00 -1- Social Observation:

Each year during graduation season, a significant amount of B1/B2 visa holders will come to visit. A specific similar travel pattern could be seen and catalyzed in a group: Visiting the same tourist place, taking similar photographs right in front of a scene, and shopping for similar souvenirs. New York is a world-renowned tourist city, but famous tourist places like Time Square and the Statue of Liberty are commonly chosen, especially for first-time visitors.

Similar places, similar photo angle, similar souvenir, results in similar experience

the video below is a visualized location based photo collection on social media

00 -2- What espects define famous tourist locations?

What causes the 'Herd effect'?

The popularity of New York's iconic tourist destinations is not solely based on their historical or architectural significance. A significant factor that contributes to their fame is their portrayal in American movies, promotional videos, and advertisements. These mediums have a profound influence on the collective consciousness of both domestic and international tourists. When viewers see the dazzling lights of Times Square, the majestic aura of the Statue of Liberty, or the bustling streets of Manhattan in films or commercials, it creates a desire to experience these places firsthand. Recognizing this correlation, we sourced data to analyze the frequency of New York's landmarks in movies. The findings underscored the undeniable impact of media in shaping the city's touristic appeal.

Utilizing data from OpenStreetMap and NYC OpenData, I've extracted three key datasets from recent years: 1. Film Permits, 2. Bi-Annual Pedestrian Counts, and 3. Points Of Interest NYC. From the visualized map data, it's evident that film permits are predominantly concentrated in Midtown and Downtown areas. This concentration aligns perfectly with areas of high pedestrian traffic, as indicated by the Bi-Annual Pedestrian Counts. On the other hand, the Points Of Interest NYC data reveals that New York City offers a plethora of attractions, which are evenly dispersed throughout the city, suggesting that there's much more to explore beyond the bustling epicenters.

map in jupyter notebook

data visualization based on 1.film production - Python-visualization using jupyter notebook

data visualization based on 2. Bi-Annual Pedestrian Counts, and 3. Points Of Interest NYC - Python-visualization using jupyter notebook

00 -3- Experience Design with analytical tools

Besides following platforms like tripadvisors/yelp or reviews from Google Map/Social Media platforms, and taking almost exactly same photos from similar angles, navigating around the city can be more. Utilizing Grasshopper, I imported a 3D model of New York City, encompassing its intricate streets and architectural landmarks. I then designated prominent buildings as 'target views'. The streets are color-coded based on visibility: the more vibrant the hue (especially yellow), the greater the visibility of these iconic structures from that location. Focusing on Midtown, three renowned edifices were selected from west to east: 1. The Edge, 2. The Empire State Building, and 3. The United Nations Headquarters. Streets with darker shades indicate reduced visibility. This visualization encourages visitors to explore alternative vantage points, allowing them to capture unique perspectives rather than congregating at the same popular spots for similar photographs.

00 -4- A narrative travel experience

Within this gallery below, I delve deep into the forefront of experiential design, showcasing a myriad of innovative approaches and technological explorations. Here are some of the key highlights:1.Generative AI: (group work)We've harnessed the power of generative AI to autonomously craft travel plans and photographs, offering travelers a novel and personalized journey experience.2.Data Visualization: By visualizing data from all of New York's attractions, we provide tourists with an intuitive means to understand and select their destinations.3.Randomized Travel Destination Generator using P5.js: For those who thrive on adventure and the unknown, this tool randomly selects a travel spot, adding an element of surprise to their journey. 4.AR Photography Filters: We've designed an AR filter inspired by the flowers of the Highline, transforming traditional tangible souvenirs into digital keepsakes, offering tourists a unique and modern way to commemorate their travels. 5.Virtual Gallery Exploration: Our virtual gallery presents a different emphasis from traditional travel, providing an immersive and novel experience for visitors. 6.Design Fiction(group work): We've ventured into the realm of design fiction, envisioning a future bicycle-centric city, detailing the cycling routes and experiences therein. This gallery represents our endeavors in pushing the boundaries of experiential design, aiming to provide richer and more profound experiences for travelers.

SYSTEM:

In this project, I delve into the fascinating patterns of international tourists visiting New York City, analyzing the trip experience system, particularly focusing on first time visitors travel route.

potential system direction 1.hybrid navigatation 2.digital identity 3.international travel

System

International travel: New York City, with its myriad of attractions, offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists. However, an intriguing observation emerges when assessing the popularity of these sites: the most renowned landmarks are invariably the most congested. This surge in foot traffic at famous spots can be attributed to their frequent appearances on social media platforms, reviews, and filmography. The allure of 'checking in' at these celebrated locations is potent, driven by a collective desire to be part of a shared cultural narrative.

Whom does it impact?

First time visitors to NYC. Travel influencers on social media. Ads and firm production about NYC tourism. This system shows a clear pattern in location, time, and overall experience . Elements: in this system involves international travel/locations (stay / tour) / transportation/food/shopping/photos. Purpose: In this system, the participants have a clear purpose which is to visit students and visit Manhattan NYC.

Potential project domain

Mapping, Grasshopper analyze, AR, interaction design, design fictions, speculation, collage, social media, individual narrative

Further possible directions

Hybrid navigatation / Digital identity / Interantional travel experience

Hybrid navigatation

Potiential methods

  • Mapbox
  • Virtual experience in VR
  • Design fictions
  • Speculation
  • Interaction design

Digital Identity

Potiential methods

  • Social media
  • Individual narrative
  • AR Augmented reality
  • Collage
  • Design fictions

Experience design

Potiential methods

  • Interactive installation
  • Interaction design
  • Individual narrative
  • Virtual experience design
  • Social Media