Human centered and AI enhanced safe and smart city test bed: Pre-Study

Important results from the project

Build knowledge about how interaction between a smart city/arena infrastructure and its citizens/visitors can be enabled and engaging. The hypothesis was that bollards with both intriguing artistic expression to spur initial interest and embedded AI enhanced technology to create an interesting connection would make the user feel more included and safe. The pre-study aimed at building enough knowledge to define a good solution and create a project proposal to develop that solution. The work was done in in collaboration with SAP Center, San Jose Sharks, Stanford University and CMU SV.

Expected long term effects

Established insight into types of interfaces that can engage users and needs that can be responded to through a city´s smart infrastructure. The team performed in-depth need-finding, followed by definition of use cases, and testing of assumptions with users. Concluded that the preferred solution for creating first connection is mirroring user´s facial expression, which requires technology that is feasible to build in and enables value creating services for localization, security, safety, emergency situations and unique fan experience services that the arena customers wants.

Approach and implementation

Performed needfinding during three performances at the arena. Douglas Murray at SAP Center ans San Jose Sharks helped with sports events understanding. The team also explored different user interface/interaction technologies: such as augmented reality, facial recognition, olfactory, etc. During a full day workshop the team ideated and tested concepts for creating the connection between smart interface and users. Prototypes tested were use of LED lights, projected images, a 3d printed model of a real person and a simplified model of a human head.