It is assumed in the field of wayfinding that people prefer getting information from a person, rather than a sign. The Paris-Orly airport in France is testing that assumption with the use of virtual boarding agents. A two dimensional, life-like image is projected onto an acrylic cut out human form. While flight destination information flashes in front of the “agent”, passengers receive well wishes for a bon voyage. The passengers’ reaction to the virtual agent has been mostly positive, although somewhat amused. Airport officials would like to see if this might be an alternative to traditional digital display technology. Perhaps, but our experience tells us actual boarding agents need not worry about losing their jobs to their virtual brethren.
