Forget social seating on planes, Marriott Hotels has been working with MIT Mobile Lab Experience to create a more social experience at its hotels.
Six Degrees is a prototype social network which works by highlighting the connections hotel guests have with each other.
Guests log in via a mobile application and using data from LinkedIn, a profile of the guest is created based on personal interests and working career. It then aims to match them with like-minded people also staying at the hotel.
An interactive table designed for hotel lobbies helps people who are connected on Six Degrees to meet face-to-face. Using guests' mobile devices or room keycard, the table identifies whether those seated at the table have a connection and lights up to let them know.
Finally, a screen in the hotel lobby shows social events planned at the hotel as well as active users of the social network staying there.
MIT Mobile Lab Experience has been working with Marriott Hotels since 2012 to see how digital tech can be introduced into hotel lobbies.
Last year an MIT team developed Scroll Bar, an interactive surface to help guests find local food options.
Here's a clip of Six Degrees:
MIT Mobile Experience Lab Six Degrees from MIT Mobile Experience Lab on Vimeo.