Interactivity at the Javits

INTRODUCTION

We are pleased to have the opportunity to make this proposal to NYNEX on behalf of IAV. IAV is a New York partnership formed to offer comprehensive videotex services to the private and public markets. The principal partners are Claudia Colbert Consulting Services and The Communication Studio. Together the partners represent a total of 12 years combined experience in videotex and over 30 years experience in related technical fields. IAV is a minority owned and controlled partnership and as such, it has established policies and guidelines as an equal opportunity employer and contractor. IAV represents a formalization of an active partnership that brings to the market a firm with strong complementary skills and expertise in videotex design, production, project management and the marketing of videotex software products.

 

PURPOSE OF THIS PROPOSAL

The purpose of this document is to describe how IAV Associates would design, create, produce, manage, install, train, and maintain a set of integrated video/videotex applications on behalf of NYNEX for the New York Convention Center (NYCC). This proposal should not be construed to represent binding quotations, rather it is an initial estimation of the project requirements as understood to date.

SERVICES

• Message Service Locator
• Maps
• Electronic Signage
• Coming Attractions
• Common Questions
• Classified Ads
• Session Locations
• Bulletin Board
• Exhibitor Profiles
• Restaurant Guide
• Hotel Guide
• Transportation Guide
• News and Weather
• Entertainment Guide
• Community and Government Services
• Spanish,Japanese,French & German Service Versions
• Conference Transcripts

SYSTEM DESIGN PARAMETERS

IAV proposes to provide a cohesive, coherent Information Service offering both design continuity (in the sense of a consistent style or "look" for the NYCC service) and a definite individual service identity (i.e. the use of color coding, logos, icons, and design layout for immediate visual differentiation among services).

IAV proposes to work closely with NYCC in order to ensure that the final system design reflects the needs and desires of NYCC. We anticipate that this process will include broader screen design and database routing issues, such as:

* Establishment of appropriate color themes and icons (reflecting signage, graphics, and design themes used in NYCC printed materials and interior design styles within the Convention Center itself).

* Policy regarding the use of the NYCC logo. (s.a. Does it always appear on every screen. If so, then in what form?)

* Do interactive terminals go into "attractor" mode when not in active use? If so, is this an opportunity for advertising?

* In interactive services, does the user receive on-screen verification of their information request, or does the new screen simply appear?

* Does the system allow for keyword use or cross-referencing among services? (i.e. Should MESSAGING be cross-referenced to the LOCATOR: "Meet me at the restaurant at 2:30.")

* What sorts of "Help" information is available for new users on the interactive system? What sorts of efficiencies will be available for experienced users?

* What form does advertising take on the interactive system?

* Integration of screens with audio? Locally stored music or sound effects as part of user interface?

 

THE DESIGN/PRODUCTION APPROACH

DETERMINE DESIGN PARAMETERS

The first stage of the Service Design Phase involves a process of ongoing give-and-take between the IAV Design Staff and the NYCC (as outlined above). This stage of the process clarifies both screen and database routing design parameters to ensure that both the "face" and the functionality of the system reflect the desires of the NYCC.

CREATE SCREEN TEMPLATES

Several prototypical screen "templates" will be offered to NYCC for approval. TCS screen design technique is based upon the assumption that these are "intelligent screens" (that information about what is ON the screen is actually imbedded IN the screen). The advantages of this approach include flexible re-design and customization, effective management of the "information inventory", ease of update, and substantial byte efficiencies (speed of display, conciseness in storage).

TECHNICAL TESTING

Upon acceptance by NYCC, prototypical templates and database structure will be tested in the VAX-VTX environment for technical integrity and initial user response.

PRE-PRODUCTION

"Libraries" of graphic logos, icons, special effects, and illustration "clip art" will be fleshed out. Maps and floorplans and other templates finalized.

ACCEPTANCE TESTING

Scripts reflecting both casual user requirements as well as editing and update routines will be developed and made available to NYCC for their use in formal acceptance test procedures.

INFORMATION UPDATE PROCESS

Day-to-day entry and update will be handled via operator-mediated keyboard entry, operator-mediated file merging, and automated file merging. @newpage SOME ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ATTRIBUTES

MESSAGING

Visually lean. This should be supported with strong software applications, such as cross-reference to LOCATOR, confirmation of "Message Received", ability to "page" someone, etc. UPDATE TASK: A scaled down version of TCS Textup software in the local terminal allows a user to enter their own text message directly onto NAPLPS frame, providing significant efficiencies in the production and management of this database.

