tamsin fulton

Transformational Design Project Blog

The Dispersal Zone is a technical solution to anti-social behaviour problems. It is a one size fits all answer.

The Dispersal Zone epitomises the mis-match between the ideas of well-intentioned policy makers and the reality of the specific needs of a local community.

This anomaly can be seen through both the implementation of the Dispersal Zone and the absence of knowledge, input and reaction from the local community.

Over the last 6 months I have been experimenting with different techniques for community engagement, initially raising awareness and working towards a community response to the Dispersal Zone.

See the project blog for details on these experiments.

see project blog

Dispersal Zones

I am interested in the Dispersal Zone as a technical tool applied by public agencies to address a social challenge.

"Anti-social behaviour is any activity that impacts on other people in a negative way." Home Office 2003

I explored the concept of anti-social behaviour, going on an 8hr shift with mylocal Safer Neighbourhood Team and spent time with residents young and old, in the streets and in their homes within the designated Dispersal Zone. I evaluated the Dispersal Zone as a tool. Mapped out the stages of implementation, from identifying a "problem" area, the administration process, implementation through to review and renewal.

I found there to be no awareness raising of the tool being used, so residents, businesses and passers by were unaware they were living or operating within the Dispersal Zone and had no idea of the meaning of such an order. There was very little public consultation and no transparent evaluation of the impact or outcomes of using the tool.

From this Discovery phase I set out to apply the principles of user-centred design to a tricky social challenge.

Over 6 months I co-designed with residents and locals alternative tools that resulted in 5 requirements to improve the quality of life on the estate.

In parallel to this work I mapped out all Dispersal Zones in London on a website to raise awareness of the physical locations of the zones and to encourage debate and participation on the issues.

The Pavement, the free magazine for homeless people in London and Scotland have published an article on Dispersal Zones. http://www.thepavement.org.uk/story.php?story=959

take a look ... a London guide

Busker Ringtones

For people who want to support live and spontaneous music on a city street or in a local. Busker Ringtones is one element of a wider project being developed focused on using technology to support and encourage live music.

Busker ringtones offer buskers a new revenue stream and at the same time gives the public unique ringtones for their mobile phones. Ringtones could be requested free at the RCA Interim Show but would normally cost £1.50.

Dpt. Communities and sustainable life
Vs
Miss Collette Palmer
2106

Will our genetic inheritance be lost for good in the future?

Will hereditary DNA become more desirable than synthesized DNA in 2106?

Will we seek out “old genes” from our ancestors to revive lost skills and characteristics?

This project imagines a future court battle, presenting some of the evidence and background to the case.

Clash Calls

Turkmeister likes to clash with friends in the street, a rap battle ensues. France Telecom were looking for mobile phone applications, i suggested a mobile rap battle, "Clash Calls".

Clash Calls lets anyone submit a video performance, 2 performers go head-to-head (broadcast to subscribers via the mobile phone network) and the community votes who should wim. The winner plays against the next performer and on it goes.

Map My London

It’s the everyday recollections and experiences of London’s citizens that define a city as it’s actually lived.

Map My London is a website I worked on with the Museum of London. The project was conceived as a means for the museum to record individuals’ experiences of life in the capital.

Visitors to the site are invited to leave a personal ‘memory’ that relates to a geographical location in the city, building up a kind of “ emotional map of the city.

See Map My London