Technology Strategy Board

According the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) website, the organization “is an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB), established by the [UK] Government in 2007 and sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).” The group is governed by thirteen people and is focused on driving innovation in the UK. Near the end of 2008, TSB acquired an island in the virtual world of Second Life. Their site, built by Pall Ariantho and Kucinta Moody, is laid out with the following areas:

TSB Information Centre—A two-story building houses posters and video showcasing TSB’s missions and goals.

Spittle Auditorium—seating area for events and presentations

Networking Area

Duck Pond—the area around the pond is particularly relaxing and offers seating and fishing activities. (The entire sim was landscaped by April Manamiko)

Events Area—an open-air deck is available for larger, less formal events

Maze—visitors strolling through the hedge maze will find several gift boxes tucked away down several of the paths

Project Centre—This area showcases a virtual straw-bale home and virtual replicas of the Aquamarine Power Oyster, a technology designed to capture energy contained in waves close to the shore.

Sandbox—allows visitors to try out their virtual world building skills

Drayson House - Private—a small home sits on a rise located in the southeastern portion of the sim. This area is restricted to visitors.