Sign post

Jeroen Beekmans writes: "To inform the world about their (free) Ovi Maps mobile navigation software, Nokia built a house-sized, interactive signpost in the form of a dynamically rotating electronic LED screen, and hung it next to London’s Thames river, 50 meters up in the rainy sky. The gigantic structure allows passers-by to send in a location via text or email and then automatically rotates to the given direction and displays the submitted description (which are called ‘Good Things’ by Nokia, but why?) and the distance to it."

In a manner of thinking, this "sign post" is a related phenomenon, pointing you, in a computer-augmented kind of way, to something I think is worthy of your notice. Nokia's Signpost allows erstwhile anonymous individuals are invited to broadcast their appreciation for particular city sites and services in a way, similar to blogging, that evokes both personal empowerment and public playfulness. The anonymity, accessibility and giant public display all oddly heighten the sense of personal authority - "I can show the world what I like." They also provide an opportunity for a kind of altruism. Unless you're pointing at something you own, you are given the opportunity to advocate places you like - a personal appreciation to share with the world at large and small.

Nokia comments:

"Based on the simplest form of giving someone directions (pointing) it lets you share the places you love, or tells you about the places others love. When the signpost is live it constantly turns and shows the distance and direction to new Good Things. Submit your favorite cafe, an upcoming concert or a rare record store and the signpost will [apparently] automatically turn in the right direction and the giant LED screen will light up.”

via Popup City

from Bernie DeKoven, funsmith