The "Choose Your Own Beverage" Table: Swing Compass in the Wild

Swing Compass is a configurable recommendation system that turns tablet computers into a compass-like device whose interface shows recommended items at different directions. Turning the compass 90 degrees results in different sets of options. Based on the concept of embodied metaphor and choice architecture theory, the design aims to prompt people to reflect on their choices. The first instance of Swing Compass comes with a designed wooden case, turning one single tablet computer into a personal handheld compass. The second instance includes a designed round table, repurposing five tablet computers for a tabletop compass to be placed in public space. This paper describes and proposes a prototype demonstration of the Swing Compass table situated next to a caf. The featured items include different kinds of drinks and containers, with connection to their destinations in the environment. The goal is to elicit reflection on the environmental impacts of choices of beverage.