multimedia exp::wireframing + ideas

Stylesheet with possible typeface combinations, color palettes, etc.

multimedia exp::individual poster (final)

multimedia exp::brainstorming

Need: Young antiquers looking for quality stores that don't sell low-quality, worn-out goods. (Unless that's what you're looking for.)

Solution: Rating system through which they can evaluate the stores they visited, vendors dealt with, satisfaction with purchase. Can upload images, comments, reviews, etc. Customer base. Unifying symbol system for online and analog usage - for identifying different attributes of the store.

Need: To connect with other collectors of like items, etc.

Solution: Local web. Search tags, self tagged so that other people can search for like minded people. Friends list?

Need: To learn more about the object that they find.

Solution: Collective source - similar to a Wikipedia type of information gathering/editing.

Need: Personal expression - to display their collection, allow other users to see what they've amassed, etc.

Solution: User online space where they can post purchases, finds, project, profile information. Online gallery space.

Need: To learn how to create new objects from what they've bought.

Solution: Outlet through which they can post tutorials, workshops, and the like. Step-by-step with photos, videos, etc. Live chats with more experienced artisans in the community.

multimedia exp::individual poster process

visual advocacy::narrowing focus

Scams on the Elderly

Some issues to consider:

1.) A vulnerable demographic

As a whole, older generations are targeted for numerous reasons. Chief among them is the fact that they possess the greatest percentage of disposable income with the least amount of debt. (SocialPC) In addition, roughly 80% of people over the age of 65 have at least one major health problem, and thus spend a considerable amount of their monthly budget on health care.

2.) Reluctance to report

Another major issue is the reluctance of the victims to report any instances of scamming/fraud. This is primarily because they are concerned that their family may come to the conclusion that they no longer have the mental capacity to take care of his or her own financial affairs. Personal independence is still a very important thing, and they don't want to seem helpless or dependant on others.

3.) Numerous types of fraud

There are a myriad of different scams that these older generations are often presented with. To name a few:

• Jury duty summons - A caller claims to be a Jury Coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks for your social security number and date of birth so he/she verify the information and cancel the supposed arrest warrant. By disclosing this information results in a stolen identity.
• Bogus Foreign Lotteries - You are informed of a large lottery win, but have to send off administration, taxes, and other fees in order to claim winnings.
• Social Security Administration - People posing as SSN Administration claim that you have been overpaid on your benefits and owe the government back payments. The con-man escorts the victim to the bank to withdraw the overpayment.

design systems::possible industries

1.) Place - Venice

The city of Venice has been called many names: "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "The City of Light", etc. With a population of roughly 271,000, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. Venice is a place that is often associated with mystery intrigue. Not surprisingly, it has been featured in countless books, movies and poems. With the role the city has played in the arts, Venice was also one of the major destinations for young upper-class Europeans throughout the 1600 - 1800s embarking on the Grand Tour.

Resources:

Wiki

City of Venice

2.) Idea - 'Smart Cards', contactless payment

Essentially, smart cards are pocket-sized cards which are embedded with integrated circuits that can process data. These items are most often associated with the idea of "touch and go" payment - where users can load money into their cards and use it to pay for thing such as gas, bus fare, etc.

While some US cities already have systems similar to this - the cards still have a limited application. (For example, while the Boston transit system has a reusable card system known as the Charlie Card, it can only be used on the subways.)

Perhaps the best example of this system would be Hong Kong's "Octopus Card", which is used for virtually all public transport in the city. But its use extends beyond train fare - the Octopus Card can also be used as payment at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, parking meters and even vending machines. The Octopus Card has been recognized internationally, winning the Chairman's Award at the World Information Technology and Service Alliance in 2006.

The implementation and use of smart cards/contactless payment in cities like Kansas City would greatly facilitate day to day life, as well as provide a more environmentally friendly option to signing receipts for credit/debit cards and writing checks, etc.

Resources:

Hong Kong Octopus Card

HK Travel

Boston Transit

Wiki - SmartCards

Wiki - Contactless Payment

3.) Energy - Solar

Solar energy has been a prominent presence in the green movement. But while many corporations and groups have started to utilize solar energy, it is still a rather expensive alternative for the average consumer. Put perhaps through design we can present consumers with small steps towards solar energy.

Resources:

SolarHome

American Solar Energy Society

Wiki - Solar Energy