playphonic
THE VOICE OF THE PLAYLINE
“HOW MIGHT WE COMMUNICATE THE PLAYLINE IN A TANGIBLE WAY? ”
CASE
A collaboration with Billund Kommune with a clear initial brief: designing a solution for the Playline, a circular path around Billund that connects diverse points of interest in the city.
After an initial analysis with the team, we identified that the lack of a common language about the project was clearly affecting the communication of the project both internally and externally. There were many things said about the Playline, but the message varied depending on the transmitter.
SOLUTION
Playphonic is a physical installation that personifies the Playline and tells its own story to the visitors, as a way to create future connections with passers-by.
CONCEPT
Playphonic is a conceptual solution that gives voice to a local facility under-construction in order to start creating connections within the passers-by. It brings the vision of the Playline alive, as it is perceived as more than just a path, but a cherished member of the city.
Big scale colorful devices trigger both children and adults when walking. Trough them, the Playline narrates stories on diverse topics with a personal twist: the weather, her future plans, favorite things to do or play...
The visitor is left curious and inspired to continue. An intimate bond has emerged that motivates future connections between passers-by and the Playline.
“‘’If you approach a large-scale change as two simultaneous and parallel challenges— the design of the artifact in question and the design of the intervention that brings it to life—you can increase the chances that it will take hold.’’ Stuart Brown”
THE RESULT OF A PLAYFUL PROCESS
Playphonic was the result of an in-company collaboration process with the members of the Playline team in Billund Kommune. Since the beginning, we approached the challenge as part of the team, designing a series of interventions that brought the concept to life (see more here). In this way, we made sure the design, far from being imposed, belonged to the team and was integrated in their status quo.
Consecutive playful interventions constituted the perfect opportunity to discuss the project’s needs. These interventions served the team not only to understand and think about the project in new ways but also to strengthen their laces. To us, they provided a deeper understanding of the values and functions of the Playline that urged to be transmitted.
At the end of the collaboration, the methods, activities and tools used were collected together with the insights and findings in a Toolbox (you can see it here). Every member of the team received a kit to contribute to the further development of the project.
IMPACT
The final feedback from the Playline team is the best reflection of how a concept shaped in consecutive playful interventions resulted in a meaningful solution that responded to the project needs.
