The National Constitution Center is dedicated to increasing public understanding of, and appreciation for, the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance, through an interactive, interpretive facility located within Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. On July 4, 2003, the National Constitution Center opened its doors to an estimated one million visitors a year. The Center tells the story of the U.S. Constitution through a variety of media, including more than 100 interactive and multimedia exhibits.
After a day of learning about the history and relevance of the U.S. Constitution, the Center wanted to provide visitors with the opportunity to sit down, enjoy a snack and engage in the activity that is at the heart of the Constitution – citizen participation.
The Center decided to install computer kiosks in the museum’s cafeteria, the Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn and J. Bruce Llewellyn Citizens’ Café, which visitors could use to learn more and voice their opinions about the themes which are central to the National Constitution Center.
For the kiosk installation to be successful, the systems had to have several qualities. The terminals needed to be durable. The kiosks had to be capable of withstanding use by the Center’s one million yearly visitors and had to be suitable for installation in the Citizens’ Café, a fast-paced food service environment. Additionally, the screens needed to be very bright because the Café, which features direct views of Independence Hall through walls of glass 40-feet high, has a lot of ambient light. The systems also had to be space efficient so users could relax at a table, have a bite to eat and use the kiosks. Finally, the terminals needed to attractive, complimenting the appearance of the Center which was created by world famous architects and exhibit designers.
After evaluating many options, the National Constitution Center opted to install CounterPoint interactive computer kiosks manufactured by SeePoint Technology in the Llewellyn Citizens’ Café. From the kiosks, visitors can access voter registration information, contact local, state and federal officials, find out about government resources and get up-to-the-minute information about current legislation and elections.
Durability: Like all of SeePoint’s kiosks, the CounterPoint is designed to withstand the demanding conditions of a public installation and can be counted on for hassle-free and uninterrupted use.
-
Only industrial grade computer components are mounted to the terminal’s steel substructure
-
The systems’ power, wires and cables are fully integrated inside the kiosk to deter misuse
-
Sealed buttons, ports and slots prevent tampering
-
Spill-resistant, sealed construction protects against dust, dirt and moisture
-
Upgrade to cast metal computer enclosures enhances the systems’ defenses.
-
Industrial powder coat resists wear
Ambient Lighting: To address the lighting situation in the Citizen’s Café, SeePoint integrated 600 nit LCD panels into the Center’s systems. Known as high-bright panels, these powerful LCDs, designed to operate in extreme ambient light conditions, provide a bright and even display in daylight conditions.
Space: The space efficient design of the CounterPoint also met the Center’s needs for a terminal with a small footprint. The CounterPoint is less than 16 inches tall and less than eleven inches deep. The SeePoint terminal requires far less space than a traditional box computer and monitor and provides the additional advantage of being fully integrated – a design which is far more suitable for a busy cafeteria serving thousands of people a day. The compact CounterPoint kiosk fits easily on the small round café tables, leaving plenty of room for refreshments.
Appearance: The fluid and elegant appearance of the CounterPoint fulfilled the Constitution Center’s requirement that the terminals compliment a facility created by renowned architects and designers. No other kiosk system on the market incorporates the flowing shape patented by SeePoint. Additionally, each terminal also features a silk screen of the Center’s United States flag inspired logo which further integrates the kiosks into the Center’s overall esthetic.
 | |
With the SeePoint kiosk systems, the National Constitution Center is harnessing technology to help fulfill the mission of the Constitution – the privilege and obligation of citizen participation in governance. Every visitor to the Constitution Center has the opportunity to impact the future by using the kiosk systems to learn more and speak out by registering to vote, emailing a member of Congress or commenting on a pending law with the simple touch of a finger.
The collaboration between the National Constitution Center and SeePoint on the Llewellyn Citizens’ Café kiosk project was a great success. “SeePoint went out of its way to ensure that the Center received the highest quality product by the delivery deadline,” said Amber Auld Combs, the Center’s director of public programs. “Staff on every level responded quickly to the Center’s needs and took a personal interest and pride in completing the order.”
|