SIGNAGE

Visually elegant; color shifts, blinks, logos, illustrations, and animations make the display attractive and interesting. UPDATE TASK: TCS Textup and Font Handler software allows easy entry, update, and manipulation of a variety of attractive font styles and the merging of "clip art" graphics and special effects by an operator with conventional keyboard skills.

LOCATOR

Visually concise. Appropriate use of color coding, icons, etc. This should be supported by application software which allows cross-referencing to Daily Directory of Events (Where is the session on .....?), cross-referncing to facilities (Where is the nearest bathroom?), etc. UPDATE TASK: TCS design techniques and software now in development allow for scrollable maps and easy identification and management of map location coordinates.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Visually exciting; logos, icons, illustrations and animations. Daily Directory of Events and Event Calendar assumed to be a major part of this service. Should be cross-referenced to LOCATOR and MESSAGING services. UPDATE TASK: TCS Textup allows easy update of textual material and graphic "clip art".

COMMON QUESTIONS

• Design is Visually simple.
• Supported by icons and cross-referenced to LOCATOR and Directory.
• We assume a HELP/TUTORIAL section explaining "How to Use" the interactive service (both "tutorial" for the novice user and "short cuts" for the experienced user).
• Appropriate assistence should be accessible from any point in the service.
• UPDATE TASK: This is assumed to be a relatively static database.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS

We see the NAPLPS Text/Graphic system as a point of integration for a number of applications (some of which are not mentioned in the RFP).

VIDEO TITLING AND GRAPHIC SUPPORT

We propose to meet video integration needs by using TCS Textup and Font Handler software to support full-bandwidth video productions in the NYCC with titling and graphics support services.

PRESENTATION SUPPORT

TCS Textup and the Font Handler can also be used to create quick, inexpensive, and appropriate text/graphic, iconic, logo and illustration support for seminar presentations in NYCC. Images can be used both in video form (for display on monitors or videoprojection screens) and captured on film for use as conventional slides. The "easy updateability" of NAPLPS graphics allows the NYCC to provide exceptionally quick and flexible AV support for conventional seminar situations.

ENTERTAINMENT VEHICLES

NAPLPS graphics can also be used as a display front end for "entertainment" applications; both interactive (s.a. a video game) and passive (s.a. graphics for a music video). These applications are viable as "attractor" modes for the interactive terminals. (The video game approach in particular can be used to teach and encourage use of the interactive systems.) They also might be viewed as "quarter-in-the-slot" revenue generating opportunities as well.

ELECTRONIC CONFERENCING (OUTSIDE OF NYCC)

NAPLPS graphics can be used as conventional text/graphics support for full bandwidth videoconferencing (see above). As simple videotex, NAPLPS allows text/graphics messaging among networked microcomputers, either standalone or as support for voice-grade audioconferencing. This would allow seminars given within NYCC to be distributed broadly.

MARKETING SUPPORT FOR NYCC

NAPLPS graphics screens can be used as presentational support for NYCC's marketing effort, both as electronic screens and as conventional slides.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

We assume that the DEC VAX-VTX system provides a certain range of functionality in terms of database management.

The TCS Textup and Font Handler software utilities provide significant production efficiencies at the point of screen creation and updating. The TCS Show Program allows the easy management of billboarding presentations as well as integration with a videodisc (useful for the "attractor" mode). TCS also has in development software which will address several of the screen management tasks anticipated in the LOCATOR service.

We are also aware that other software packages may support other applications called for in the NYCC RFP.

However, we cannot reasonably assume that ALL of the applications needs of the various services on the NYCC system are completely fulfilled by existing software. Additionally, even if appropriate software already exists, we do not know that it can be immediately integrated into the NYCC production system with ease.

We therefore assume that this contract MUST include a provision for the customization of existing software and the development of appropriate application packages (s.a. video games, user-entered MESSAGING, or LOCATOR support software).

TCS has established a solid record as a software development service (see Product and Client List). We propose that a significant budget allocation be set aside for both software customization and new software application development. This proposal, while addressing minimum personnel requirements for software, does not include quotes for customization.