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General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: belstone on October 30, 2021, 10:00:58 PM

Title: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: belstone on October 30, 2021, 10:00:58 PM
I've been thinking for a while about how to provide exhibition visitors with information about a layout - how it was built, locos and rolling stock, prototype information etc.  I was looking at putting a couple of touchscreens at the front of the layout, loaded with what is basically a local website, navigation via buttons on screen etc.  Not hard to do, but then I thought, why not put the info on a live website that people can access via their smartphones? I don't know what percentage of show visitors have a smartphone but it must be fairly high.

The idea is to provide an interactive element.  For instance you might want to know how the baseboards were constructed, or see some photos of the place that the model is based on, or find out about individual locos.  I can't recall seeing anything like this at shows.  Maybe I just wasn't looking for it because I don't have a smartphone... Are people already doing something like this with exhibition layouts?  And if not, would it be popular enough to be worth the effort?

Richard
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Belly on October 31, 2021, 12:07:00 AM
Richard,

It's a very interesting thought and a more current method of reaching out.  In the past, I have seen Power Point displays continuously showing the progress of layouts but what you suggest provides members of the public with, essentially, a menu.  I know museums use this interactive method to enhance their displays and maybe a little advice from someone in that field may provide the guidance you require.   

I wish you well with this endeavour and would like to know how you progress.

Cheers,

Geoff
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Bealman on October 31, 2021, 12:14:21 AM
Yeah, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart springs immediately to mind. They do all sorts of weird stuff with smartphone technology.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: RBTKraisee on October 31, 2021, 01:04:08 AM
That's a great idea!

Because I'm planning to use JMRI on my DCC++ layout myself, the thought occurs to me that it might even be feasible to write a modification to the dispatcher program that would allow the public to 'request' their favourite train to be dispatched from the fiddle yard.

It might be better to do that through a touchscreen at the layout though.   Hmmm, ideas, ideas...

Ross.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: railsquid on October 31, 2021, 01:11:54 AM
Quote from: belstone on October 30, 2021, 10:00:58 PM
I've been thinking for a while about how to provide exhibition visitors with information about a layout - how it was built, locos and rolling stock, prototype information etc.  I was looking at putting a couple of touchscreens at the front of the layout, loaded with what is basically a local website, navigation via buttons on screen etc.  Not hard to do, but then I thought, why not put the info on a live website that people can access via their smartphones? I don't know what percentage of show visitors have a smartphone but it must be fairly high.

The idea is to provide an interactive element.  For instance you might want to know how the baseboards were constructed, or see some photos of the place that the model is based on, or find out about individual locos.  I can't recall seeing anything like this at shows.  Maybe I just wasn't looking for it because I don't have a smartphone... Are people already doing something like this with exhibition layouts?  And if not, would it be popular enough to be worth the effort?

Personally I would have no interest in interacting with a touch screen, due to, well, the touch element of it (ewww). However as most people these days carry their own portable touch screen, a QR code which links to more information would certainly be interesting.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: GrahamB on October 31, 2021, 08:10:50 AM
Interesting idea that would probably be of more interest for our younger visitors.

My immediate thought would be to provide a QR code which links to a website, youtube etc.

I've no idea how to do any of this or what it would cost.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: belstone on October 31, 2021, 08:59:32 AM
Quote from: GrahamB on October 31, 2021, 08:10:50 AM
Interesting idea that would probably be of more interest for our younger visitors.

My immediate thought would be to provide a QR code which links to a website, youtube etc.

I've no idea how to do any of this or what it would cost.

Building a website these days is very easy and cheap, much quicker and easier than building an actual layout.  QR code on the front of the layout is an excellent idea, visitors can just scan that with their phones.  The tricky bit is creating the website content which has to be informative, entertaining, concise and easily viewed on a small screen.  One idea I had is that someone can type in the number of a loco they see on the layout and bring up all the information about it on screen. I love the idea of people being able to use their phones to request particular trains.  Anything that gets people interacting with the layout is worth looking at. I'm planning to run "Stobs" to a timetable at shows: if this could somehow be displayed in real time people could see when a train which interested them was due through, maybe even set an alert on their phone for it.  That might be getting a bit too complicated though.

One possible problem occurs to me: how good is the mobile signal going to be inside an exhibition hall?  I've made voice calls a couple of times but never tried using 3G/4G at a show. Touchscreen tablets have some downsides: as @railsquid (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3832) has pointed out, not everyone is going to want to use a shared touchscreen especially in the age of Covid. It's also quite an expensive solution, and every single device I have ever owned with a touchscreen has stopped working properly within months. Using a website has the further advantage that people can go back for another look when they get home: the website could include a photo gallery, videos etc which you wouldn't need while you had the actual layout in front of you.

Richard
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: GrahamB on October 31, 2021, 09:12:52 AM
Dveloping the idea further and taking the 3G/4G/5G/WiFi thoughts further, I would guess the QR code could be printed in a show guide so that, if it didn't work at the show, it would still work when the viewer got home.

