Participate explored convergence in pervasive, online and broadcast media to create new kinds of mass-participatory events in which a broad cross-section of the public contributes to, as well as accesses, contextual content - on the move, in public places, at school and at home. We worked with a range of partners to develop pervasive experiences based on the theme of “the environment”. The three year project ran from 2006 to 2008.
Trials
In a series of trials and events, coordinated by experts in education, broadcast and online services, we engaged with the general public and a network of schools to capture and contribute information about their local environment. The resulting user generated content was used to augment professionally created media to help build a picture of environmental situations across the UK.
Blast Theory’s main contribution was to develop and test Prof Tanda’s Guess-a-ware, a mobile game inviting players to take part in tests on their environment.
Our consortium blended expertise in online services, pervasive computing, broadcast media, sensors, event design and management, and education. Our partners were BT , BBC, Microsoft Research Cambridge, ScienceScope, University of Nottingham and the University of Bath.
Participate was supported by the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
