Exploration of the Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive (formerly known as the Tech Museum) is a science and technology center in San Jose, California. I took a tour of the Tech last week to survey the exhibits and collect information to help in our planning for the Chennai Computer Museum.
Location & Exterior
The Tech is located in downtown San Jose, across a park. The location is conveniently accessible by car, metro, and bus.
The exterior is rather simple but pleasing and inviting.
The quotes of Bill Hewlett and Bob Noyce are etched in the front of the museum.
“An abiding curiosity and an insatiable desire to learn how and why things work are the hallmarks of innovation. Creativity is nurtured by being receptive and encouraging” — Bill Hewlett
“Optimism is an essential ingredient of innovation. How else can the individual welcome change over security, adventure over staying in safe places?” — Bob Noyce
The Lobby & Ticket Counter
The lobby is quite expansive. It has a gift shop, entrance to IMAX theater, ticket counters and event space.
The mission statement is boldly displayed via a big banner near the ticket booths. In addition to these manned booths, there is also a set of electronic kiosks near the entrance that vends tickets.
There is also a human-assisted robot that keeps roving around the ticket booth area, interacting and helping people with any questions they might have.
At the event space adjacent to the entrance, there is a 6 person student team called “Reactica” hard at work, trying to create the largest chain reaction in the world. At this time of writing, they are trying to break the Guinness World Record today (10 Aug 2019)!
There is also a big-screen display that shows information about the current IMAX shows and other events at the Tech.
Floor Layout of the Tech Interactive
https://www.thetech.org/floor-maps
Exhibits Entrance & Tech for the global good
The entrance to the exhibits was the least impressive in my opinion. No wow factor. There are two sets of escalators, one leading upstairs, and one downstairs. But there is no signage of what to expect in each of the floors. I believe you have to look at the maps and decide where to go. I first took the upstairs and was immediately into the “Tech for the global good” area.
This area has 5 booths, each with an interactive display that plays a video about the efforts of innovators who are working to make our future cleaner, safer and better. It is also worthwhile to note how the sponsors of each booth are recognized.
These displays have a clean design. Nothing too fancy, but nevertheless very educational. After these booths, visitors are treated to three visual displays (art + tech) termed as Reboot Reality.
Reboot Reality — A Digital Experience Lab
From the Tech website,
The Tech Interactive has teamed up with companies, researchers, artists and innovators from around the world to create a dynamic new space where visitors can explore immersive media.
Dive into Reboot Reality and create your own digital painting, transport yourself to unfamiliar worlds, and get lost in a story as it unfolds all around you. A rotating series of experiences will showcase our partners’ latest technology and digital creation tools.
Animaker: A robot utilizing A.I. recognizes animals made using Lego bricks and brings it to life on a giant screen.
Wave Atlas: Wave Atlas is a water world teeming with artificial digital life, which users simultaneously create and discover. The more users interact, the richer and more complex this ecology grows.
Resonance:
