DiMo

project web site

2007-04-26T06:37:00.000-05:00

i have purchased a domain name for the web site. it is...
www.dimoproject.net

Icon public garden

2007-04-25T21:24:00.000-05:00

being iconic...

2007-04-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

boston cyber arts

2007-04-23T08:22:00.000-05:00

here is the link to the web site for the cyber arts... looks pretty interesting: http://bostoncyberarts.org/

icon

2007-04-23T08:16:00.001-05:00

Hyper-Monuments

2007-04-19T07:16:00.000-05:00

Via Turbulence: http://www.turbulence.org/blog/archives/004127.html

Personal GPS

2007-04-13T23:08:00.000-05:00

Transforms into this?

The top image made me think of Paul's project. He layed a grid over Boston which is intended to make navigation easier throughout the city. Paul, perhaps you could do a similar formation to this one, with only a few specific destinations you would like people to travel to, thus making your project more analytical. I am not sure if an actual code that is to be scanned can have letters within the squares but it may be something to think about.

This page was found on http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/visual/images/hw_codes.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/visual/hw_codes.html

Navigation Help using Connexto (Poor Man's Personal GPS)

2007-04-12T07:19:00.000-05:00

By overlaying an imaginary grid over the North end, we are able to bring more of a sense of order to the mess of gnarled one-way streets that make up the 400 year old neighborhood. Placing signs on streets that correlate to the grid give people and electronic devices (cell phones with Connexto) points of reference against one another.

-Each square on the grid will be given coordinates (alphabetical on one axis, and numerical on the other), and a sign featuring a map with coordinates and a Connexto code that will refer to each sign's location will be placed at major points on the grid.

-Each Connexto code will bring a Connexto user to a page that sets their location as a beginning point.
-The user will then enter grid coordinates where they want to arrive.
-A Java applet or a matrix of HTML pages will then display directions from one location to another.

LaunchPad

2007-04-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Devin here from Sprint. You have all been sent a email invitation to join LaunchPad. I see that most of you have registered. If you haven't received an email, contact me.

If you have any problems at all or questions you can contact me at

Mobile: 913-568-8606
Email: devin dot cheevers at sprint dot com
Skype: dceeee

I hope you all can have a go at using LaunchPad this week, there is a discussion forum and blogs which you can create and contribute to.

Dev

facade tech

2007-04-09T07:41:00.000-05:00

For those interested in experimenting with building facades, this something that may be of use.

KTA SmartWrap

Biking on the Trail

2007-04-05T07:40:00.000-05:00

overview map of the project
each circle identifies the corners of which the codes will be placed.

placing codes at vital corners
one of the example is at the corner of beacon street charles street. this is where the common and the public garden meets. the code will help visitors navigate to points of interest in the area.
scanning code on the move
aaron, an avid cyclist, mentioned that someone on a bike may not want to stop to scan the code. so i tested an option of putting the code on the ground. in order for one to scan the code at a distance, i skewed the code to compensate the perspective. this didn't quite work as i thought.

giving a reason for people to stop and scan
i went back and explore the option of having the visitor stop and scan something. this means that there needs to be a reason for a person to stop, ie. traffic corners or kiosk.

implementing the codes
i start to explore implementing the code on the sidewalk. instead of painting the sidewalk, may be i can use a more permanent materials that would last longer while enhancing the appearance. materials like amerian olean legacy glass tiles. another possibility is placing the code at the edge of the crosswalk so that a person on a bike don't have to come up on to the sidewalk.
scanning the code
one of the options that could help a visitor on a bicyclist scanning the code would be to have a bluetooth camera that would link to the phone. the phone would be attached to the handle bar of the bike. this option would allow a visitor to scan without dismounting the bike.

Mid Review.King's Chapel. Ashley

2007-04-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

View of the interior, notice to the two markers in the center aisle.

Images of the chapel throughout its lifetime. Top left to bottom right: interior drawing from the beginning of the 20th century, exterior perspective drawing from the beginning of the 20th century, drawing from the 1930s?, drawing of the original and nonexistent wooden chapel, sketch of the chapel, drawing of the proposed chapel, and picture of present day.

Diagram illustrating the two zones of information. Top three images are descriptions displayed at various height locations, bottom three pictures display information that is collected. The far right image depicts the translation sheets for foreigners coded by color.

Diagram illustrating the existing positions of the markers and a view images of what this markers look like.

Investigating the proportions from phone to code at two different height locations.

Breaking down the grid of the code. How code works for different languages: Spanish, French, Russian, German, Japanese, Italian.

Diagram describing the concept of views restricted areas of the common visitor. One can scan code and view images or video of approx. view a floor above (mezzanine) and floor below (crypts).

Coded Pub Crawl

2007-04-05T07:25:00.002-05:00

Josh's Mid Project Review

2007-04-05T07:25:00.001-05:00

My presentation can be found through the following URL: http://www.potatojustice.com/Josh/Digital%20and%20Mobilities/

Matt Miloszewski Mid Review

2007-04-05T07:25:00.000-05:00

matrix update

2007-04-05T07:22:00.001-05:00

Here is the first page of my project matrix updated. The green highlights are files I have already created.

The files are layed out om my computer the same way they will be layed out in the code. This way users will be directed to the information they want quickly.

I figured it would be easier for everyone to check out this website through a phone if it was in barcode format. This is a sample of existing sites I am finding that I can link users to for up to date info about local places. This one in particular is movie times at Loews.

Here is an example of a map made to direct tourests from the Park Street Church to Loews Theatre.

the mobile post

2007-04-05T07:22:00.000-05:00

The idea behind the mobile post and the freedom trail has two main goals. The first and major goal is to get the idea of the code out into the public eye without keeping it contained to one perminate position. The other main feature is to relate it back to the freedom trail for the tourist who is travling all around the city looking for spots to stop at and see, or just for the bored college kids on a weekend. transportation runs all across the trail, and with this code they would be able to establish where to go and where to stop and start with the type of traspertation they are using.

Blurring the line between history and entertainment

2007-04-05T07:19:00.000-05:00

midterm presentation - Aaron W.

2007-04-05T07:11:00.000-05:00

can be found here...

Mid-Semester Progress

2007-04-05T07:09:00.000-05:00

It's all in the pictures...

Tangent trail from the State House

2007-04-05T07:08:00.000-05:00

This is what i have so far. the trail isnt done yet and there are pictures missing that i still need to take. also, i havnt made the pages that tags will link to yet.

public garden bookmark

2007-04-05T07:05:00.001-05:00

When entering the public garden you will be able to pick up a little green booklet that will allow you to explore and link your self to the historical statues and events of boston through the 2-D code. The cover of the booklet contains significant images that are part of the public garden.

Once you pick up the booklet you will be able to open up the flaps and reveal a map of the public garden. Each flap is connected to a significant landmark in the garden along with a 2-D code linking you to a page with information about the place you choose to explore.

The 2-D codes will be linked to a internet page such as wikipedia to explore the history in-depth as well as linking you to other information related to the subject. The other option is to make the web page on my own as seen on the page and create the links on your own.

NorthEnd Review

2007-04-05T07:05:00.000-05:00

A Method to Madness

2007-04-05T06:57:00.000-05:00

The gnarled urban plan that is Boston, with its one-way streets that circle back on themselves and places where you can be on four different streets at the same time can make it difficult for even the most proficient of travelers to navigate the city successfully. Using Connexto code, I propose that imaginary grids be placed over different neighborhoods throughout the city with signs posting a code that correlate to the grid sign's grid-coordinate location.

EXAMPLE

Someone is in grid block A2 and is trying to meet a friend a G16. After scanning an A2 code, the cell phone is directed to a Java applet in which a person can enter another grid coordinate and get street directions to that particular place.

ConnexTo Code #2...

2007-04-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

Doesn't work either. Tried playing with the depth values and lighting but nothing (even making all the ends coplanar) worked. Currently debating my next step.

Amir's (from connexto) post!

2007-04-02T18:42:00.000-05:00

Amir Rozenberg from Connexto has been a key actor in the making of DiMo's project... He has written a wonderful work-boosting post on the project: Boston Freedom Trail Reloaded! Everyone, keep the work going :)

Biking the Trail

2007-04-02T09:17:00.000-05:00

Monday morning.

I biked to the Boston Common two weeks ago to check out the anti-war rally. I rode along the Storrow Drive trail along the Charles river. By the Hatch Shell there is a pedestrian footbridge that leads from the river to the Boston Common. When I got to Beacon Street I found myself wondering where I should go from there in order to get to the Common. Then I realized that it would be helpful if I could scan a code with my cell phone and that would give me directions to different places.

My project is essentially an extension of the the freedom trail to both edges of the water (Charles River in the West and Boston Harbor in the East). Below is the map of the proposed project (click map to enlarge).

Each point along the trail would have the code that would help give directions to other areas along the trail. A visitor to the city may enjoy the scenic trail along the river as well as having an option of going into the city to visit different historic sites, discover the charm of the old Beacon Hill streets, or grab lunch at a new diner.

one of the ways that might be possible to represent to code for the visitor would be along the light poles. This possibility gives high visibility to visitors as well as easy to locate for people who are not familiar with the area. The downside to this proposal would be that there needs to be a permission from the city official. The process would take time and may not guarantee the approval.

The second option in representing the code is to put it on the sidewalk. The top image is employing the traditional way of painting the sidewalk. the background would be white to give the contrast to the code for easy scanning. The bottom image represents how a code could directly imprinted on to the brick sidewalk. A dot of a code would occupy a piece of brick this creating a subtle pattern on the sidewalk. This method would need to be tested to see if a code can be read with a textured background such as the brick sidewalk.

Second visit to King's Chapel

2007-04-02T07:58:00.001-05:00

At my second visit to King's Chapel I investigated the existing condition of the displayed markers in the chapel illustrated in the diagram above. This diagram describes the somewhat confusing display of markers. After talking to one of the employees, Mike, he explained to me how most of the markers are displayed in arbitrary locations, and most markers are located near an area where a visitor is not able to go to (i.e. the description of the crypts in the lower level is located near the basement stairs.) I want to think of a way where the code link could display more information about areas where one is restricted from.

The second diagram describes the condition where information is displayed in the chapel and information for collection in the vestibule. The vestibule carries all of the paper and pamphlets of information for the visitor. There is other information pamphlets not displayed, and has to be requested for (i.e. wedding package).

inverted codes

2007-04-02T07:06:00.000-05:00

don't work...

the future of architecture

2007-04-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

mobile 2

2007-04-02T06:58:00.000-05:00

mobile 1

2007-04-02T06:57:00.002-05:00

human scale 3

2007-04-02T06:57:00.001-05:00

human scale 2

2007-04-02T06:56:00.000-05:00

human scale 1

2007-04-02T06:55:00.000-05:00

building study 3

2007-04-02T06:54:00.000-05:00

building study 2

2007-04-02T06:53:00.000-05:00

Web Site Intro

2007-04-02T06:44:00.000-05:00

Project Dimo (Digital Mobilities), is an exercise being conducted to explore how people interact with their physical surroundings and how technology can enrich this experience. Wentworth Institute of Technology students have been working with a new electronic labeling product called Connexto which allows Sprint cell phone users to create "codes" that users can scan with their cell phones and that will link them to a file on the Internet. The file could be a web page, sound, picture, or video clip.

As part of the experiment, Wentworth students have been exploring the possibilities of reinventing Boston's historical Freedom Trail as we know it to include these codes and bits and bytes of file information. Some potential uses for this technology are being displayed on this web site and its containing pages.

space

2007-04-02T06:41:00.000-05:00

The idea behind what i looked in my studies was to look at the idea of space in many different scales. these scales ranged from the urban scale of major buildings being portraide as code, down to a very small scale of maybe just a brick or even smaller being used. How would a person understand what is going on around them? What do they see from close up and from a distance? And what can a city turn into? these are all questions that came up before and while i was doing my exercises in looking at space. The end result being a buildings study, and a more human scale study. The building study played off the idea of space for the mass of people. For the thousands of boston locals to see from all around and to use to each of their own discretions. The human scale is more compact of course, its for those who find themselves in a place of time relative to the code. The third study that there is was the idea of the mobile code. street venders have the ability to move from one place to another place on a day to day basis. This would allow for the code to become nomadic and move among the people to different spaces and show different groups of people the message that is behind the dots.

New Bar Codes Can Talk...

2007-04-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

To read: New Bar Codes Can Talk...
The New York Times, an article by LOUISE STORY | Published: April 1, 2007

Moving through virtual space

2007-04-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

matrix update

2007-04-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

This is what my project matrix looks like now. I am slowly filling in spots with text documents and maps to direct people to the various destinations within the code.

