Serving up warm data

Campiello

Alessandra Agostini
University of Milan
agostini@cootech.disco.unimi.it

The Campiello project develops and experiments with innovative information technologies and interaction paradigms, to support the exchange of information within local communities in historic cities, and between those communities and foreign visitors.

The first prototypes of the various modules of the Campiello system were ready in March of this year, and we are now entering the phase of tuning and integrating the modules. We have also entered the experimentation phase of the technology, which we are testing in two cities, Venice and Chania. In both places we have succeeded in involving the local communities, which take an active and enthusiastic interest in the Campiello system.

Campiello is helping the communities in developing a “memory base” — a knowledge base with information on the community and its past. The data in this base are what we call “warm data” (as opposed to the “cold” data you typically find in tourist guides): information that is less superficial and truly connected to the community — like the history of traditional phrases, or the tradition behind fiestas. This information is kept fresh and alive because it is continuously updated on the basis of comments and recommendations by people from the local communities.

We use different kinds of interfaces to access the information — from paper to traditional computer-based interfaces to large screens. We are particularly interested in the way people interact and socialise via these interfaces; in the case of large screens, for instance, we are refining the way in which the information is shown and dynamically changed. The screens used in the project (which we call “Community Walls”), will be put in places of historic interest or places where people meet, and will show news or information relevant to the community. Each item on the screen can be updated, and comments inserted on paper can be displayed directly on the large screen. We are also planning to show certain kinds of information in different languages, to allow local people in Venice to discuss information on the screen with foreign visitors.

A "Community Wall"

Our next milestone will be to check to what extent the local communities can continue to use the system more independently. So far, we have been like a kind of bridge between Campiello and the memory of the communities, but in the longer term we will be less actively involved. Our other plans include continuing to enhance the prototypes we have developed and developing new services.

Campiello recently tested its system at the San Pietro Fiesta in Venice. See page 28 for more.

Campiello web site: mercurio.sm.dsi.unimi.it/~gdemich/campiello.html