Researchers at Nottingham and Sussex university have developed a new kind of interactive wall display for community information sharing in public places, called Dynamo.

The idea is for it to be installed in public community centers, like cafes, bars, libraries and other places where people get together and share experiences, but usually only have lightweight technology on them - like mp3 players and digital cameras. Dynamo allows people to plug-in these personal devices via USB2, and place files onto the wall by drag and drop (e.g. music, photos, videos, office docs or live web pages) via its multi-user UI. Files can be posted or exchanged with other people quickly and easily, and with the blinding speed of USB2.

Imagine exchanging big files like music and video with friends and locals in a relaxed social environment, without having to lug your laptop out and about. One day it could even replace the jukebox or bulletin-board in your local bar.

A video and an academic paper are available on the website. Note to webmaster: I think others would agree with me that you should add a description of the project in html so we don’t have to download a PDF or video in order to learn something about your very interesting project.

(Thanks, Harry!)