The network environment is the premise for reorganizing various aspects of our "mobility." In social media, for instance, location information and information such as action trajectories and access histories are utilized, transforming our communication and human relationships.
Based on the perspective of the "mobile method" proposed by Buscher, Urry, and Witchger (2011) and the research on "locative media" (e.g., Wilken & Goggin, 2014), this project will conduct research on people, objects, information, and ideas related to "mobility" in an attempt to connect design research and social fabrication. In the "mobile method," based mainly on geography and sociology, we will explore the understanding of various "life documents" that people continue to generate (sometimes inevitably) in their daily lives, the development of methodology, and the design of research.
In the spring semester of 2023, we proceeded with a reading and discussion of John Urry's "Mobilities." In the fall semester, we would like to think more practically about "mobility" in the future, based on our experiences living under the influence of COVID-19. Based on our active engagement on-site (e.g., designing a portable "something" installable on the back of a truck, etc.), the project will be structured in a cyclic process, bridging theory and practice (production, installation, and trial use).
This AP will be conducted in conjunction with Mobile Methods (Practice), offered separately. Students must register for both of these two projects.
Faculty members:
- Member: Fumitoshi Kato, Hajime Ishikawa
- Sub-member: Daijiro Mizuno (Visiting Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University)