RIDER SPOKE
by blast theory
Rider Spoke is a hybrid media project combining communicative-technology interfaces and individuals/players taking action in the physical non-technological world based on this ensemble. This interplay creates a game-play of personal communication and urban adventuring in an exploratory game where the city becomes the playing-grid and its lesser known spaces becomes the most attractive and demanded in a search for these urban places. Rider Spoke can be seen as a way of experiencing how games and new communication technologies are creating new social spaces. Blast Theory’s (organizational designers) project Rider Spoke opened at the Barbican Theater in London, 2007.
Text link: http://blasttheory.co.uk/bt/work_rider_spoke.html
The rules
Each player will on his bike receive a question. The player is then send off to look for an appropriate hiding place within the playing-grid. When an appropriate hiding place is found, the player must then voice-record his answer to the before received question using a handheld computer attached to the handlebars. The computer also functions as a positioning system where the player and the hiding places are located. Each player can only record in a hiding place undiscovered by other players. If the player finds an occupied or already used hiding space, it is possible for this player to view the recording of the other player, but not to use the same place himself. When a recording has been made a new question will present itself to the player via the handheld computer.
Purpose
This projects most significant purpose is to focus on new social spaces in the urban life and architecture created by the interaction of technology, humans and games. This project allows the player to experience the urban space, and his own interaction in it, from a different viewpoint by searching the outmost corners of the city (the playing field) in order to answer a question given by a digital interface. In this way the player breaks with his normal behaviour and social conduct in the public urban life. Quote: “The streets may be familiar but you’ve given yourself up to the pleasure of being lost”. – Rider Spoke text line 38
It’s also important to point out, that most questions given to the player are questions where the player has to reflect on his life. This way, Blast Theory adds an existential aspect to Rider Spoke.
Pics
