INTERACTION2024
BoOC
Overview
BoOC (Book of Occupancy) tackles the low efficiency of finding a seat in campus libraries by turning real-time occupancy data into a physical-digital visualization experience. Using a 'magic book' metaphor, it fuses a magnetic ball dashboard, E-ink screen, and AR digital instrument panel into a device that links physical and mobile interfaces bidirectionally.
Role
IoT Engineer · AR Developer · Interaction Designer
Year
2024
Disciplines
IOTARUNITYESP32MQTTE-INKHARDWAREDATA VIZINTERACTION DESIGNUCL
CONCEPT
A magic book that knows the library
The 'Book of Occupancy' reimagines the mundane task of finding a library seat as a physical ritual. Open the book and the data reveals itself — through magnetic ball gauges, E-ink displays, and an AR dashboard you hold up on your phone.
HARDWARE
ESP32 + servo + E-ink, in sync
An ESP32 polls the library occupancy API and drives servo motors that position magnetic balls on an analog gauge, while simultaneously updating an E-ink screen. Button presses on the physical device trigger state changes that propagate to the mobile AR view via MQTT.
AR DASHBOARD
3D instruments on your phone
Built in Unity, the mobile AR view uses Image Target tracking to overlay a 3D instrument panel on the physical book. The dashboard includes animated charts, switchable views, and stays in sync with physical button presses — same interaction model, two surfaces.