Here is an example of a map. I am curious as to how this image will show up on the phone. This is one of the closer maps (to McDonalds), and I think it will appear too small on the phone screen to clearly read the street names. I am starting to think if it might be possible to not show the whole map, but have it zoomed in to the start point and the user can follow along and use the directional buttons as they walk? Can anyone else think of a way to solve this problem?

2007-03-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

Looking at the trail going through the area near the Old State House, it flows in a fairly linear fashion. It comes up along the side, cuts in front of the entrance to the State subway stop on the Orange Line. then cuts through the main intersection via crosswalks and onward to Fanueil Hall. One observation I had seen when looking at the surrounding area. a lot of vendors have set themselves up either right on top of, or right on the freedom trail line. I unfortunately do not have a picture of this at the moment. But this was happening not just near the Old State House, but down near Faneuil Hall and the markets, even more vendors were set up right on the Freedom Trail. This can attest to a sort of blending of the modern and the historical of the Freedom Trail by allowing the walkers along the trail to see the historical sites and experience more modern foods along the way.
Another thing that I had noticed about the Old State House area was that a lot of the walkers on the freedom trail really only went into the middle of the intersections and took a picture of the front of the state house instead of actually going inside of the state house. This could be because when people are walking along the freedom trail the entrance to the Old State House isnt terribly obvious. If anything the entrance to the subway station is more obvious than the entrance to the historical part of the area. A use of the tags could be to point the walkers in the right direction to actually see the entrance to the State House.

figure ground facades

2007-03-29T09:03:00.000-05:00

Breaking it down by age.

2007-03-29T08:08:00.000-05:00

So I'm creating a network of trails by age group. Blue is for adults and seniors. Green is for young adults ages 12-20. Yellow is for children. If anyone has suggestions, questions, or comments, please let me know.

NorthEnd networking

2007-03-29T00:12:00.000-05:00

I have created a series of diagrams that locate several known and not so well known locations in the North End. The second image is how the nodes link to each other diagrammatically to form a path. In this case there are two paths that can be taken to follow just the landmarks or to wander through to the lesser known spots. The pink spots that are being called off are just the few spots that I know about as of now. I intend to interview more members of the neighborhood to try and find all of the small underground places that the locals go to. It is this element that is considered the human effect in travelling. When travelling it is best to ask someone for good locations. In this case I will eliminate the need for human interaction in order to provide destinations and attractions to the tourists. The last image shows what a full networked web would look like when more places are discovered and linked to.

The end goal is to create a digital tourguide that replaces the everyday local in the North End. There is also a North End tour company on Hanover St. that charges close to 50 bucks to walk you around the neighborhood. People liked what they saw but feel it costs too much money. This should alleviate that problem, and add a dynamic sense of discovery to the experience that is completely lost when being led by a human tour guide in a large group. Individually you can experience things how you want to experience them without the constraints of the guided tour. These are reviews of just two of the original pink starred locations (the two places I know about now.)

DiMo Puzzle #2

2007-03-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

Since depth was the main culprit (or at least I think so) in why Puzzle #1 didn't work, I decided to start on another that would allow some experimentation with depth to gain a better understanding of its implications:

components: grid, stand, pegs

grid/stand assembly w/ pegs

view of partially completed assembly. the perspective distortion is evident here and makes me wonder if it would be possible to easily fabricate the puzzle to compensate for this.

So the grid/stands are going to be painted white, and the pegs will have one end (the round only) painted white and the other painted black. This way one can change the orientation of the pegs to correspond to the fore/aft value in the code. I'll be picking up more material tomorrow to finish it with, so hopefully be the end of the day Friday it'll be either done or close to.

Working on the grid assembly reminded me of two childhood games: Connect Four and Lite-Brites. Both could be used as a model for playing with codes, although the Lite Brite might seem to be too closely related to the Mooninite scare for Amir's taste

I also figured out a way to make the sliding tile pieces as discussed in class, just need to get some MDF board to make those out of. The mathematics of the fifteen puzzle (a variation of the standard sliding puzzle) are pretty interesting, and worth reading about here.

Experimentation is very exciting, good or bad

2007-03-27T20:11:00.000-05:00

Great work Aaron! It is important for us to figure out as many ways as possible for us to do coding as early in the process as possible.

