Information Ecology
Last Name (alpha): 
Holtzman
Primary administrative contact: 
Lisa S. Lieberson
Research Advisor: 
Mission statement: 
How to create seamless and pervasive connections between our physical environments and information resources.

We have become reliant on digital information for communication, commerce, and entertainment. This information needs to be always available, whether stored locally on our computers, on enterprise servers at work, or via third-party services like GMail. Most importantly, we should have choices beyond desktop computers or smartphones to access it.

The Information Ecology group explores ways to connect our physical environments with information resources. Through the use of low-cost, ubiquitous technologies, we are creating seamless and pervasive ways to interact with our information—and with each other. We focus on projects that harness the ecology of consumer electronics and sensor devices—present and future—to more smoothly mediate the boundaries between the physical and information worlds we inhabit.

What We're Looking For: 

We're looking for students with a background in computer science and/or electrical engineering, an appreciation for design, a desire for creating new interactions, and a love of gadgets. Ideally, group members should be enthusiastic builders of new devices.

Center Content
open hinge wallet screenshot
Our Work at a Glance

We have trouble controlling our consumer impulses, and there's a gap between our decision and the consequences. When we pull a product off the shelf, do we know what our bank account balance is, or whether we're over budget for the month? Our existing senses are inadequate to warn us.

Proverbial Wallets gives us that financial sense at the point of purchase by un-abstracting virtual assets. Tactile feedback reflecting your personal balances and transactions develops a subconscious financial sense that guides responsible decisions. These wallets use Bluetooth to get personal financial information via your smartphone's Internet connection.

Special Requirements: 

A portfolio of work is required with your application.

MIT Media Lab