A project for i-dat by Lucy Kimbell, October 2004
Project Archive

 

This project involved the design of an interactive system within a university building to stimulate reflection on the corporate mantra of our times - "I want to make a difference." As well as providing unusual opportunities for passers-by to make a difference, it also measured its own success.

It uses Arch-OS, an innovative digital system embedded in the architecture of the Portland Square building at the University of Plymouth, inviting students, staff and visitors to make an immediate difference there. On pressing a special button in a wall-mounted plaque, the phrase was broadcast throughout the entire building, beginning at first with one voice but gradually becoming an invasive, layered chorus as more and more people engaged. The wish to make a difference was also automatically sent as an email to the Vice-Chancellor.

As well as being able to press the button to fill the building with voices, passers-by were able to see the level of engagement with the project, which recorded how many people were interacting with it. This data was presented on a website, made public within the building on a plasma screen. The web site showed a two-week overview, and a daily view, with a graph of how many times the button was pressed per hour, and the CO2 levels in the lecture theatres in the building.

Over the two weeks in October 2004 during which the project was live, 1128 people pressed the button declaring they wanted to make a difference. Data was collected and made public but to questionable effect.

The project is documented here with photographs, website screengrabs and audio files.