Permeable Boundaries

Sep 02, 2008

Pedestrians walking past this Shimo Kitazawa real estate agent (above) are able to browse the database of properties by interacting with the a touch screen overlaid on the glass. The practice of digital content providers in Kabul placing much of the computer hardware behind the main shop glass - typically the keyboard, mouse and the speaker blaring the latests songs/ring tones remain outside exposed to the elements.

For every space - the characteristics of the physical barrier that separates what's in there with what's out there. The means through which this barrier is breached.

Based on a limited observation the Tokyo touch screen interface proved to be easy for pedestrians to use and understand - the area is popular with students and is considered a desirable neighbourhood to live so there was also considerable passing traffic. Perhaps one reason for its relative success is that pedestrians may not feel comfortable stepping into a real estate office because it implies and requires some form of commitment - signing up as a new customer and the risk of a follow-up hard sell. By limiting their interaction with the shop in this way pedestrians retain a greater degree of control. Whilst I didn't see it in action - this is an ideal use case for QR bar codes - with customers able to transfer apartment information onto their mobile phones.

Related: the social/legal contracts created through our conscious and subconscious actions and reactions.