Abstract
This chapter investigates the social implications of locative media (LM) use and attempts to outline a theoretical framework that may support the design and implementation of location-based applications. Furthermore, it stresses the significance of physical space and location awareness as important factors that influence both human–computer interaction and computer-mediated communication. The chapter documents part of the theoretical aspect of the research undertaken as part of LOcation-based Communication Urban NETwork (LOCUNET), a project that aims to investigate the way users interact with one another (human–computer–human interaction aspect) and with the location-based system itself (human–computer interaction aspect). A number of relevant theoretical approaches are discussed in an attempt to provide a holistic theoretical background for LM use. Additionally, the actual implementation of the LOCUNET system is described and some of the findings are discussed.
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Notes
- 1.
A broad definition of LM also includes systems that utilize digital representations of real spaces (such as city maps) that can be accessed remotely (e.g., over the Internet), and not necessarily via a mobile device.
- 2.
In the words of Thackara (2003), we may be talking of a “post-spectacular city,” where digital technologies are used for meaningful human interaction.
- 3.
- 4.
The distinction between an “emic” and an “etic” level of analysis in the social sciences originates from linguistics and is analogous to the distinction between a “phonemic” and a “phonetic” approach to language (Pike 1967). According to linguistic and anthropologist Kenneth Pike, who invented the terms, there are two ways to approach a cultural or social system, as there are two ways to approach the phonemic system of language. We can either choose to see the object of our research “from within” (an emic approach), or “from outside” (an etic approach). The “emic” approach focuses on the meanings and understandings of the members that make up a given social group, whereas the “etic” approach is based on the use of concepts and categories that come from outside the group and which are meaningful to the scientists or observers. Although there has been much debate on which one of the two levels is the most appropriate for the study of social groups, in fact the “emic” and the “etic” approaches are neither antithetical nor mutually exclusive; in practice, they are proven to be complementary, since social research usually applies both emit and etic methods and interpretations in order to analyze social phenomena.
- 5.
For instance, users who belong to the Team A cannot access Object no. five unless a user who belongs to the same team has accessed info-pack No. 2 OR the team has already captured three objects.
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Acknowledgments
The research project titled “LOCUNET” is supported by the Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology under the framework of the Operational Program PEP Attikis, Measure 1.2. The Program is co-financed (70%) by the European Fund of Regional Development (EFRD), which aims to facilitate the reduction of the inequalities within the European Union regions.
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Diamantaki, K., Rizopoulos, C., Charitos, D., Kaimakamis, N. (2009). Conceptualizing, Designing, and Investigating Locative Media Use in Urban Space. In: Willis, K., Roussos, G., Chorianopoulos, K., Struppek, M. (eds) Shared Encounters. Computer Supported Cooperative Work. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-727-1_4
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