If you're planning a public art installation that involves public interaction, you'll need a reliable and efficient control system. At ON LX, we specialize in designing control system platforms for use with creative technologies for lighting & video and digital art installations. Here are our top 5 tips for optimizing your control system for public interaction:
1. Scope out the Project
To plan a control system for public interaction, you need to determine the scope of the project. Consider the size of the installation, the number of interactive elements, and the types of interactions you want to support. By scoping out the project, you can choose the right hardware and software components for your control system. This could be contact closure buttons, tough screens and more.
2. Choose Hardware for Your Control System
The hardware for your control system will depend on the scope and location of your project. For smaller indoor installations, a simple control system made of a single tablet running (Ctrl for iPad)[https:///onlx.ltd/ctrl-for-ipad] with text and a couple of interactive controls may suffice, whilst larger outdoor installations may require more complex hardware i.e. networked contact closure devices to connect to a master control system ( i.e. (Ctrl Suite)[https:///onlx.ltd/ctrl-suite]) capable of co-ordinating and triggering lighting and video states control.
3. Develop an Intuitive User Interface
Designing an intuitive user interface is essential for public interaction. The interface should be easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with the installation. Consider scalability for future expansion of the installation. – Determine if physical buttons, light sensors or pressure pads are required, or if all can be driven from a simple touch screen. – Whatever medium (or mix of mediums) you choose, the user experience must be key.
4. Test and Troubleshoot Your Control System
Thorough testing and troubleshooting are crucial for control systems. Test your control system to ensure that it's functioning correctly, and have a plan in place for troubleshooting any issues that may arise during installation or maintenance. Use troubleshooting tools to identify, understand and resolve and issues you run into. – At ON LX, we’ve developed a free troubleshooting tool named CommsKit to help with this.
5. Partner with Experienced Control System Professionals
Partnering with experienced professionals is crucial when planning a control system for public interaction. From the regulations within the venue, to logic design and hardware recommendation. ON LX’s Power User community has years of experience designing and implementing control systems for public art installations of all sizes. Our team of experts can help with hardware selection, user interface design, testing, and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
By following these top 5 tips, you can optimize your control system for public interaction. Contact us today to learn more about our control system platforms and how we can assist you with your next project.