MIT Media Lab

The MIT Media Laboratory (short: Media Lab ) is a department of the University of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The University is located in Cambridge (Massachusetts ). The MIT is considered a world-leading university in the field of teaching and research technologiegestützer new forms of communication. It is headed by Joichi Ito.

Creation and development

The Faculty was founded in 1985 by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte and Jerome Wiesner ( former president of MIT). An essential foundation intention was the date forthcoming process of convergence of computer technology, literature and broadcasting, driven by the rapid upheavals in information technology. The MIT Lab Meadia had set itself the goal of establishing to accompany these convergence processes scientifically. After some time advanced by the accelerating rate of media convergence, the field of research. Over time, formed a unique and very comprehensive scientific penetration of the area. The research extend to the scientific investigation of electronic music, graphic design, video and three-dimensional representations ( holography ) and on the research of human-machine interfaces for efficiency -increasing use of computers in practice.

According to the mission statement of its founders, the Media Lab focuses on the research, development and innovative creative use of digital technology to develop new forms of expression and communication.

Among other things, explores the Media Lab human behavior in virtual reality, new communication interfaces such as so-called " software agents " or new forms of communication and forms of information distribution such as the so-called " viral communications " or viral marketing.

The best-known spin -off from the MIT Media Lab is now implemented in the practical project 100 dollar laptop.

The Media Lab now employs 500 staff, research assistants and professors.

Current Research

With extensive design the research areas are correspondingly diverse. Projects are carried out in different areas. Currently, the research covers the following areas: