Theory
It is my belief that GPS data serves as an entry point for a larger conversation about how people live. A GPS tracking device, for example, can visualize our daily patterns of movement. Illuminating these and other idiosyncrasies offer the opportunity to influence how people behave.
In revealing the particular that we begin to understand those behaviors we can all relate to as humans. As a designer, these new insights into people and their daily practices offer new approaches or methods for invention.
Abstract
Using the strategies and methodologies of design research, this project examines how GPS technology can help define the unspoken boundaries and expectations between people. Moreover, my research asks how can maps be used to tell an emotional story.
Audience
The intended audience for this project is two fold (and reflects two potential design objects). As a designer, I understand that my work flourishes through the iterative process and co-creative process. In this first case study, I am working closely with a newly wed couple to understand those unspoken boundaries and expectations in their relationship. My first proposal is to create an alternative portrait of my friends in the form of a book.
The second project is a design brief for a personalized GPS system. The intended audience could be those GPS companies (or companies with similar interests). Using the data elicited from the probes, I intended to explore the affordances of GPS to create a more personable form of navigation. These and other speculations can be found inside the book "GPS: Tracking Love." However, I would propose a second study that would put these speculations into practical use.
Initial Research Questions
The list reflects a variety of questions that I would like to answer during the course of the study. These include, but are not limited to:
- How are maps used to tell an emotional story?
- What are the affordances of GPS and how can they be used to create self-authorship?
- What is the relationship between maps and their physical form?
- How does illuminating the idiosyncrasies of life influence behavior?
- When mapping, what is considered "off the map?"
Bounding Terms
The following list of bounding terms reflect the usual themes that run throughout my work:
storytelling, documentation, community, empowerment, communication, the subconscious and unspoken, making the invisible-visible
While these words tend to reflect those particular to this project:
expectations, boundaries, the unspoken, subterfuge, nagging, homonculus
Tentative Schedule
Wk 1: LandSeaAir GPS Tracking Devices given to participants.
Wk 2: Collection of devices, getting acquainted with data.
Wk. 3: Second round of probes
Wk. 4: Visualization of data
Wk 5: Refinements of visualizations, research on technology-based probe
Wk 6: Final refinements for quilt, implementation of technology-based probe
Wk 7: Quilt given to couple, reflective questions on technology-based probe
Wk 8: T.B.D