http://designspotter.com/profile/Valentin-Vodev.html#

Just found this cool design for a lamp which has similar characteristics as my design for a street lamp.

This concept is meant to be a trash lamp which is kicked out in front, illuminating dark alleys ahead of the user. The idea came from talking to people about what they felt was the problems associated with walking in the evenings. The main problem was the notion of the unknown; the dark can conceal objects, animals and people. This concept means that the areas ahead of the person is always illuminated unlike a torch which only lights the area in the direction you are pointing it.
There is an element of safety created because of the distance between you and the light source, if something was revealed by the light you can then turn and go back leaving the lamp behind.

This concept is using an alarm or emergency button.
The idea is that it will again be used as an object to reinstate the idea of safety or reassurance.

This concept is derived from the road traffic signed used to inform passing motorists.
The blue signs are distinctive and recognisable as a source for information. These signs would be used to inform passing pedestrians of facts and figures on crime or local crime, reinstating their sense of security.

The sign above reads;

"The perceived level of crime is higher than the actual level of crime"

This concept would create shapes and colours representative to movement with the assumption that fast movement is red and sharp and slow movement is blue and smooth similar to the shadow monsters. The paths people take down the alley would be played on repeat allowing individuals to see the movement of others.
The main problem is the technology required for this design, meaning a simpler solution is needed.

An echo is the repetition of sound produced by the reflection of sound waves from an obstructing surface.
The image above shows the bloom application for an iPod, the application will play the notes which have been stuck repeatedly whilst fading them away like an echo.
This is the concept which I wish to apply to my final solution; an echo of a past event which plays out repeatedly for a period of time, allowing people to see whether others have travelled down that route recently.

Work by Phillip worthington;

http://www.worthersoriginal.com/viki/

This is a great way of making an environment more intriguing, the element of fun added by a service could possibly cause people to take a different rouite.

http://www.julianopie.com/downloads/index.htm

Designer Julian Opie does short animations of movement.
The image above is a still from a video named Keira walking.
Perhaps it would be possible to create simple animations which depicted people walking down alleyways or streets creating a human like presence.

Lenticular printing is used to create an illusion of depth and of movement. These types of images are commonly seen in children’s books and as cereal toys.

Images like this are simple and need no technological input, the image appears to be moving when it is actually remaining still.

Edward Muybridge classic motion pictures demonstrate the thinking behind what I hope to achieve in a public space.

Quirky product designed to comfort people. It’s a pillow that acts like a partner or friend and cuddles you as you sleep. This seems like an extended version of a teddy or soft toy which children would use in the same way.

Light has been used for years as a form of protection, some children use night lights to remove the darkness from rooms, making them feel more secure.

A really nice piece of work by Emery Studio where the installed signs in a car park are revealed only when the driver is in the correct position to read them and make the required turn.

http://www.emerystudio.com/es_flash.htm

Simon Heijdens interactive installation, which when triggered would cause leaves to fall from the tree.

http://www.simonheijdens.com/

Some long distance non destructive graffiti by the Graffiti Research Lab.

http://graffitiresearchlab.com/

Banksy shows how an everyday scene can become something far more interactive and inviting.

http://www.banksy.co.uk/

After attending the Design Connexity Conference last week, my project has taken a curious turn.
I was listening to a paper by Andrew B Wootton, Melissa Marselle and Caroline L. Davey entitled CITY CENTRE CRIME: DESIGN THINKING FOR SAFER CITY CENTRES.
The main thing I took away from the presentation was that the level of perceived crime is actually higher than the level of crime, meaning people believe there is more crime taking place than there actually is.
With this in mind I questioned as to why I was designing a product for crimes that are less than likely to happen.
There finding also proved that the design of public space can actually have an effect on the amount of crime taking place in different areas.
This is what I am now looking at, how design can help change a public space and hopefully make it more accessible.