Interacting Places - Networked Public Displays That Stimulate Community Interaction

You are cordially invited to attend the PhD Dissertation Defense of Nemanja MEMAROVIC on Friday, August 22nd 2014 at 15h30 in room 008 (Informatics building)
 
Abstract:
Networked public displays are envisioned as a new communications medium for the 21st century, potentially having the same impact on society as radio, TV, or Internet. This thesis examines the impact of networked public displays medium on society by focusing on understanding its use for stimulating community interaction – interaction between community members residing within and across public spaces. In other words, the thesis focuses on "Interacting Places" – networked public displays that stimulate community interaction in public spaces. By building on top of diverse literature – from Marshall McLuhan’s media theory and literature on interactions and processes in public spaces – I have first conceptualized the design space. Next I have designed, developed, deployed, and evaluated three networked public display applications "in the wild" and have analyzed their effects, uptake, and use. The outcome of the thesis are lessons learned in the process and conceptual tools for design and analysis of networked public displays that stimulate community interaction within place-based communities.

Dissertation Committee:

• Prof. Marc Langheinrich, Università della Svizzera italiana, Switzerland (Research Advisor)
• Prof. Matthias Hauswirth, Università della Svizzera italiana, Switzerland (Internal Member)
• Prof. Cesare Pautasso, Università della Svizzera italiana, Switzerland (Internal Member)
• Prof. Geraldine Fitzpatrick, TU Wien, Austria (External Member)
• Prof. Elaine Huang, University of Zurich, Switzerland (External Member)