This summer we had an exciting opportunity to work with Manitoba Hydro in the creation of an interactive touch screen. The goal was to create an immersive brand experience for the user as they learn about the history of the Winnipeg River hydroelectric dams. The display was installed at the Manitoba Electrical Museum in Winnipeg.

This type of interface project was a first for us, and presented a number of new and interesting challenges. We had to look into what kind of touch screen to use, what software would run the application, and how to create both a stable and easy to use final product.

Touch screens all try to produce a similar result: the ability for users to interact directly with things on the screen, but they use a few different technologies to make this happen. Some measure the change in current that occurs when a finger contacts the screen, some look for disturbances in their electromagnetic fields, and others measure the acoustic waves that originate from a finger touching the surface. These are just some other technologies out there, but they seemed to be the most common. After a bit of research, we settled on a 32 inch “acoustic pulse recognition” model, one of Tyco’s ELO Touchsystems line. The size, responsiveness, and internal computer all fit our needs quite well.

Here are some images of the screen. We produced a title screen with a subtle looping background video, and player screens to hold the videos for each hydroelectric dam.

Elemental collaborated with agency Eight Hour Day, Director of Photography Jonathan Chapman and post-audio company Pilotvibe to create a series of short videos for United Healthcare to promote the AARP Medicare Supplement Plan.

The videos will be included on an AARP microsite, and each tells the story of an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan Holder, and how the plan has impacted their lives in a positive way.

One of the great things about this line of work is that every so often, a project comes along that really has an impact on you.

This series of short videos we produced for Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation was one of those projects. Our goal with these videos was to give viewers an intimate look into the lives of just a few of the families helped by the Foundation, and urge viewers to share the videos via social media, to help build awareness and donations.

The Foundation provides services, support and equipment such as custom walkers, bikes, leg braces and prosthetics, all of which helps these kids live life to the fullest. What most people don’t realize is that much of this equipment is made available to these families through donations to the Foundation. And seeing the impact these specialized devices have on these children is amazing.

We hope you enjoy the videos, and please do share them and consider a donation to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.

Andrew’s Story

Ashley and Hope’s Story

Garrett’s Story