Ava Fatah gen. Schieck | University College London (original) (raw)

Papers by Ava Fatah gen. Schieck

Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2013

With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we exper... more With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we experience a shift in our understanding of space. Mobile devices and ubiquitous computing in urban landscape make the physicality of distance disappear – the modern citizen is digitally connected to everybody at anytime and anywhere. The result of this network is a highly globalized world which effects economy same as personal interests and decisions of its inhabitants. The introduction of web 3.0 with its methods of comment, recommender and voting systems offers a broad platform for people all over the world to share experiences and exchange opinions about an unlimited variety of topics. Global opinions meet local interests.

Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2013

With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we exper... more With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we experience a shift in our understanding of space. Mobile devices and ubiquitous computing in urban landscape make the physicality of distance disappear – the modern citizen is digitally connected to everybody at anytime and anywhere. The result of this network is a highly globalized world which effects economy same as personal interests and decisions of its inhabitants. The introduction of web 3.0 with its methods of comment, recommender and voting systems offers a broad platform for people all over the world to share experiences and exchange opinions about an unlimited variety of topics. Global opinions meet local interests.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 impacted social behaviors and urban daily activities grea... more The outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 impacted social behaviors and urban daily activities greatly. Activities involving city path-finding and navigation have been impacted particularly because the new virus is air transmissible, meaning that crowding should be avoided. There have been numerous social distancing measures defined for daily activities in cities. However, there have not been sufficient virus safety measures for pathfinding. There is thus a need for a pathfinding method that can produce paths that could be perceived as safe from the virus by navigators. Related studies include the mobile app “Safe Paths”, a 2020 research by MIT Media Lab which uses Bluetooth to track the number of people in locations and find paths that can be the safest from the virus. This is a time-based approach as it deals with the live tracking of pedestrians. A second study by Space Syntax Limited, employed a probability-based approach, based on street network analysis, aiming to propose cycling and walking plans. Rather than only using a macroscale method for pathfinding, this research aims to use both a macroscale and microscale method, as both spatial configuration and human experience matter for navigation in paths. Additionally, based on the related work, as a time-based approach is not cost-efficient, a probability-based approach is chosen as the methodology.

This paper presents the research conducted with the aim of understanding if new advances in compu... more This paper presents the research conducted with the aim of understanding if new advances in computer science, more specifically a type of supervised, feedforward Artificial Neural Network, a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) is able to estimate the values of Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) without the need for expensive calculation. The overarching hypothesis is that an MLP can be setup in a way that it can be trained to learn the relationship between spatial configuration and the VGA (neighbourhood size and clustering coefficient) derived from it. Two hypotheses are stated: firstly, if such an MLP can be created than it will be able to generate spatial configurations for specific VGA values as inputs (mode A); secondly, the network would be able to generate VGA when presented with spatial configuration faster, compared to current method and with negligible error (mode B). The hypotheses were tested by creating unique setups of an MLP for each mode, all of which had a different configuration. As each combination of possible setups were tested, the performance of the networks could be compared to each other and to the traditional method of VGA calculation. Both mode A and mode B was able to achieve satisfying results that prove that an MLP is able to generate –with limitations- configurations based on VGA input and it is able to calculate the neighbourhood size and the clustering coefficient of a 2D layout substantially faster and with negligible error. All MLPs were created at a generic space, therefore the MLP taught once can be adopted universally to most spaces. The implications of the two systems is that spatial analysis can be integrated into the design process, enabling interactive, instant analysis and the possible deployment of optimisation procedures, for instance a Genetic Algorithm.

avedition eBooks, Aug 25, 2016

Routledge eBooks, Oct 1, 2017

Digital media developments have augmented everyday interactions, creating visual and auditory int... more Digital media developments have augmented everyday interactions, creating visual and auditory interaction spaces that enable various types of performative experiences as we interact within a shared space. Our research investigates some of the types of shared interactions that such technology enables. In this short paper we summarise some of our research into applying methods based on intervention in urban space and playful use of technology, exploring how people appropriate the medium and perform embodied interactions in diverse contexts. We note the importance of constructing socially meaningful relations between people mediated by these technologies.