DiMo puzzle #1

2007-03-27T08:12:00.000-05:00

Finished model w/ Sprint phone for scale

I scrapped the plexi/marker idea because I saw it as an easy way to a result, so instead I made the horizontal and vertical pieces out of small square stock. Each direction is on a different plane, supported by the frame that is inset into the cover piece.

Opened puzzle. I still need to get the right hardware to attach the cover to the hinges, but at this point I'm willing to let it sit as because a couple screws isn't worth riding my bike on Melnea Cass Blvd.

The code doesn't work however. The shadows created by the horizontal/vertical pieces ruin the contrast between the fore/aft elements. I tried taking the code with a variety of lighting situations but it just didn't work. On to the next experiment!

keeping track

2007-03-25T14:48:00.001-05:00

Is it at all possible to have to 2d posts store information on line as you sing in and scan it, it would ask you for your name, or where you are from. So it would keep track of all the people that scanned it. In a way it would be a like a guest book that you sign when you go to a museum or something. I think it would be interesting to look back at the end or even as you scan it, and see who else was here before you.

problems with Connexto?

2007-03-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

I can't use the login that was provided by Amir to generate codes, keeps coming up as invalid. Anyone else having this problem or is it me?

King's Chapel

2007-03-25T13:56:00.000-05:00

I went to visit King's Chapel and performed a little experiment with the phones given to us. I was given permission by the director to use the space for the duration of the project and actually put the 2D codes to the test. During my visit, I was experimenting the proportion of the code and the distance needed to scan the code. The space itself is a little cramped with only (approx) four foot walkways and many people walking around. The chapel already has a system of designated areas where information is given. There about 20 marked areas, but it is not very organized in the means of circulation. I took a lot of pictures, which I can show, but I need to go back and investigate more because I did not have a lot of time. I also decided investigated how one could scan the code from the exterior of the building and the sidewalk. I seemed to notice that many people were looking at the code when I stood a good distance away taking pictures.

postage code

2007-03-24T08:25:00.000-05:00

It makes complete sense when you think about it: in a small amount of real estate you have access to sending/receiving addresses, dates, postage rates, etc. I'm sure that USPS has a way of updating this information, so that every time a package is scanned at a new location on its way to its destination, the history of the movement of the package is included in the code.

encoded branding

2007-03-23T08:11:00.000-05:00

not sure if this will work because I don't have a phone to check it with, so if someone could do that for me it would be rad.

I was thinking about how we could involve some sort of branding into the code, rather than adjacent to. then I remembered the semapedia codes we had talked about in class, and how they had a chunk of the code covered by their advertisement and they still worked. Its my understanding that the code system is made so that parts can be missing and the information can still be delivered to the computer. Wanted to work on this last night, but since the school network was down I didn't have a chance, so this morning while at home I bumped this out. basically I took the DiMo code that Ashely posted earlier and added/changed pixels as needed to fit a rudimentary 'dimo' into the code.

some codes to think about

2007-03-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

http://mobile.yelp.com/biz/uYqizPy4eUSpwOha0RkVPg

http://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=theater&id=69
(for those without the phones)

Heres a site I found while looking for food reviews in the area I needed. I thought it was intersting not only because it has all the reviews but the map link seems to work really well. I also found movie times :)

2007-03-22T08:21:00.000-05:00

DiMo Blog code

2007-03-22T08:18:00.000-05:00

This 2D code is linked to our blog page.

Can multiple mosaics create code?

2007-03-22T08:07:00.000-05:00

Here are some works of Chuck Close. He uses multiple mosiacs that may seem out of focus from upclose but if the viewer backs up the image will unreveal itself. This may be one way we may try to munipulate our codes.

Images were taken from www.mediabistro.com and http://www.philipglass.com/images/compositions/a-musical-portrait-of-chuck-close.jpg

DiMo Code!

