Z o o g y - M E (A. Bassoli, T. Deutschmann, B. Fong, E. Iheukumere, M. Sater) - 2005

 
< Zoogy-ME represents a 'proximity-based technology', a real time communication tool aimed to support
the creation of face-to-face interactions among students on campus. The application is the result of a
short-term ethnographic project conducted at the London School of Economics.

Zoogy-ME works on the idea of promoting social relations through the combination of synchronous and
asynchronous communication within a specific region, no restrictions are placed on users as the idea is
to allow them manage the technology, not to let the technology manage them. This can influence the
way social interactions happen and develop, and hopefully better support the creation of new
face-to-face relationships.

The fact that virtual connections are situated in the same spatio-temporal context encourages users
to communicate, share information and arrange activities based on instantaneous temporary needs and
desires. These can vary from looking for academic information to deciding to go out for dinner. The filter
mechanism helps users finding others with similar interests or with characteristics that are valuable to
them at a specific time. >