Using sensors in public spaces for privacy awareness

2007 Impact statement
  • Gay, Geraldine K

abstract

The "Data as Art" series of projects explores how we can turn the priority of context-aware guides around so that instead of focusing on making the system more aware of context, the designs are oriented to making people more aware of context. Through the use of multi-media platforms and sensors located throughout a museum setting, visitors are encouraged to reflect on their movement through a social physical space as opposed to just reflecting on the art objects on display.

submitted by

  • Gay, Geraldine K | Kenneth J. Bissett '89 Senior Professorship in Communication

issue being addressed

We were inspired by issues of privacy and personal data collection. These projects were designed to bring awareness to issues of privacy surrounding digital traces and digital collection tools.

response

We installed a number of handheld and sensor systems in museums. We are currently developing new sensor-based projects for displaying context information back to people in public spaces in evocative ways.

impact assessment

We are providing information such as patterns and preferences of visitor behavior back to visitors in unique ways by positioning this information not just as input data to a system but as output ‘art’ for visitor reflection.

academic priority area

topic description

Digital Media

has geographic focus

funding source description

  • Intel
  • Microsoft

collaborators

  • Information Science
  • Computer Science

key personnel

  • Kirsten Boehner
  • Phoebe Sengers

department, unit, division

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008