2007-03-22T07:36:00.000-05:00

North End project synopsis

2007-03-21T22:49:00.000-05:00

The North End is a tight knit community that has several major nodes and places of importance historically, and as far as contemporary tourism is concerned. However when tourists travel to the North End whether walking freely or walking the Freedom Trail, they often get lost and cannot locate their destinations. A long time resident of North Square where Paul Revere’s house is located said he continuously has to point out PR’s house even though the people are standing in front of it. The goal of this specific project is to provide tourists with a visually aided set of directions to help guide them through the area. Directions, as well as pictures of what to look for will be included in the website. Placement of the code is somewhat sketchy at the moment because as the issue stands now, it seems that it will have to be done discreetly and “under the radar.” All of the nodes in the North End are close enough to include in one project with additional “support” locations as well. No other project has really included the landmarks in the North End so this one website will help to connect them all.

tagging method

2007-03-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

For my Freedom Trail tagging project, I plan on going to the Massachusetts State House point of the trail. For one thing, the state house is very visible from most of the Commons and surrounding streets and once you are in front of it you can look over a wide area of Boston because its very high up. It is also (obviously) the central point of the Massachusetts state government. There are two methods I may use to tag this spot, I haven’t decided which one to use. I may end up doing both.

Method 1.
I would take advantage of the views from various sides of the State House and place tags on objects adjacent to a view of a particular area of the city. The link from the tag might say something about a part of that view like a building or section of the city. For example a view of the Back Bay area my be tagged with links to various web pages that talk about the history of Back Bay –how it was planned, filled in, developed, etc.

Method 2.
I would use the governmental significance of the State House and place tags that link to various other municipal buildings in the nearby area. I would then place tags on those buildings as well that do the same thing. In this way I would create a tagged network of all municipal buildings in the area. If this were to continue there would be a tagged network of all the municipal buildings in the city.

Those are just a couple ideas for how I might go about this project. These ideas may be added to, changed, or combined as I get more into it.

Zander

North End transformer!

2007-03-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

This process shows the transformation of the North End figure ground into a 2D Code. Possible logic to use for creating the codes.

Park Street Church Code

2007-03-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

This is my idea for the arrangement of information on the Park Street Church code. I know it will be expanded and changed, but it's a start. I am still not sure on the physical placement of the code, there are not too many options for signage on the corner, but perhaps on the fence to the burial ground next door.

Human Ecology

2007-03-21T12:52:00.000-05:00

Who uses the site? What is their purpose? And when do they use this site? These questions begin bringing up spatial concepts for any particular site. The morphology of a site is the study of the form, shape, and structure of the environment and has to be paid close attention to. Hanover street is a dynamic axis, passage, and or node, lined with mixed-use developments which act as multi-purpose destinations. These buildings offer a variation of public and private space such as shops, offices, and living spaces. Human ecology is a very important factor in the sculpting of space. How do people actually use the builings and outdoor spaces that occupy the land on and around which they inhabit? Many people use this street as a means of passage from the land to water. Others may use it as meeting place. This street acts as a place for celebrations of events. This site is occupied by varying age groups all throughout the day and night.

Digital Urban Blog

2007-03-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

DiMo-relevant blog:

http://digitalurban.blogspot.com

A few pics from spring break

2007-03-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple images from spring break I thought related to the class, though a little off topic of the Freedom Trail which will make up the majority of this blog.

Team 2: collect/curate people's testimonies (Post 1)

2007-03-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

To begin my analysis, I went to the information center in Boston Common at the beginning of the trail. My objective was to analyze the area and see what could be done to expand on peoples’ interests in the area. I approached ten groups of people who went to the information center, making the assumption that they were either unfamiliar with the area, or interested in following the Freedom Trail. The answers that I am providing below are derived from the answers of each group.

Questions:

Question 1: Have you come to this area to see the freedom trail, or are you interested in touring the freedom trail within the near future?
Answer: 6 groups – yes, 4 groups – no

Question 2: Have you been to the Freedom Trail before?
Answer: 4 groups – yes (2 from each group above), 6 groups – no

Question 3: Where are you from?
Answer: 3 groups – Greater Boston area, 5 groups – Out of state, in the United States, 2 groups – Out of state, outside of the United States

Question 4: If you have been to the Freedom Trail before, what was your reaction, what did you like and what did you dislike?
Answer: Composed of the 4 groups that have previously toured the trail: Likes included learning about the history of the city, seeing many of the famous sites in Boston, and having an alternative to a guided tour. Dislikes included where the trail ends, leaving you in a remote part of Boston with no easy way to travel back besides retracing your steps. Dislikes also included a narrow-minded approach to Boston’s history, only focusing on one period in time, the Revolutionary War era.

