The design of highly interactive displays or installations for public spaces requires understanding of the capabilities, preferences, and experiences of broad audiences. In the case of immersive maps, levels of map literacy are particularly important. This project, The NC Audio Map, explores the ways by which geography might catalyze knowledge acquisition goals. The project seeks to identify how information processing through map literacy effects design of a novel installation. Map literacy and interpretation at large, as discussed in previous research are applied to the design of the NC Audio Map ubiquitous computing environment. The ultimate goal is to explore how user experience design may benefit from anticipating user information processing skills.

Imagine you are standing just outside the border of a floor map. The shape is familliar to you and you step inside. To your suprise as you move across the landscape audio is projected--seemingly from nowhere--into your head... And just as quickly as it came, it passes. You stop and step back, positioning yourself where the audio can be heard clearly. The accent of the voice streaming onto you is familiar but not one you are used to. The disembodied voice finishes its tale of woe and a chorus of frogs swells. You move on from one location to the next within the map hearing more and more about experiences of the places you travel betwen and realize a connection...