The LVN mixtapes : using augmented audiotapes for story sharing

Abstract

In the course of this thesis, I present a novel listening medium aimed to increase the awareness of the local community through story dissemination. Supported by the growing collection of recorded conversations from the Local Voices Network (LVN), I propose to use augmented audiotapes and the culture of mixtapes to physically embody the stories and views of the community. The use of cassettes provides a medium for self-reflection, generates curiosity for exploration, and ultimately enables face-to-face interactions and social sharing. This thesis describes the process of designing, building, and experimenting with this participatory media. While a more extensive study is needed to draw firm conclusions, a first pilot suggests that this design can effectively deviate people's activities for a brief period of time in order to explore these stories. This work ultimately aspires to create a platform to bring under-heard community voices to the mass population effectively, and consequently improve today's public dialogue.