Question 5: If you have not been to the Freedom Trail before, what attracted you to follow the trail?
Answer: Composed of the 6 groups that have not been to the Freedom Trail: Expectations include learning about the city’s rich history, seeing why Boston is so unique, and seeing the sights that the city has to offer. 2 groups had no expectations but were told that the Freedom Trail is a must by friends and family.

Question 6: What types of sites do you hope to see/do you wish were along the trail that are not currently points of interest on the trail-map?
Answer: Places to stop and rest like cafes and restaurants, and areas to sit and “people-watch.” The exception to this is the Quincy Market area. Sites that show more about Boston’s more recent history. The Public Garden (mentioned by 2 groups in particular) and the waterfront (mentioned by a group that has not yet traveled along the trail).

Question 7: How far would you be willing to deviate from the trail to see a point of interest in Boston? 1/8 mile, ¼ mile, ½ mile, ¾ mile, 1 mile? Please answer this as if you were planning to walk the entire trail, from the starting point to the USS Constitution, in one day.
Answer: 5 groups: ¼ mile, 4 groups: ½ mile, 1 group: ¾ mile

Question 8: In order for you to see an important site off the trail, would you want to return to the same point that you left the trail from, or would you rather return further along the trail, possibly missing one of the current 16 points of interest?
Answer: 2 groups: We’d rather return to the point that we left the trail from, 4 groups: as long as we get back to the trail, we can always backtrack to a missed point of interest, 2 groups: we’d be willing to miss a point of interest as long as we get back on the trail. We’d treat is as an alternative route. 2 groups: not sure.

Question 9: What brought you to Boston, especially with the cold weather right now?
Answer: 3 groups: day trip/just out and about, we already live in the area. 1 group: business trip, taking an extra day because it’s our first time to really see the city. 2 groups: pleasure trip, beating the school breaks. 1 group: we let the kids choose where they wanted to go, and they had been learning about the Revolutionary War in school (both kids in 4th grade). 1 group: we couldn’t afford a honeymoon to Mexico. 2 groups: we love the city and come often.

Question 10: What is your favorite point of interest on the Freedom Trail? If you haven’t walked the freedom trail before, which point are you most interested in seeing?
Answer: 1 group: Paul Revere House, 3 groups: Quincy Market area, 2 groups: USS Constitution, 1 group: the State House, 1 group: the Old State House, 1 group: the Old South Meeting House, 1 group: Old North Church

Quick Note: I was very surprised at the diversity of people’s interests for points on the site. I expected to get many more answers for Quincy Market, and fewer for other areas.

Incorporating the barcode technology: I believe that we must focus on the interests of the people before we can figure out exactly how to incorporate our technology. We should focus on the answers to questions 6, 7, and 8, and question 10 may be especially relevant to analyze which sites we might be able to bypass. I believe that if we develop the barcode so that it can be placed on the ground, on the red line itself, it could be an effective way to catch people’s attention. Those who are following the trail will be looking down at the line often to be sure that they are going in the right direction. Children often attempt to walk exactly on the line, balancing themselves as if they’re walking on a balance beam. Although I’m unsure of the durability of our barcodes, this would also eliminate the issue of defacing the sites by placing stickers on the gates of cemeteries and on the sides of buildings.

Using the technology to our advantage: I propose that we treat the “trail extension” that we are creating as a scavenger hunt of sorts. I believe that we should put a sticker on the trail that directs the to a hypertext asking them if they’re interested in, for example, a restaurant. If they say yes, we ask them what kind of restaurants, and when they choose, we ask them how far they would like to walk. We then give them directions, without actually telling them what the name of the restaurants is. This is ultimately expandable (the blogging idea that we’ve touched on in class) as people can add new restaurants with new directions, creating a web of information available on the phone. We can do the same type of thing to direct people to the public garden, or the Charles River, and any other sites that people may be interested in. At this particular site, I would also like to consider Downtown Crossing, the Hatch Shell, and possibly Commonwealth Avenue as far as the Prudential Center’s observation deck (perhaps even by the Green Line which is the oldest subway system in the United States). We would probably need a durable material to make these out of since they are on the ground. 3M makes vinyl wraps for use on surfaces like this. I used to coordinate installations for them at Massport, and they can withstand foot traffic for up to a year. They would probably be removed during the winter by shovels, etc. but are relatively cheap to replace.

hello from terry

2007-03-19T07:55:00.001-05:00

yay, i'm in!