Setting up a responsive installation in a public space is a challenging task. Location, dimension... more Setting up a responsive installation in a public space is a challenging task. Location, dimension of the object and its position in the public space are only a few of the elements that contribute to creating an engaging experience for passers-by. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a responsive installation that simulates a breathing-like behaviour depending on the proximity of passers-by. Placing the installation in different locations across the UCL campus (University College of London, UK) permitted to run systematic observations and, hence, outline basic categories of people behaviour. A higher number of interactions was registered when: 1) the Breathing Display was easy to reach by hand while walking by; 2) somebody was already interacting with the display; 3) the display was set to move in relation to the users' proximity (i.e. closer triggers more intensive movement by the display). These findings may be beneficial to other designers who are creating and implementing public display applications.

This paper describes the experience of a workshop in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in which the partici... more This paper describes the experience of a workshop in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in which the participants explored emojis to transmit site-specific content on a media facade. The question was how to use the media facade to communicate a broad urban issue in a friendly, site-specific way. Exploring the theme of Belo Horizonte's public transport, the participants developed an urban signage system that transmits, in real time, the level of occupancy of the buses passing by the media facade. Observations and interviews conducted in the area reveal that emojis were successful visual elements to attract people's interest and curiosity. This project highlights the potential of exploring social media graphics in media facades to communicate city-wide topics in a more accessible and friendly language.

Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2009

We explore shared encounters mediated by technologies. We investigate aspects that influence the ... more We explore shared encounters mediated by technologies. We investigate aspects that influence the interactions between people and people, and people and their surroundings when technology (a responsive digital screen) is embedded in the physical surroundings in selected locations in the city. In particular, we highlight the importance of space and the role of place in providing temporal and spatial mechanisms facilitating various social interactions and shared encounters.

Springer eBooks, 2015

How should one go about designing for interactions with large programmable electronic displays? P... more How should one go about designing for interactions with large programmable electronic displays? Part of the challenge is that there are currently only a handful of large interactive surfaces in existence, and so there is much to learn from each attempt to deploy interactive systems. Hence, the work outlined in this chapter contributes to Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) research as well as architectural research by juxtaposing existing interaction frameworks. These frameworks are concerned with the awareness of spaces mediated through information and communications technology (ICT), participants and their actions within these spaces as well as the physical properties of these spaces, which frame these interactions, and are surrounded by the physical built environment. We introduce the notion of media architectural interfaces (MAI), which is then supported through the description of the design, deployment and evaluation of two design studies, namely VEIV London and SCSD Sao Paulo. Finally, we discuss the multilayered interaction frameworks with regard to the conducted design studies and summarize the relevant communalities of these design studies in a taxonomy. The aim of this categorization is to provide design implications for future MAI projects. Ultimately, this may support the design and development of novel and sustainable interactive systems in the domains of urban screens, media facades and media architecture.

Applied Acoustics, May 1, 2023

Media Architecture scholars have outlined the importance of considering the urban design perspect... more Media Architecture scholars have outlined the importance of considering the urban design perspective in informing the deployment of digital media in public space. In this paper, we build on their work and provide a detailed account based on the knowledge from urban design theories coupled with literature from Human-computer Interaction research. Specifically, we address the role of location- its physical and spatial characteristics and situated human activities- in influencing public interaction with media infrastructure. We aim to provide a framework for understanding the complex relationship between media infrastructure and urban public spaces, and explore the impact of locations on how people interact with media infrastructure by: 1) developing an initial framework of public space characteristics based on urban design knowledge, 2) conducting a case study of InLinkUK network with detailed field study and analysis on 3 selected sites in London. We discuss the initial outcome of the case study analysis and report on the next stages of this research. This paper addresses the question: how media architecture can contribute to a sense of place and provide a detailed account based on a case study in London. It attempts to broaden and extend existing calls by media architecture scholars to consider urban design knowledge in informing the deployment of digital media infrastructure in public spaces.

