Intel Window
Augmenting Collaboration with Live Connectivity

In 2014, Tomorrow Lab partnered with the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design CIID to provide workshop-driven research to Intel’s Design School Network aimed at identifying opportunities to increase adoption of Intel’s Galileo platform in a live-streaming and collaborative way. Over a two week sprint, we developed concepts and tools for usage of this platform and conducted workshops and user testing of prototypes with makers, designers, scientists and students in both NYC and Copenhagen.

We began studying the advantages, disadvantages, and targets for the Intel Galileo platform; possible analogous products for teardown and comparison; and a layout of a test research template and methods to increase adoption of the product. Next, we conducted a workshop with CIID to develop three initial concepts for testing. Once we confirmed that our prototypes could be used to augment live collaboration, we integrated students in design-driven programs to conduct the tests and provide feedback on each. These ideas allowed for easier access to communication tools, peer-to-peer learning, group collaboration, and tool sharing allowing users to also upload and download content in each concept.

01 —Concept One - Window to Studio

The first concept, the high-res Window to Studio tool, played with the idea of large-scale video communication to encourage teams to collaborate together across the platform when coming up against challenging creative moments. By utilizing multiple 4k LCD screens connected through the Galileo platform, students could seek assistance from a fellow student either in their program or another across the world! Although there were benefits to the large screens, reading handwritten notes through them was difficult. Using a tool such as the Window to Studio has encouraged students to seek different outsider feedback while others preferred available social media or school-sponsored online tools for feedback, and were not drawn to this concept as frequently.

02 — Concept Two - Object Matrix

For the Object Matrix concept, we created a prototype of a low-res desk buddy to have next to your computer or workstation for a creative communication tool. The Object Matrix employed small images filtered through a 32 x 32 pixel grid to create the outline of a person through a frosted glass display. Each person communicating has their own Galileo-run desk buddy to communicate through, while continuing to share just a screen or attachment for review. As a result of having no eye contact to encourage you to remain engaged, and feedback provided only through reading and voice interaction, timing can be lengthy while making suggested edits or changes and it is easy to get distracted.

03 —Concept Three - Online Whiteboard

With the Online Whiteboard concept, we encouraged students to incorporate the Galileo with existing tools such as a Twiddla drawing pad to create a mock-up virtual experience desk crit of a project’s current progress while using the audio and visual connection of Google Hangout made room for more traditional communication. This take mirrors the way designers like to receive feedback in person from their peers or co-workers. By saving and then clearing the Online Whiteboard, users and reviewers can even come back to the existing platform after making changes and perform an updated presentation. Since the whiteboard lays flat in front of one user, it was sometimes hard to see until copied and sent through the Galileo platform. If each user had a whiteboard that was connected, and could then collaborate more easily on the same idea, this concept would be more rewarding.

Intel Window Augmenting Collaboration with Live Connectivity

01 —Concept One - Window to Studio

02 — Concept Two - Object Matrix

Transom Augmenting Collaboration with Live Connectivity

03 —Concept Three - Online Whiteboard

Intel Window
Augmenting Collaboration with Live Connectivity