Midterm review

Posted by: gcbb on: April 4, 2008

In: Uncategorized
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The last few weeks, my project has focused on the citybike as a place for social engagement and interaction.

My early research was much about information in the city, “the local” and social theory. I wanted to investigate what common grounds could be designed for the individuals in the local areas. The point I have come to is to use the citybikes as a tool for mapping the city, and the local areas in the city. As I have said before, I consider the citybikes to be a resource far beyond mere means for transportation. They engage people to move, discover new places and there is an underlying feeling of community around the system.

So why exactly do we need citybikes to map the city ? I believe there is a huge potential in taking the viewpoint of the daily stroller or commuter in the city. Following Guy Debord´s concept of Dérive, the system would let the camera drift through the city, shooting footage from new angles.

Practically, the bikes would be equipped with camera, GPS module, some data storage, an RFID reader, power, and a possibly a LED for feedback.

Three concepts that explore the potential:

1. ClearChannel as a service provider:

Clear channel as the owner of the city bikes, have equipped the bikes with the necessary equipment to take pictures as the bikes are used. The user will have to activate the camera, but other than that she can maintain passive to the system. The footage is mashed on-top of maps, as an alternative to Google´s street view.

2. The citybikes as a tool for expression:

The camera is activated at certain locations throughout the city. The user must pas by to activate the camera, but will then have some photos/video at her disposal. The camera can be triggered while riding the bike. The footage is shared at a website, and the bicycles have dedicated identities, so that you can get the footage from your bike.

3. The bicycling as motivated activity:

When you ride, your stats will be stored alongside triggered footage from your ride. You will have to collect the stats from the bike you rode, locally. The data can be shared and analysed.

Looking at Materials

Further I have looking at materials occurring in the public domain as to see what it takes to make robust interfaces for rugged environments. What I discovered, not surprisingly, is the difference in material from private-public, to public-public. While the first seeks to give impressions of personality and quality (for example wood in doors, mock wrought-iron), the later is about mere performance (galvanised steel, powder-coated steel) without considering the aesthetics.

Prototyping

I´m also looking at what the system could bring of actually interesting footage. This is of course vital for the success and must be thoroughly explored.