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Silas Notes

Ambient Signifiers

Posted by David on October 19, 2006
1

Today’s lunchtime reading featured the wisdom of Abient Signifiers from the brilliant minds over at Boxes and Arrows. Ambiant signifiers are “design elements that communicate subtly as part of the environment’s ambiance.” Ross Howard compares subtle techniques of communication and user guidance found on the high-traffic Tokyo Rail System with similar techniques of communication that can be used on our high-traffic websites. Apparently every design decision need not be overt.

I recommend reading this article here .

I especially like his example of BBC’s “digital patina “. Let’s explore opportunities to use Ambient Signifiers in our own lives.

Jaa, mata ashita aimashou (See you later).

  1. NPR recently had a story about the art of selling products by using ambient smells. (story at: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/10/25/PM200610255.html)

    This scent marketing is actually working on people according to the speaker But I wonder if it would work on church folks. Just thinking here… how about capturing the smell of old printed Bibles and wafting that through hotels Sunday morning to lure travellers to church.

    Application aside, ambient strategy is everywhere.

    Posted by Michael Oct 27

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