MSIS Behind the Scenes: Institute of Medicine Inductee wall in Med Sci I

This “MSIS Behind the Scenes” story is the first in a series that tells the stories behind our MSIS projects, celebrates successes, and showcases our great work. All MSIS’ers are encouraged to contribute stories to this series.

The next time you’re in Med Sci I, head over to the UMMS Office of Admissions and you’ll notice a very impressive display near the “fishbowl” conference room.

Six interactive panels recessed into the wall provide a seamless transition
from the traditional framed portraits (in the background) to this high-tech display.

This multi-panel, interactive, ADA compliant display reflects the inspiration and work of Rob Levitt, his team, and Charlotta Jared serving as Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) for the project.

The project started when Horace Bomar, Medical School Director Facilities Management, contacted MSIS about doing display showcasing the 2014 Institute of Medicine Inductees from U-M. Bomar originally envisioned static images on a white wall arranged around a digital sign that would play a slide show. Rob thought the project needed a real “wow” factor and suggested a more-dynamic, interactive concept where pressing on a display would activate a larger screen and show more info. 

Once the project was green-lighted, Rob began planning the display wall. He selected six Planar displays for their high brightness and contrast, longevity, and low heat output (an important consideration in that narrow corridor, which would have amplified the heat from displays).

Bomar and the MSIS project team met with Marissa Watson from interior design to discuss the project. Watson raised concerns that the depth of displays would make them come out too far into the corridor, where more than 4” would violate ADA standards. Rob decided to recess the display monitors into the wooden wall, which ended up providing a better visual integration with the existing framed portraits on the adjacent wall.

A search feature allows users to interact with the display. An ADA button on the display moves the keyboard to the lower right for access by a person in a wheelchair.

 The team discussed and carefully considered usability issues in terms of ADA compliance. They added a button that moved the keyboard from the center to the lower panel to ensure a person in a wheelchair person could interact with the display.

When programming and designing the look and feel for the display, Rob worked with Michael Blake and John Dornoff in Michigan MultiMedia (M3). M3 worked on the color palette, design, and overall appearance of the slides and background. Kevin Bergquist, Communications Manager in the Dean’s office, wrote the bios, obtained photos, and provides ongoing content management, for example, adding additional inductees each year. 

The wall is also used to display other content and promote UMMS events and activities, most recently Medical School graduation and a tribute to Alfred Taubman. In April, the wall featured “Second Look Weekend,” when accepted students are invited back to Ann Arbor to learn more about the Michigan Medical School experience. The display featured photos of each student who attended Second Look Weekend. The students were so surprised and delighted by this that several stood there waiting to see their photos come back through the rotation.

Search results are displayed at eye level for
easier reading by anyone in a wheelchair.