
INsite is shown here running on a customized UMPC. Interaction happens through the multi-touch screen interface.

Our process began by creating a territory map to scope our research and establish a common understanding of our audience.

Common needs emerged by analyzing the data from our exploratory and generative research methods.

Findings were translated into features and concepts were tested and iterated using low-fidelity paper prototypes.

The Start page offers high-level navigation. The INsite page shows contextual information modules based on location.

People can view information about a nearby business or service, save it for later, and leave tips and ratings for other users.

In map mode a person's location is plotted in real-time along with selected categories of businesses and services.

Rotating the device switches it into phone mode. Proximity sensors disable the touch-screen when held close to the ear.

Content providers can use a website to see how many people are accessing their information and from where.

This model of the INsite service shows the interactions between the system, consumers, and vendors.
In the spring of 2006 Microsoft sponsored an interdisciplinary design class at Carnegie Mellon and challenged us to imagine a near future where high bandwidth and portable computing are ubiquitous. Our team focused on people’s information needs when in a new place and through a semester-long research and design process we created INsite.
INsite is a phone, information service, dynamic map, and messaging center seamlessly combined in an Ultra Mobile Personal Computer. Information about local businesses, transportation, and events is available by pressing the “INsite” button and all other interaction happens on the large touch-screen interface. Sensors in the device know its orientation and automatically switch into phone mode when needed.
Full information about our research methods, the INsite service, scenarios of use, and business details are available in the project documentation.
Team Members: Simon King (Interaction Design), Siobhan Hadley (CPID), Sofia Mirza (CPID), Jonathan Terleski (HCI), Sun Joo Ryu (MBA)