Client
Georgia State Capitol Museum – Interactive Exhibit
Tags
Engineering, Interactive, System Integration, Installation, Technical Support, TouchDesigner
2019 – Present
The Challenge
To create an engaging and educational interactive exhibit for the Georgia State Capitol Museum, unveiled in early 2020. The exhibit, “Reflections on Georgia Voting,” needed to cover key moments in voting and civil rights history in a way that would resonate with diverse audiences. Key technical challenges included integrating the exhibit within a historic building with specific power, sound, and network security constraints, and ensuring long-term operational reliability.
My Solution & Approach
I was responsible for the initial technical design, programming, and on-site coordination for this three-screen interactive video exhibit, and continue to provide ongoing technical support.
- Technical Design & Documentation (Vectorworks): I created comprehensive design files detailing equipment, system diagrams, dimensions, and power requirements.
- Interactive Programming (TouchDesigner): The core interactive experience was programmed in TouchDesigner, featuring touch-activated video segments, an inactivity timeout, and a user counter.
- System Integration & Initial Problem Solving: I worked closely with State Capitol staff and a local carpenter for the installation, addressing initial challenges with power, sound, and standalone network operation.
- Ongoing Support & Hardware Upgrades: I remain on call for any technical issues. In 2022, following an electrical issue in the building, I successfully diagnosed the need for and replaced the original ZOTAC Mini PC with a new Intel NUC 11 Mini PC, restoring full functionality. The exhibit has operated without further issues since this upgrade.
The exhibit was successfully unveiled at the 35th annual state MLK commemoration and has become a permanent, reliable feature educating visitors.
Key Features & Contributions
- Interactive Multi-Screen Video Installation: Designed and programmed a touch-responsive video exhibit.
- Custom TouchDesigner Application: Developed interactive logic, video control, timeout, and user tracking.
- Detailed Technical Schematics (Vectorworks).
- Stakeholder Coordination & Project Management.
- On-Site Problem Solving & Long-Term Technical Support: Addressed initial installation challenges and provided ongoing maintenance, including critical hardware replacement and system restoration.
- High-Profile Public Installation: Delivered a robust and engaging exhibit featured in media coverage.
Media & Links
Tools & Technologies Used
- Software: TouchDesigner, Vectorworks
- Hardware
- Displays: 3 x 65″ Class Q70R QLED Smart 4K UHD TVs with touchscreen overlay
- Control (Current): Intel NUC 11 Mini PC (Previously: ZOTAC ZBOX QK5P1000)
- Video Distribution: DATAPATH Fx4 Display Controller