I'd steer clear of a touchscreen on the layout as it's probably inviting trouble, a bit like my "do not touch" signs which always end up on the floor because someone touched them........... :censored:

Anyone know of any free/cheap hosting companies and perhaps some website templates? Perhaps an extension to this forum?
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Bealman on October 31, 2021, 09:17:06 AM
Good luck with it Richard, but it's a lot of work, which you are obviously capable of handling.  :thumbsup:

Question here: Is it really required?  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Train Waiting on October 31, 2021, 09:18:56 AM
Amazingly, our Fabulous Forum's resident Luddite is thinking of something similar!  There is a real possibility Portable Poppingham will be exhibited in real life, rather than virtual format, next year.  It is designed to allow visitors to drive a train* - much better fun than watching me attempting to drive it!  Hopefully, this might get visitors interested in our wonderful hobby.

I was thinking about how to provide information about the layout and 'N' gauge to visitors.  Clearly a 'three by two' layout cannot support lots of written material and then my friend Graham came up with a wizard wheeze.  A website!  And if we can arrange a QR code on the layout, visitors equipped with what I call 'smart telephones' will be able to access the website and bore themselves witless reading about my Table-Top Railway.  Graham is looking into this at present and we have already started the website.

With regard to visitors' requests for particular trains, they will be encouraged to ask.  I expect (and hope) most requests will be for 'the red engine' or the 'blue engine' (thankfully, Union Mills has a bit of a rainbow of colour options).  Obviously, existing enthusiasts will be welcome to ask to see the 'Rebuilt Super Claud' or whatever, but I'm hoping to attract new blood to the hobby.  Clearly, I'll have to think what to do if someone asks to run a diesel!

I hope to post a bit more about these plans on my layout thread in due course, but I was interested in Richard's idea and others' responses.  I think the Junior Public nowadays expects interactive.

* Using a Gaugemaster hand-held controller connected to the layout's 'three wire control' system.  I'm working on the assumption that people will be less at risk handling objects by then.

With all best wishes

John (aka Captain Analogue)
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: belstone on October 31, 2021, 09:37:45 AM
@Train Waiting (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=6222) I don't see why you couldn't drive a train via a smartphone, at least in theory.  Go one better, have one of those tiny cameras on the front of the train so that the driver can see where he/she is going.  I reckon if you could make that work you'd have a crowd six deep around Poppingham all day. Whether it is technically practical is another matter. 

On a related note a lot of layouts have various working scenic features, lights, sounds, motorised things.  I wonder if you could build scenic features that visitors could operate using their phones?

Richard
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Chris Morris on October 31, 2021, 11:33:57 AM
I thought about doing something similar a few years back. I got as far as creating a youtube video that people could play and listen to while watching the trains on the layout. In the end I decided I waffled on too much and nobody would be interested. I still think it would be great if lots of layouts had a short description you could pick up on your smartphone and listen to while watching the layout. Maybe I should try making a much shorter description and be brave enough to put the QR code on the front of the layout?

This QR should work for the description I made but never used because it was too long winded.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/115/3123-311021113119.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=115702)

I wonder what the optimum length of time is for a description? Maybe 1 or a maximum of 2 minutes?
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Chris Morris on October 31, 2021, 11:36:35 AM
I have been inter-active in the past at exhibitions - I just gave youngsters the hand held controller and talked them through running the trains. Maybe not a good idea in these current covid times.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Chris Morris on October 31, 2021, 11:43:28 AM
Quote from: belstone on October 31, 2021, 09:37:45 AM
@Train Waiting (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=6222) I don't see why you couldn't drive a train via a smartphone, at least in theory.  Go one better, have one of those tiny cameras on the front of the train so that the driver can see where he/she is going.  I reckon if you could make that work you'd have a crowd six deep around Poppingham all day. Whether it is technically practical is another matter. 

On a related note a lot of layouts have various working scenic features, lights, sounds, motorised things.  I wonder if you could build scenic features that visitors could operate using their phones?

Richard

I can drive my trains through an ipad or iphone using the Hornby HM6000 controller. It works well but of course you have to have the app on your smartphone and have it linked to the receiver module by bluetooth. I could let folk operate the layout by passing them my ipad but in order to be safe in these times it would need to be sanitised in between each use. Maybe one for the future though. I could control the points and signals from the layout and tell the visiting operators to just follow the signals.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: belstone on October 31, 2021, 05:24:31 PM
Quote from: Chris Morris on October 31, 2021, 11:33:57 AM
I thought about doing something similar a few years back. I got as far as creating a youtube video that people could play and listen to while watching the trains on the layout. In the end I decided I waffled on too much and nobody would be interested. I still think it would be great if lots of layouts had a short description you could pick up on your smartphone and listen to while watching the layout. Maybe I should try making a much shorter description and be brave enough to put the QR code on the front of the layout?

This QR should work for the description I made but never used because it was too long winded.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/115/3123-311021113119.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=115702)

I wonder what the optimum length of time is for a description? Maybe 1 or a maximum of 2 minutes?

