Research task. We'll be doing a field study of one urban neighborhood in Helsinki, the Diana Park area in South Helsinki. I'll divide you into groups, and give observation, interviewing, photographing, and videotaping tasks.

Problem. The problem comes from Eric Paulos's notion of urban computing. Engineers and designer consantly imagine new uses for s.c. ubquitous technology. However, these studies are usually done piecemeal; in one shopping mall, room, organization, etc. What we'll do is a study of a place try to uncover its true complexity. We'll study the social fabric; technology; networks; various users and their "needs"; and finally create concepts for the area.

Question. What kinds of needs does Diana Park have in terms of urban computing? What kinds of design opportunities does the park offer?

Work packages. I'll divide you into groups for observation as soon as I know how many students are there. Areas to be covered are: people and their needs; the rhythm of life; big business users; small business users; existing technologies and networks; technological needs; provider interests.