On the way into thinkpublic this morning my bus was displaying the new yell.com ads.
Attached to the side of the bus was an LED screen, linked to a GPS (Global Positioning System) device which tracks the buses movement/position and then displays local information, the information content also changes depending on the time of day – for example, local cafe’s and shops are displayed at lunchtime whilst cinema’s and clubs are shown in the evening.
The ads use of GPS is an innovative way of tailoring information to local needs and although it’s not possible to tell the screen what you want on the bus it really shows how simple the yell.com system is and how it works. These screens provide an excellent example of how another industry is delivering personalised information and communicating it’s services. What would happen if the technology was used for service improvement within a healthcare environment, school or prison, how could that work?
It certainly would be interesting to find out.
Feb 6th, Ivo said:
this does look really excellent, a shame that its only used for advertising. I don’t like advertising. How can we use this for doing good?
Feb 10th, deborah Szebeko said:
I use GPS to help me find my way when driving… it’s great apart from it takes me the long route.
It would be interesting to use GPS when doing observation work maybe, or tacking lost hospital equipment!