furthermore the iFloor recieved the Danish Design Award - vision prize category for its new approach to interaction in public spaces.

See a demo video explaining the iFloor prototype here (22mb)

Read a paper on the iFloor here