Ideum's tactile tables allow you to delve into the diversity of African art

Two Platform interactive multi-touch tables have been installed in the entrance pavilion of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, custom designed for the project.

Ideum has completed a collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (SNMAfA) in Washington DC. The aim was to design and develop a visual solution that would introduce the visitor to the centre's collection..

This interactive experience allows you to view images and information about more than 200 objects. These works cover both traditional and contemporary pieces drawn from all over the continent., including some that are not currently in sight.

The project posed Ideum with different challenges such as providing information about the artists., keeping the focus on works of art. Working in collaboration with SNMAfA curators, have created four interactive stations to provide visitors with various ways to explore the collection and learn more about Africa's diversity and culture.

Three of these areas allow you to quickly and intuitively explore works of art and select pieces for deeper investigation.. here, images of paintings, sculptures and different pieces appear on a dynamic map of Africa designed to incorporate colors and textures from key artworks.

When you tap an image, a new window opens with additional information about the work and the artist. Visitors can scroll and zoom in on high-resolution images to see details, identify the origin of the object and learn about related artistic traditions. If the object is currently on display at the Museum, this area also provides information on where it can be found.

The fourth zone presents options for researching broader information on Africa, including historical data, cultural and geographical, selected to provide greater context and deepen understanding of the entire continent. This section also includes questions that prompt visitors to reflect on their own knowledge and preconceptions of Africa., a continent that, with 1.300 millions of people, is the second most populous in the world.

The exhibit runs on two custom Ideum Platform multi-touch tables, installed in the newly renovated entrance pavilion, premiered in October at the Museum's home on the National Mall, steps from the famous Smithsonian Castle.

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