We present an initial study of an emerging digital street infrastructure in London, UK - InLinkUK... more We present an initial study of an emerging digital street infrastructure in London, UK - InLinkUK kiosk network, which consist of connected screens and communication services. Early findings suggest that 1) different stakeholders behaved and reacted differently towards the kiosks and 2) tensions exist between the perceived of value and demands of the kiosks different stakeholders.

Mobile phones have become ubiquitous communication tools and are often highly personal, enabling ... more Mobile phones have become ubiquitous communication tools and are often highly personal, enabling novel means of interacting with others when negotiating public spaces. These features, together with the partially embodied nature of Bluetooth, mean that mobile phone based Bluetooth provides unique affordances with which users can interact with one another. This paper summarises some of our research into users' active Bluetooth use, their Bluetooth naming and interactions with publicly visible Bluetooth visualizations, exploring how people appropriate the medium in performing interactions in differing contexts.

The MIT Press eBooks, Nov 18, 2011

This chapter reports an investigation of people’s use of mobile technologies to explore digital i... more This chapter reports an investigation of people’s use of mobile technologies to explore digital identity and presence in the city. We examine perceptions of the Bluetooth landscape through two studies in the city of Bath: a laboratory study using data captured from Bluetooth devices in the city, and a field-based intervention. We apply “digitally augmented” methods for spatial observation and analysis combining Bluetooth scanning with conventional observational and analytical techniques. We also apply an intervention method based on sensing and projecting Bluetooth names in public. We present findings on people’s perception and interpretation of others’ Bluetooth names from the lab-based study, and describe our observations of people’s reaction to the projection of their “digital identity” in public. We note the importance of constructing socially meaningful relations between people mediated by these technologies.

Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2013

With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we exper... more With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we experience a shift in our understanding of space. Mobile devices and ubiquitous computing in urban landscape make the physicality of distance disappear – the modern citizen is digitally connected to everybody at anytime and anywhere. The result of this network is a highly globalized world which effects economy same as personal interests and decisions of its inhabitants. The introduction of web 3.0 with its methods of comment, recommender and voting systems offers a broad platform for people all over the world to share experiences and exchange opinions about an unlimited variety of topics. Global opinions meet local interests.

Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2013

With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we exper... more With the introduction of the internet to the public and the rise of digital technologies we experience a shift in our understanding of space. Mobile devices and ubiquitous computing in urban landscape make the physicality of distance disappear – the modern citizen is digitally connected to everybody at anytime and anywhere. The result of this network is a highly globalized world which effects economy same as personal interests and decisions of its inhabitants. The introduction of web 3.0 with its methods of comment, recommender and voting systems offers a broad platform for people all over the world to share experiences and exchange opinions about an unlimited variety of topics. Global opinions meet local interests.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 impacted social behaviors and urban daily activities grea... more The outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 impacted social behaviors and urban daily activities greatly. Activities involving city path-finding and navigation have been impacted particularly because the new virus is air transmissible, meaning that crowding should be avoided. There have been numerous social distancing measures defined for daily activities in cities. However, there have not been sufficient virus safety measures for pathfinding. There is thus a need for a pathfinding method that can produce paths that could be perceived as safe from the virus by navigators. Related studies include the mobile app “Safe Paths”, a 2020 research by MIT Media Lab which uses Bluetooth to track the number of people in locations and find paths that can be the safest from the virus. This is a time-based approach as it deals with the live tracking of pedestrians. A second study by Space Syntax Limited, employed a probability-based approach, based on street network analysis, aiming to propose cycling and walking plans. Rather than only using a macroscale method for pathfinding, this research aims to use both a macroscale and microscale method, as both spatial configuration and human experience matter for navigation in paths. Additionally, based on the related work, as a time-based approach is not cost-efficient, a probability-based approach is chosen as the methodology.