Doing a voiceover commentary hadn't occurred to me, I've seen that work well in museums with an audio headset that you rent, but thinking about it I'm not sure how well it will work with smartphones in an exhibition setting where there can be a lot of background noise. Six or seven people in front of your layout all listening to different commentaries on speaker is going to get messy. I'm inclined to just give them text and pictures.

From the feedback so far it sounds like this might be worth a go.  I'll try it on Longframlington first, if I can get a couple of outings booked for it.

Richard
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Bealman on October 31, 2021, 11:07:34 PM
I'm a huge fan of gimmicks on layouts, as is well documented on this forum. I do like the idea of exhibition visitors being able to operate them with their phones!

Minatur Wunderland watch out!
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Chris Morris on November 01, 2021, 08:48:48 AM
The thunderstorm on my last layout was operated by a push button on the visitor side. It had a sign saying "Danger, do not press". What surprised me most was that youngster would not press it because it said do not press so we had to encourage them. The thunder used to rattle round exhibition halls very well. It created a lot of smiles for all ages and we only had a couple of young ones run off in tears because it scared them.

No thunder on my new layout. Not so much fun for visitors but less annoying for fellow exhibitors. I've still got the storm maker so it might make a comeback sometime.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Bealman on November 01, 2021, 09:13:07 AM
Excellent!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: njee20 on November 01, 2021, 10:22:00 AM
Quote from: Bealman on October 31, 2021, 09:17:06 AM
Good luck with it Richard, but it's a lot of work, which you are obviously capable of handling.  :thumbsup:

Question here: Is it really required?  :hmmm:

The answer there is, of course, no it isn't. But it adds an extra dimension which some would appreciate. Much like DCC, or sound, or well weathered stock or prototypical signalling or literally anything!

I've definitely seen QR codes linking to a website about the layout. I've seen physical pamphlets being handed out too. I'd have thought BYO device for control would be very difficult, and if you're simply handling over the controller (be it an iPad Pro or an H&M Duette) it's not actually a technological solution in any way! No issue with that of course.

An ability to somehow request a certain train would be superb. I love ogling fiddle yards, and there's nothing worse than seeing some really interesting stock, whilst the same stuff trundles around as the operator resolutely sticks to 'the timetable'.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: LASteve on November 01, 2021, 06:13:02 PM
The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is actually quite do-able with advance prep to download the appropriate app. I've got a few different throttles on my phone from experimentation on my own layout.

You would have to do some work to restrict what can be done on a mobile device, you don't want folk resetting routes and trying to race each other around the layout and what-have-you.

I think the QR Code link to a website with all the info a visitor could want is an excellent idea. Not an insignificant amount of work for you to set it up though - it's not so much the website design as that's pretty simple nowadays, more the content creation and curating the site to keep it fresh.

Obviously you're going to be at the mercy of the WiFi provision in the venue. Even if you've got a reliable hotspot you probably don't want to be passing out the credentials to all and sundry; if the venue's WiFi is sketchy you'll be overwhelmed.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: belstone on November 01, 2021, 09:46:00 PM
Quote from: LASteve on November 01, 2021, 06:13:02 PM


You would have to do some work to restrict what can be done on a mobile device, you don't want folk resetting routes and trying to race each other around the layout and what-have-you.


One of my other ideas for an exhibition is Thomas the Tank Engine racing.  Double track figure of eight with a flat crossing in the middle for maximum carnage, bring your own loco. Anything to get visitors engaged.

Richard
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: Chris Morris on November 01, 2021, 10:32:37 PM
This is my brother running trains at Swindon Museum exhibition a few years back. Not interactive but the youngsters loved it. The young at heart adults also loved. Thomas and the wagon are mine. After a two day exhibition I can reassemble that wagon in my sleep.
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: njee20 on November 01, 2021, 11:25:06 PM
Quote from: LASteve on November 01, 2021, 06:13:02 PM
The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is actually quite do-able with advance prep to download the appropriate app. I've got a few different throttles on my phone from experimentation on my own layout.

You would have to do some work to restrict what can be done on a mobile device, you don't want folk resetting routes and trying to race each other around the layout and what-have-you.

Everything after "do-able" sounds like the reason it isn't doable (in practical terms). ;D

Yes, if you have installed the relevant app (or stand there installing it), sync with the exhibitors' layouts, access their roster, and somehow have the relevant limitations to ensure you don't do anything untoward, it's really easy...
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: LASteve on November 02, 2021, 03:40:06 AM
Quote from: belstone on November 01, 2021, 09:46:00 PM

One of my other ideas for an exhibition is Thomas the Tank Engine racing.  Double track figure of eight with a flat crossing in the middle for maximum carnage, bring your own loco. Anything to get visitors engaged.

Richard

Now that's a cracking idea. Get the steampunk crowd to bring their own "Mad Max" creations and have at it.

The kids can go Thomas racing between the "Thunderdome" sessions.

I'd pay good money to see that!
Title: Re: Exhibition layout - going interactive?
Post by: RBTKraisee on November 02, 2021, 04:04:21 AM
ROBOT WARS : THE TRAINS GENERATION!

:no:

What did that poor scenery do to deserve that, eh?

Ross.