I have recently been introduced to the online game Superstruct, launched by the Institute for the future in September. It was shown to me by a guy I completed a short service design project with when studying at ENSCI in Paris. He has written a little about the concept of "ARG - Alternative reality gaming" on his blog; Service Design by Christophe Tallec. and we plan to discuss the project we completed this afternoon to see if we can modify it and place it into this online game.
So what is Superstruct?
That is a good question... one that I have been trying to answer for the last hour, while trying to understand the concept and how to take part in it. Below, is a short video introduction which gives a sense of what they are trying to do.
The game is forecasting scenarios for the world in 2019, in particular the changes that will be made in the way we live our lives, due to the four problems areas; Ravenous, Power Struggle, Quarantine, Generation Exile, Outlaw Planet. However, the aim of the game is not just to forecast, but also discuss and make proposals as to how we can deal with these impending problems, what changes could be made, what systems, organisations, life changes...could help in the battle to change the world forecast. What is interesting, is when you sign up, it states that you should try to predict based on your current life status and culture...It is not meant to be pure fantasy. In fact, perhaps that is why it is more interesting and convincing. As pure fantasy is something that can be dismissed as exactly that. Yet ,although a future forecast...a prediction will always have an element of the unknown fantasy...the way that some of these issues are discussed makes them seem very real.
so far it has 5994 players and a current survival horizon of the earth predicted as being 2049!
Interesting stuff huh? I think so...I still have to read more, but here are a few links to what I have looked at so far;
Institute of the future post on superstruct
Wikja game tips for playing
there is also a face book group with tons of information
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland
I participated in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland conference that took place on the 7th October 2008. As after my research on the cycling Culture in Europe, I was extremely interested to see the current actions that are taking place in Scotland to promote cycling . I found it to be a very interesting event, partly due to the numbers of participants and the level of interest present for improving the quantity and quality of cycling in Scotland.
This conference acted as the next step for CAPS, In order to present information collected during their research initiative which gathered a large source of information, quantitive research and statistics from the Scottish public. This information was presented to the diverse selection of attendees, from MSPs, Councilors, transport officers, to Pro-Cycling groups including Sustrans, Engineers... and me! In general, it brought a large source of information to people who can make a difference, making a small voice, into one a big voice that is heard and can direct action. The conference started with presentations form the key speakers, stated below;
- Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for communities and Sport, The Scottish Government
- Erl Wilkie, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland and CAPS Board chair
- Councillor Ronnie McColl, Health and Well Being spokesperson, COSLA
Then in the afternoon the attendees were split up into group workshops to discuss issues relevant to their sector interest. These workshops included;
- Culture and the individual
- Cycling and the built environment
- Methods of changing behaviour
- Targeting/ segmentation
- Prioritisation of effort
It was a good event, although one that I feel was only the beginning. To get the issue firmly placed in the minds of the individuals that can make a difference. The important thing is to see what happens next and what efforts are put forward to change the attitude of Scots!
Peter Kirk Weekend
As I received a PK Travel scholarship this year, I was invited to attend a weekend in the lake district to discuss the advancement of the program, how it could be improved and what changes could be made to make a stronger network of scholars. It turned out to be a fantastic weekend, where I got a chance to meet not only the diverse range of scholars, but also the trustees.
A small group of scholars from the weekend,
after walking round Tarn Hows.
Ultimately, what was extremely interesting during weekend was the diverse range of topics that people had chosen for their research scholarships, yet also how they had been completed. However, another positive thing was the passion and the interest that the trustees held for getting to know the Scholars and to improve the experience for future scholars.
Overall it was a lovely weekend, due to the lively discussions, but also the chance to have a break and meet some new people. During the weekend we also visited John Ruskins House, walked round Tarn Hows and completed the Go Ape adventure course...not bad for one weekend.
If you would like to read a little more about the travel Scholarships, just click on this link.
Two images from my report, taken in Paris and Amsterdam.
I completed my research earlier this year and looked at the cycling culture in Europe. It was a fantastic opportunity to travel in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. I organized and completed interviews with members of the public and representatives from leading cycling organizations including; the founder of the European Cycling Federation, the president of the European Union’s employee cycling group, the founder of Vélo Mondial, and representatives from Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette, Pro-Vélo, Fietserbond and many smaller organisations. In addition, it prompted me to attended the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland conference (which I am going to write about next).
A friend of mine whom is currently in the process of doing her research has a blog online now, which it is quite interesting to follow her progress on Food cultures in France and Germany.
A small group of scholars from the weekend,after walking round Tarn Hows.
Ultimately, what was extremely interesting during weekend was the diverse range of topics that people had chosen for their research scholarships, yet also how they had been completed. However, another positive thing was the passion and the interest that the trustees held for getting to know the Scholars and to improve the experience for future scholars.
Overall it was a lovely weekend, due to the lively discussions, but also the chance to have a break and meet some new people. During the weekend we also visited John Ruskins House, walked round Tarn Hows and completed the Go Ape adventure course...not bad for one weekend.
If you would like to read a little more about the travel Scholarships, just click on this link.
Two images from my report, taken in Paris and Amsterdam.I completed my research earlier this year and looked at the cycling culture in Europe. It was a fantastic opportunity to travel in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. I organized and completed interviews with members of the public and representatives from leading cycling organizations including; the founder of the European Cycling Federation, the president of the European Union’s employee cycling group, the founder of Vélo Mondial, and representatives from Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette, Pro-Vélo, Fietserbond and many smaller organisations. In addition, it prompted me to attended the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland conference (which I am going to write about next).
A friend of mine whom is currently in the process of doing her research has a blog online now, which it is quite interesting to follow her progress on Food cultures in France and Germany.
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