This paper presents the research conducted with the aim of understanding if new advances in compu... more This paper presents the research conducted with the aim of understanding if new advances in computer science, more specifically a type of supervised, feedforward Artificial Neural Network, a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) is able to estimate the values of Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) without the need for expensive calculation. The overarching hypothesis is that an MLP can be setup in a way that it can be trained to learn the relationship between spatial configuration and the VGA (neighbourhood size and clustering coefficient) derived from it. Two hypotheses are stated: firstly, if such an MLP can be created than it will be able to generate spatial configurations for specific VGA values as inputs (mode A); secondly, the network would be able to generate VGA when presented with spatial configuration faster, compared to current method and with negligible error (mode B). The hypotheses were tested by creating unique setups of an MLP for each mode, all of which had a different configuration. As each combination of possible setups were tested, the performance of the networks could be compared to each other and to the traditional method of VGA calculation. Both mode A and mode B was able to achieve satisfying results that prove that an MLP is able to generate –with limitations- configurations based on VGA input and it is able to calculate the neighbourhood size and the clustering coefficient of a 2D layout substantially faster and with negligible error. All MLPs were created at a generic space, therefore the MLP taught once can be adopted universally to most spaces. The implications of the two systems is that spatial analysis can be integrated into the design process, enabling interactive, instant analysis and the possible deployment of optimisation procedures, for instance a Genetic Algorithm.

avedition eBooks, Aug 25, 2016

Routledge eBooks, Oct 1, 2017

Digital media developments have augmented everyday interactions, creating visual and auditory int... more Digital media developments have augmented everyday interactions, creating visual and auditory interaction spaces that enable various types of performative experiences as we interact within a shared space. Our research investigates some of the types of shared interactions that such technology enables. In this short paper we summarise some of our research into applying methods based on intervention in urban space and playful use of technology, exploring how people appropriate the medium and perform embodied interactions in diverse contexts. We note the importance of constructing socially meaningful relations between people mediated by these technologies.

Setting up a responsive installation in a public space is a challenging task. Location, dimension... more Setting up a responsive installation in a public space is a challenging task. Location, dimension of the object and its position in the public space are only a few of the elements that contribute to creating an engaging experience for passers-by. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a responsive installation that simulates a breathing-like behaviour depending on the proximity of passers-by. Placing the installation in different locations across the UCL campus (University College of London, UK) permitted to run systematic observations and, hence, outline basic categories of people behaviour. A higher number of interactions was registered when: 1) the Breathing Display was easy to reach by hand while walking by; 2) somebody was already interacting with the display; 3) the display was set to move in relation to the users' proximity (i.e. closer triggers more intensive movement by the display). These findings may be beneficial to other designers who are creating and implementing public display applications.

This paper describes the experience of a workshop in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in which the partici... more This paper describes the experience of a workshop in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in which the participants explored emojis to transmit site-specific content on a media facade. The question was how to use the media facade to communicate a broad urban issue in a friendly, site-specific way. Exploring the theme of Belo Horizonte's public transport, the participants developed an urban signage system that transmits, in real time, the level of occupancy of the buses passing by the media facade. Observations and interviews conducted in the area reveal that emojis were successful visual elements to attract people's interest and curiosity. This project highlights the potential of exploring social media graphics in media facades to communicate city-wide topics in a more accessible and friendly language.

Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2009

We explore shared encounters mediated by technologies. We investigate aspects that influence the ... more We explore shared encounters mediated by technologies. We investigate aspects that influence the interactions between people and people, and people and their surroundings when technology (a responsive digital screen) is embedded in the physical surroundings in selected locations in the city. In particular, we highlight the importance of space and the role of place in providing temporal and spatial mechanisms facilitating various social interactions and shared encounters.

