The CHI 2002 Local Activities Committee is happy to announce two local technical tours.
Note: these tours are now full. If you would like to be added to a waiting list for either tour, please contact chi2002-local-activities@acm.org.
Target Corporation's Usability Lab --
Wednesday, April 24 at lunchtime
Transportation, Simulations, and Culture --
Friday, April 26 morning and early afternoon
Target Corporation's Usability Lab -- Wednesday, April 24 at lunchtime
Target Corporation, one of America's leading retailers, will give a group of up to 20 CHI attendees the chance to see their usability lab and hear about its use. Target's lab is a short walk or cab ride from the convention center, and the tour leader will talk about Target's usability process, describe examples of the projects carried out there and their impact, and answer questions. Target is in the process of building a new usability lab; if that lab is ready, you may be part of the first group to ever tour it!
The Target tour is free of charge, but the number of attendees is limited. Attendance is limited to those who are registered for the CHI conference (including students!).
To be added to a waiting list: Please send mail to chi2002-local-activities@acm.org stating that you would like to be added to the waiting list for the Target tour.
Transportation, Simulations, and Culture -- Friday, April 26 morning and early afternoon
This all-in-one bus tour covers three very different sites in the Twin Cities. Your first stop is the University of Minnesota, where we will visit a human factors research laboratory known for its simultation-based research on transportation. We are still working out the details of which facilities you'll see, but several of us have toured the facility before and know that you're in for a treat. Staff will be on hand to explain the use of the facility and to answer questions about its use in human-subjects research experiments.
Next, we travel down to Northwest Airlines' Pilot Training center, home of NWA's flight simulators. Staff there will lead the group through the facility, showing how the simulators are used for pilot training. Discover the difference between playing flight simulator and the real thing.
Finally, we head to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) for a behind-the-scenes look at their Interactive Media department and a discussion of how they attempt to shape the User Experience. This is our last stop, and is an ideal opportunity for lunch. Stay as long as you like; the Institute is a short cab ride or bus ride from your hotel.
Logistics and Fees: This tour is being arranged through the University of Minnesota, which will rent a bus for the group (limited to 20 attendees). The bus will pick you up at the Convention Center, and will take you through to the MIA -- return from there is on your own, but we'll provide you with all the information you need to get back. The cost of the bus will be divided among the participants, and charged to your credit card (maximum charge: $35, expected to be somewhat lower). The tour will conclude by 2:30 pm, though we invite you to stay longer at the MIA to enjoy the exhibits.
To be added to a waiting list: Please send mail to chi2002-local-activities@acm.org stating that you would like to be on the waiting list for the TSC tour.
Both tours are subject to cancellation (no charges will be made until the tour is confirmed). We will maintain a waiting list for people whose registration we are unable to confirm.
If you have questions, please contact chi2002-local-activities@acm.org.