Document Tools

Visitors to the SFU Surrey campus have an innovative new means to find their way around, thanks to the ingenuity of two recent graduates. Launched just in time for the fall semester, when hundreds of new first-year students will roam campus hallways, the interactive wayfinding kiosk is located on the mezzanine level of the campus.

The wayfinder uses artificial intelligence to map out the best route from the user’s current position to where they want to go. It can also be used to search for rooms based on size and availability, see what events are taking place and even display whether program advisors are available for consultation.

Matt Jeffrey and Gordon Manson, who graduated from the School of Interactive Arts and Technology at SFU Surrey last spring, developed the wayfinder as a project for a fourth-year interdisciplinary design course. Manson says the system is already operational and will be adjusted, if necessary, based on user input over the next few weeks. Manson and Jeffrey have plans to market the system to other institutions.

SFU Surrey Facilities Manager Marie Schneider says other kiosks may be installed, depending on funding.

"When you first come to this campus you are struck by its unique architectural beauty," Schneider says. "But you might also be stuck finding your way around because of its atypical shape and structure. SFU is excited to work with our own students to develop a wayfinding system that showcases not only the building but also our talented graduates. This is knowledge in action."

—30— (electronic photo file available)

Comments