Springer eBooks, 2015

How should one go about designing for interactions with large programmable electronic displays? P... more How should one go about designing for interactions with large programmable electronic displays? Part of the challenge is that there are currently only a handful of large interactive surfaces in existence, and so there is much to learn from each attempt to deploy interactive systems. Hence, the work outlined in this chapter contributes to Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) research as well as architectural research by juxtaposing existing interaction frameworks. These frameworks are concerned with the awareness of spaces mediated through information and communications technology (ICT), participants and their actions within these spaces as well as the physical properties of these spaces, which frame these interactions, and are surrounded by the physical built environment. We introduce the notion of media architectural interfaces (MAI), which is then supported through the description of the design, deployment and evaluation of two design studies, namely VEIV London and SCSD Sao Paulo. Finally, we discuss the multilayered interaction frameworks with regard to the conducted design studies and summarize the relevant communalities of these design studies in a taxonomy. The aim of this categorization is to provide design implications for future MAI projects. Ultimately, this may support the design and development of novel and sustainable interactive systems in the domains of urban screens, media facades and media architecture.

Applied Acoustics, May 1, 2023

Media Architecture scholars have outlined the importance of considering the urban design perspect... more Media Architecture scholars have outlined the importance of considering the urban design perspective in informing the deployment of digital media in public space. In this paper, we build on their work and provide a detailed account based on the knowledge from urban design theories coupled with literature from Human-computer Interaction research. Specifically, we address the role of location- its physical and spatial characteristics and situated human activities- in influencing public interaction with media infrastructure. We aim to provide a framework for understanding the complex relationship between media infrastructure and urban public spaces, and explore the impact of locations on how people interact with media infrastructure by: 1) developing an initial framework of public space characteristics based on urban design knowledge, 2) conducting a case study of InLinkUK network with detailed field study and analysis on 3 selected sites in London. We discuss the initial outcome of the case study analysis and report on the next stages of this research. This paper addresses the question: how media architecture can contribute to a sense of place and provide a detailed account based on a case study in London. It attempts to broaden and extend existing calls by media architecture scholars to consider urban design knowledge in informing the deployment of digital media infrastructure in public spaces.

We present an initial study of an emerging digital street infrastructure in London, UK - InLinkUK... more We present an initial study of an emerging digital street infrastructure in London, UK - InLinkUK kiosk network, which consist of connected screens and communication services. Early findings suggest that 1) different stakeholders behaved and reacted differently towards the kiosks and 2) tensions exist between the perceived of value and demands of the kiosks different stakeholders.

Mobile phones have become ubiquitous communication tools and are often highly personal, enabling ... more Mobile phones have become ubiquitous communication tools and are often highly personal, enabling novel means of interacting with others when negotiating public spaces. These features, together with the partially embodied nature of Bluetooth, mean that mobile phone based Bluetooth provides unique affordances with which users can interact with one another. This paper summarises some of our research into users' active Bluetooth use, their Bluetooth naming and interactions with publicly visible Bluetooth visualizations, exploring how people appropriate the medium in performing interactions in differing contexts.

The MIT Press eBooks, Nov 18, 2011

This chapter reports an investigation of people’s use of mobile technologies to explore digital i... more This chapter reports an investigation of people’s use of mobile technologies to explore digital identity and presence in the city. We examine perceptions of the Bluetooth landscape through two studies in the city of Bath: a laboratory study using data captured from Bluetooth devices in the city, and a field-based intervention. We apply “digitally augmented” methods for spatial observation and analysis combining Bluetooth scanning with conventional observational and analytical techniques. We also apply an intervention method based on sensing and projecting Bluetooth names in public. We present findings on people’s perception and interpretation of others’ Bluetooth names from the lab-based study, and describe our observations of people’s reaction to the projection of their “digital identity” in public. We note the importance of constructing socially meaningful relations between people mediated by these technologies.