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In collections of scientific and cultural history that are too big to see, metadata act as virtual handles for rare and delicate artifacts from the past. At the Arnold Arboretum, a collection of long-lived trees, vines, and shrubs managed by Harvard University, landscapes from around the world and across time are stitched together by metadata. However, metadata are worthy of study themselves. Created in varied social and technological eras, they register the organizational structures and values of their time.

How can we preserve the benefits of the present cutting edge technology in streaming music media access and playback while reclaiming, integrating, and supporting those (almost) bygone historical, emotionally valuable experiences involved in “collecting music” into the modern context?

There is a growing semi-automated fleet in the US, and the occupants of many of these semi-automated cars are frequently reading, working, watching movies, and even sleeping. To ensure safety and effective design of products, there is a need to examine the issues of: (a) the impact that being in the car has on performing non-driving tasks; and (b) the impact that performing non-driving tasks has on the person’s ability to re-engage in managing the vehicle’s operation. We are currently studying the task of using virtual reality in a vehicle, and its effect on situation awareness and trust.