Immersive Time Management 2

Here's abit of development on the main idea behind the Immersive calendar concept I'm producing for my final major project at Rave.

The general idea is to steer away from the normal, bog standard box/table style calendar seen in the likes of Gmail, Outlook and iCal. Instead I've proposed to design something more dynamic and immersive, that moves and changes as time progresses. Unlike the calendars mentioned above, I'd like to show time constantly moving forward, displaying it's effects in real time. Every minute that passes will bring events on the calendar that bit closer towards the present, and give the users a clearer sense of time before something is due to happen.


[Mock-up of 'Base Station']

The image above shows a work in progress mock-up of how the calendar will look. Using a standard smart board, or purpose made setup, the target audience is predominately aimed towards education institutions. Every class, year, course or level would have their own 'calendar board' installed in they room. On it would be the terms event, information, files and a 'base station' for students and staff alike to share and educate.


[Mock-up of iPhone app.]

The calendar 'base station' [seen above] would be accessible by all students with a smart phone or access to the institutes computer network. A mobile phone application would allow students to add, edit, share and view existing events on the move, and upload to the 'base station' for others to view either in the class room on the board, or on their phone.

For students without access to a smart phone, a widget, that loads at log-in onto a computer on the network would allow students to add, edit, share and view existing events on the service, then upload to the base station and other users for others to view.

Other possibilities include:

• Real time notices from anyone in the institution would scroll along the top of the 'base station' and widget, and in the 'Notices' page on the mobile app.
• Overlay map of the location of lectures and staff in the new Ravensbourne building [New setup in the building mean lectures in the building don't have an assigned desk. Instead they must sign into a desk using the telephone.] This would allow students to locate, assess their schedule and book a meeting time with a member of staff if a slot is free.
• Collaborate projects would allow students to view other courses or levels events, and grant access to particular files, notices and information.

I'll mention these possibilities in the project, but concentrate mainly on the calendar and networking aspect.