UST a.i.r. Project Wins “Design Distinction” Rating

With delays, gate changes, and ever changing rules, an airport can be an intimidating place for all travelers, but particularly for those with visual, cognitive, or auditory difficulties.  Professor AnnMarie Thomas, undergraduate student John Gorman, and lab manager John Angeli proposed a new device that could alleviate some of the stress.  Their “a.i.r.: airport information relay” system was awarded “design distinction” in the Concept section of I.D. Magazine’s 2009 Annual Design Review. The project was featured in the July/August issue of I.D. Magazine, on I.D. magazine’s website (http://www.id-mag.com/annualdesignreview2009/?catid=8083&slide=3) , and in an exhibit at Material Connexion in New York City.  John Gorman and Professor Thomas attended the exhibit opening party, and enjoyed the chance to peruse Material Connexion’s materials library.

“Since 1954, the Annual Design Review has recognized the best in product, furniture, graphic, and environment design, from the iconic to the obscure. Throughout the years, this annual showcase has chronicled the evolution of design, and highlighted its impact on our material and visual culture. Each year, the featured work is chosen by a jury of leading practitioners, who, along with I.D.'s editorial team, focus the abundance of submissions into a clear survey of the state of design. “ (from www.id-mag.com)