Location-based audio file in Marseille
A subtle cue on the pavement that indicate that you should press “2″ on the audio-guide. An interesting location-based service which do not necessitate a GPS or any other positioning technology. In this case, it relies on people’s curiosity and will to spot this sort of red dot on the pavement.
Why do I blog this? apart from the general aesthetic of the cue, it’s interesting to contrast this sort of approach and a positioning technique. What are the pluses and minuses? What are the conditions under which it would be better to let people spot such cues (and hence be more active)?
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
There was a cool project in Edinburgh a year or so ago where signs in the shape of an ear were attached to lampposts around the area. Passers by could then either dial then landline number (or use the map and listen online) to hear local history stories being read by local people. You can see a bit more info on the website: http://edinburgh.murmur.info/
I love how both signs are discreet but easy to understand - it also makes it a bit of an orienteering style finding game for kids.