Raise your hand if you didn’t move any computers in the last year.
Your campus is always changing. Whether it’s a new wing of the library, additional lab for engineering students or a student center arranged with a lot more space between computers, odds are you’ve had to move, add or remove machines over the last year.
How do you communicate those changes to students?
These 10 colleges and universities are using LabMaps–live maps of available computers on campus to show students exactly where they can find the computer they need now.
LabMaps – Live Availability Maps
LabMaps are an easy way to help students find available computers in real time. Backed by LabStats’ real-time data, a LabMap is a custom map of your space with three dynamic icons that show when a computer is available, in use or offline.
Computer Availability Icons
LabMaps are easy to build, just drop the dynamic icons onto your floor plan or a simple map. You can also get creative and add software icons, study spaces and future expansion plans.
Check out these 10 examples of LabMaps made by LabStats customers.
This clean and straightforward LabMap from Manhattan College makes it easy for students to spot an open computer.
Manhattan College LabMap
Manhattan College went a step further and used the LabStats API to build a full-featured resource called LabSeat with additional ways for students to find an open computer.
Mount Royal University used icons with the Windows logo over each computer to show that this lab has PC computers. You can also show Mac OS computers with LabMaps.
The Fashion Institute of Technology used creative icons to show everything from software programs to printer stations. You can see that their LabMap highlights Rhino software in one room of the library, making it easy for students to find what they need.
Fashion Institute of Technology LabMap
4. Iowa State University
Iowa State University uses big icons to show which computers are available in real time. They include the identifying code for each computer, making this a dual use map for students and IT staff.
Iowa State LabMap
5. University of Kansas
Even with a complex layout, LabMaps can help students find an open computer. The University of Kansas created a fantastic layout and clearly show students where to find and open computer.
University of Kansas LabMap
6. University of Wisconsin
Even without table outlines, the University of Wisconsin has made it easy to see where the open computers are located. You don’t need a fancy floor plan or expert design skills to create a useful LabMap.
University of Wisconsin LabMap
7. New York University
With computers nestled in different rooms, New York University made it easy to find an available computer without wandering through every corner of the building. This really helps students navigate to the computer they need directly, without running into unnecessary traffic.
New York University LabMap
8. University of Baltimore
The University of Baltimore included group study areas and future expansion plans in their LabMap.
University of Baltimore LabMap
9. Utah Valley University
With a simple and clean design, Utah Valley University highlights open computers as well as printers.
Utah Valley University LabMap
10. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
This LabMap from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette includes a simple numbering system which makes it easy for students meeting up for a group project to find a row of open computers together and plan exactly where to meet.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette LabMap
LabMaps are an easy way to put LabStats data to work by helping students find open computers.
