exploreRIT: An Interactive Timeline of the History of RIT

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has a rich architectural and cultural history spanning over 57 years and the Henrietta Campus has more than 75 buildings, yet there is no central, engaging platform for exploring this heritage. This thesis, exploreRIT, addresses that gap by designing an interactive timeline that showcases the evolution of the campus through detailed building stories, architectural milestones, and contextual events. Using a Microsoft Surface Studio as a kiosk and a custom interface, the project integrates micro-interactions inspired by Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, visual storytelling, and clear information architecture to create a tactile, accessible experience. Through iterative prototyping, archival research, and user testing, exploreRIT transforms a static historical record into an immersive exploration, enriching both institutional memory and visitor engagement. The outcome bridges storytelling and interaction, creating a model for future campus-based narrative installations.