Unlocking History with the MONIAC Interactive Touch Screen Journey at Erasmus University Library

The MONIAC, short for Monetary National Income Analogue Computer, is a notable figure in economic history. It was crafted by New Zealand economist William Phillips back in 1949.  Its purpose? To visually demonstrate complex macroeconomic concepts using analog methods.

Fast forward to today, and the MONIAC remains an intriguing relic, with one unit housed at the Science Museum in London. Another is nestled within the Theil Building at Erasmus University, gifted by the city of Rotterdam in 1953. However, with the MONIAC no longer operational, the challenge lay in finding a creative way to engage visitors, particularly the youthful demographic frequenting the university.

 

 

Challenges

Static information often fails to captivate visitors as effectively as dynamic content. Recognizing this, Erasmus University sought a touch screen solution to communicate with visitors, primarily comprised of young students, and ignite their curiosity about the MONIAC. The goal was to design an interactive experience that would appeal to both young and old, despite the MONIAC being non-functional. The challenge was to creatively explain the MONIAC's significance in a modern and engaging manner.

 

Solution

Collaborating closely with Erasmus University, we embarked on a journey to develop a modern solution that would resonate with today's audience. Following our Custom Application Development Process, we began with a thorough assessment of the problem, objectives, and user expectations. Recognizing the predominantly youthful audience, we prioritized interactivity in our designs. Presenting three distinct styles through mood boards—Da Vinci technical drawings, Cartoon Style, and 1940s advertisement style—we ultimately embraced the playful appeal of the Cartoon Style. This whimsical approach breathes life into economic concepts, making them accessible and engaging.

 

 

Process

Transitioning from design to development, we ensured compatibility with touch screens and hardware, incorporating a responsive mode for seamless interaction. Leveraging our expertise in custom application development, we brought the concept to life, empowering visitors to explore the MONIAC at their own pace. The result? An interactive touch screen experience that captivates, educates, and sparks curiosity.

 

Result

The touchscreen solution offers visitors the opportunity to interactively explore information. Today's generation is drawn to dynamic screens, which attract more attention than static displays. The new interactive screen creates an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to easily access information about the MONIAC with just one click. The playful designs present the story in an interesting and creative manner, capturing and maintaining visitors' attention while stimulating interaction. Moreover, digital screens offer opportunities for future changes, such as adding new information or integrating videos and social media feeds.

 

Looking for the Right Touchscreen Solution?

We're here to help you find the perfect touchscreen implementation for your institution. With our comprehensive support, from concept to realization, we ensure that you'll see the ideal touchscreen solution at your business, office, or storefront. Contact us today to get started on your touchscreen software installation journey.

 

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