Hacktivism Intent – TaylorP
I would like to create an app that is almost like a google maps for trails and photo hotspots, with live updating of trail conditions via submitting and embedding photos and comments from various apps.
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what is your concept/idea
I really would like to create an app of some sorts that helps tourists in various areas find lesser known trails or lookouts. Most likely some sort of interactive map, where photos that are tagged in each location whether it be on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook are automatically loaded/refreshed. It would be where people can leave individual trail reviews whenever they go to keep it updated and to be able to add in their own trails/hikes. In the event that the trail is illegal, possibly explaining loopholes around it. A place where locals can post lesser known lookouts for visiting people who may want to go off the beaten path. It would be cool to have GPS tracking included in it and have it be able to track you like a running app when you go on the hike to help direct people who may not be as familiar and so they can see what it looks like and how long it is from just viewing the map.
why this is important and for whom?
This can be helpful to locals and people visiting. Personally, I’m sure there’s plenty of awesome places to see and trails in Maine that I haven’t heard of simply because I haven’t found a super convenient way to look for them yet. I think this could be really helpful also in making sure people don’t get lost and that trail heads are clearly defined. Personally too many times have I had the intentions to go on a trail and had to turn back because I couldn’t find a visible trail head or figure out where it was, so it would be nice if photos could be uploaded of what it looks like. I almost want to create something that is an updated version of what Geocaching looked like, for those that remember.
what New Media/hacktivism strategies will you use and why?
Will have to create an app and somehow integrate a maps and GPS (location services) function. Possibly have to get around some privacy issues and find loopholes. Not to mention if any trouble is run into trying to integrate Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And if a trail is illegal whether I could personally get in trouble for condoning using them.
Who is the audience and how do you hope it will influence them?
The audience is the general public who just might want to go places. Hopefully it’ll influence them by just creating something more user friendly and make it easier for them to want to get outside.
Rough budget for material, time, space needed to build; this can be a bullet list:
list materials with cost
As far as I’m aware I won’t need a lot of materials unless I needed to hire an app developer. And/or some licensing issues I might have to pay for.
list time to actually make/create project
However long it takes me to figure out how to create an app.
list tools, software, hardware, space or anything else needed
App building software, maps features, GPS features configured with iPhones/Androids.
2 thoughts on “Hacktivism Intent – TaylorP”
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Concept
what media is the intent/project? 1-1, 1-many, many-many? explain – This is a many-many approach. This app allows users to use it in order to find new trails, as well as post new trails for other users.
does the idea enlist any of the New Media Strategies? If so which & how? I see a few New Media strategies. It uses “Distribute and Connect Information” by allowing the community of users of this app to distribute and connect the trails that they find. In a way, it also incorporates “Share What Was Inaccessible” by posting trails that others may not know about because there wasn’t a clear way to find out about them.
what major issue(s) does the project engage? It helps people grow and connect in exploring the world.
does the concept interest you? Yes, I think this is a really cool idea. I feel like you would be able to discover some really unique sites.
Design
is the design clear and appropriate? Yes, I think you described it well. I feel like the hardest issue in a project like this would be getting the app off the ground.
does the design invite attention and/or participation? Yes, it invites lots of participation with users.
Technical
what tech is used? is it appropriate? It is a mobile application, so once designed, it would be available via any smart phone.
what is the cost? is it affordable for most people? the planet? is it sustainable? I think this a relatively cheap idea. Money will probably go into app design and licensing, as Taylor suggested, but I’m not sure what else would require a large cost. I think it would be affordable to anyone who has a smart phone.
Audience
who is the intended audience? Adventurers and those who enjoy nature
how is the project geared to the audience? The complete idea of the app nurtures a passion in trail hiking.
would the project appeal to or challenge the audience? how/why? The project would appeal to the audience in providing a new source to find trails.
Creativity
does the idea stem from some personal passion of the creator? I’m sure it does.
can you detect the mark of a particular sensibility? You can mark a sense of passion in nature and hiking through Taylor’s description.
Coll idea–and I would use such an APP. Have you researched whats already out there, i.e. 15 best hiking APPS: https://www.atlasandboots.com/best-hiking-apps/
You could then see if any of them overlap with your idea, or if not, you might borrow one of their techniques for your own APP.
I’d like to see the kind of NMD strategies that Mitch identifies for your app; and I’d also like to see screen shots of the interface that show exactly how it functions (like in APP Store) as well as a description of just hoe it functions.
While you may not be able to fully create such n pp for this class, you might be able to nail the full design.