Kiosk, electronics, solar panel, and paper
70 1/2 x 14 1/2 x 11" (179 x 37 x 28 cm)
City Tickets capitalizes on a common
(and somewhat dull) mechanism of urban
infrastructure—the kiosks that have
replaced parking meters—to open a
direct channel of communication between
citizens and local authorities. At brightly
colored City Tickets kiosks, which also
dispense parking permits, people can
report problems, suggest improvements,
and give general feedback. The kiosks
generate short forms, printed as
standard-format receipts, that can be
then mailed free of charge to the right
city department, where they are entered
into a public database; the receipts
are printed with hyperlocal maps
indicating the exact location of a problem
and enabling the city to respond more
efficiently. Once the reports are listed,
citizens can track their progress through
the system, including a projected date
of completion, online, by phone, or at
the original kiosk. Citizen participation
is encouraged, and transparency and
accountability are increased. With its
innovative and affordable repurposing of
existing urban infrastructure, City Tickets
demonstrates the effective interplay
among service, interaction, and design.
