A notebook about design projects and provocations written by Raphael Grignani in California since 2005.
How to solve the “let’s meet at…” and “hey, where are you?”

Tags: infrastructure, location, losangeles, navigation, tokyo
77 Madison AVE is a legitimate address in NYC, but what is 77 Madison AVE curbside?

Tags: location, mobility, navigation, nyc, sedentary
Paul and Younghee demonstrated to me some pretty impressive GPS/navigation mobile phone software while I was in Tokyo last week – think Google maps in 3D/eye level perspective. Alas my Japanese is pretty limited so I had to rely on other methods while out and about.
Capture with my Nokia N80 places, signs, street numbers and names, etc. to remember and find again.

The probability to find your destination is pretty good if it is 1) nearby and 2) popular.

Landmarks are whether they are universal ones – Meguro station, Daikaniama tower, Shibuya crossing, etc. or personal ones – where we have bumped into each other last week, John’s house, etc.

Maps are the universal navigation tool, however it has some serious usability issues. Where I am? What’s the direction ? Where is North on the map ? Where is North anyway ? etc.

Well, according to some studies and empirical experiences, you are better off if you are a man. Although, you are better off if you are a woman in case you get lost :)
Tags: camera, literacy, location, mobilephones, navigation, tokyo