Saudi food and drug authority works with South African design company to produce state of the art multi-touch wall

Posted by Michael Wolf on September 11, 2012

Saudi food and drug authority works with South African design company to produce state of the art multi-touch wall

Category: Development and Tech, Interaction Design
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has turned to South African design company, Formula D interactive, to create an innovative multi-touch wall that will enable the Authority to communicate its vision and responsibilities to the general public and VIP guests in an original and engaging way. In a market saturated with food and drugs products and medical devices, it is essential that the regulatory body monitoring and controlling these products is able to communicate effectively with its public. More often than not, exhibitions and conferences provide opportunities to communicate, and it is in these environments that Formula D’s interactive tool really comes into its own. The multi-touch wall is a radical departure from traditional video-based promotional and educational media that has long since dominated the market. Its interactive system invites active participation from members of the public.
A single touch is a literal portal into the heart of the organization. Instead of simply telling users what the Authority is and how it operates, the multi-touch wall allows them an opportunity to navigate at their own pace and control their own experience.
Content display gallery on multi-touch wall
Formula D’s multi-touch wall, however, is not just a kiosk for accessing information. At a width of more than 2 meters, up to 3 adults can comfortably use the system simultaneously and share their experience as they explore the application.
A first touch at any point of the screen activates a flower-shaped menu around the SFDA logo. Each menu item stands for one of the core responsibilities of the Authority, including Food, Drug and Medical Devices. From here users can watch videos, access text-based information and explore animated explanations of typical SFDA registration and evaluation processes.
Integration of Google maps browser
State-of-the- art multi-touch technology lets users interact with images, video and animations using natural gestures, such as grabbing, stretching and sliding virtual objects on screen with fingers or hands.