NCC American National Tree

American National Tree

Touch Screen Technology

NCC

“We The People” permanent collection

This object is a technological tree of important people that helped form and support the constitution.  It is an important object in the collection because of its engaging and yet informal nature.  People can navigate it easily through the touch screens and they are able to search for and learn about the people most interesting to them.  It is important for people who may not feel as though the constitution has a noticeable relevancy.  Unorthodox people such as children have effected the constitution, and people searching through the tree of people find unique and powerful stories. 

The American National Tree is displayed near the entrance to the dome exhibit; so it is one of the first displays visitors have interaction with.  Frames are suspended in a three dimensional conical shape with changing portraits.  Beneath the frames are touch screens that allow visitors to navigate through the portraits and stories.  The labeling describes the object and how to use it.  The nearby objects are part of the same exhibit and share the themes relating to the constitution, however this object stands on it own in the center of the space. 

I think everyone has the ability to be interested in this object.  The tactile elements along with the freedom to choose whom to read about enable engagement from all audiences.  Other ways to engage viewers would be to add a personal element.  The touch screens could provide questions and criteria that would allow visitors to see how the constitution is active in their own lives.