News

Accomplishments Nanonation Develops

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Beadle Center for Genetics & Biomaterials Research has installed an information kiosk designed in the shape of an 11-foot tall DNA helix. The "living" interactive sculpture, located in the lobby's three-story atrium, showcases the many programs and accomplishments of the faculty, staff, and students who work and study at the Beadle Center.

August 31, 2004

"Living" Kiosk Showcases University's Accomplishments Nanonation Develops Multimedia Kiosk Designed as a DNA Helix

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 10, 2003

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Beadle Center for Genetics & Biomaterials Research has installed an information kiosk designed in the shape of an 11-foot tall DNA helix. The "living" interactive sculpture, located in the lobby's three-story atrium, showcases the many programs and accomplishments of the faculty, staff, and students who work and study at the Beadle Center.

Dr. Sally Mackenzie, Professor and Project Leader for the Beadle Center's Plant Sciences Initiative, who led the kiosk-development project, saw the opportunity to fuse art and information to better communicate the work being done at the University. "We wanted a device with a "Wow-factor" to stop people and encourage them to find out more about what's going on here," Mackenzie said. "Too many information kiosks are simply a computer in a box. We wanted this project to reflect the people and science here - powerful, exciting, dynamic."

The Beadle Center houses some of UNL's most prominent and productive research programs including the Nebraska Center for Virology, the Redox Biology Center, the Plant Genomics Center and the Plant Sciences Initiative.

The steel structure, envisioned by Nanonation and created by local artist/sculptor Todd Miller, houses multiple mini-monitors that display a variety of media loops that constantly change the look and feel of the sculpture. A 22-inch touch screen enables users to interact with various information sources, from video clips to Internet resources to maps of the University campus. Nanonation, a developer of interactive software, developed the software and kiosk systems and provided the technical and project management.

Another unique aspect of the kiosk is that the sculpture housing the hardware is based on the work of the 1958 Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and NU alumnus George W. Beadle, the center's namesake. Dr. Beadle is responsible for the "one gene-one enzyme" concept that lies at the heart of modern genetics. The kiosk design was based on the actual genetic sequence of one of strains used by Dr. Beadle in his research. When Beadle conducted his research in the 1940s and 1950s, the technology to actually sequence the gene had yet to be invented. However, the current faculty and staff used today's modern technologies to sequence the genes. It's the first time that an actual gene sequence has been "published" in sculpture form. Nanonation engineers were able to merge the science with art and create a unique and useful information system.

Bradley Walker, CEO/president of Nanonation, said the project is an example of Nanonation's approach to collaborating with clients. "Creating dynamic, eye-popping technologies that empower users and provide meaningful ways to interact with customers is a core value at Nanonation," Walker said. "It's exciting when a client allows you to take a concept and turn it into reality. This kiosk will serve as a reminder of the art in science and the power of the imagination."

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About Nanonation:Nanonation, a Nebraska-based software developer, helps businesses stand out and deliver more through dynamic, interactive marketing solutions. From kiosks to dynamic signage, Nanonation delivers high-impact customer experiences and comprehensive Branding Intelligence that are vital to successful customer interactions. As a result, businesses can now offer a unique customer experience without complex, expensive, and lengthy system integration and programming. Nanonation's client list includes the Minnesota Wild, Douglas Theatres, Cabela's, Mazda, Nebraska Book Company, Burger King, Petro, Yahoo, and many others in the retail, hospitality, entertainment, and education markets. More information about Nanonation can be found at its web site (www.nanonation.net) or by calling 402-323-6262.