information aesthetics

a data visualization installation consisting of 6 large LCD screens located on a glass wall horizontally behind the librarians’ main information desk in the Seattle Central Library (designed by Rem Koolhaas). the screens feature animated visualizations generated by custom designed statistical & algorithmic software calculated in real time, based on all checked-out items (e.g. books, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, etc.). the visualizations are a 'good indicator of what patrons considers interesting information at any specific time, providing a real-time living picture of what the community is thinking'.
floating titles shows the sequence of checked-out items into a linear representation based on time. dot matrix rain displays checked-out items by time & their Dewey Classification number. keyword map attack positions & colors keywords of checked out titles by the average of their Dewey subcategories links.
an interesting quote from its main designer, George Legrady, on nwsource: "What's the result? 'It's information visualization aesthetics,' he said, beaming. 'I made it up.' [ucsb.edu & nwsource.com|via dexigner.com]