'Simit' (known also as "Turkish bagel") is the most widely-preferred product for peddlers in Turkey

Bagdat (or Baghdat) Avenue is settled on the Anatolian part of Istanbul, Turkey. It is considered to be one of the most fancy neighborhoods in Istanbul. The entire avenue is 6 km long and it is surrounded by a bunch of famous stores, coffee and restaurant chains as well as relatively tall apartments. The street was full of people again.

Peddlers have an important role on this named avenue. They serve a vast range of products from flowers to shoestrings. One of them stands out among others not because of its popularity, but also its position within the Turkish society: Simit (Turkish Bagel).

Simit is a sort of bread in a circular shape. It has sesame seeds on and is usually served with tea, cheese and jam. This piece is very well-known especially for breakfast and snack moments in Turkey, as well as other European and Middle East countries like Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Lebanon (Ref: Wiki). As a consequence, it is unavoidable to see a Simit peddler almost in every corner on Bagdat Avenue.

Blue and white appear to be the official color combination that peddlers wear on. That makes it easy to notice them no matter how far you are. Apart from color combination as a commonality, they also share same problems when retailing on the street. More interestingly, they try to fulfill those through very similar intuitive methods. So, I call them “Improvised 3″ to clarify the rest my story.

1- Managing

Peddlers face difficulties when trying to control their sales units considering especially the variety of elements they usually place in their units: simit, money, cheese and other ingredients, plastic bags, papers, personal belongings… That is mainly caused by ergonomics. As a result, almost each peddler need to have an extra wooden platform where they step on. So, they can easily reach their entire sales unit and elements. Another reason to do that might be climate-based. We all know how gentle our feet are when it is really cold outside . Thus, a fair distance between our feet and the ground might make a difference.

Wooden platform for better control and the chair

The need for a chair stands out as the second remarkable outcome. Those chairs totally look like separate elements that have no relation with the main sales unit. Peddlers usually prefer grabbing whatever they find that would suit their personal comfort.

Packing just before the end of the day

2- Cleaning

Peddlers usually start to pack their stuff before the sunset. Instead of integrating light solutions to take the advantage of evenings, they prefer closing their unit before the sun goes down. At that phase, cleaning has an important role as well as organizing leftovers. It requires simply a brush that is kept in the drawer of the sales unit. It is still difficult to manage the entire unit tough.

Cleaning shelves, the wooden platform and another chair

3- Storing

Maybe it is the most challenging problem for peddlers to keep their sales units with all the other elements in safe for the upcoming day. Once they complete cleaning, it is time to find a place and a solution to leave their unit alone on the street. But they should be really creative not to have surprises like having it stolen. Considering all the stuff they have, this issue really challenges them at the end of each day. The level of security and requirements is surely up to the neighborhood where they make their business, but below is a clear picture showing how wild things might go even on one of the most popular avenues in Istanbul.

Storage and security requirements

In the end of such a quick walk, I missed in general the idea of harmony between the sales unit, other elements (e.g. chair) and the environment. We can not ignore sales person regarding functionality. However, improving should not only consider the functionality, but also the visual appearance. We simply can not position this way of retailing isolated from the environment. The common color combination is a step to support this mentioned harmony, but there are still many things to be done. As designers, we do not necessarily have to create totally new ‘plastic’ objects to overcome these problems, but we can also show those people how to create better solutions by using what they already have at hand. This may take us to “ready-made” approach. By doing so, peddlers will be more aware of what they did so far and the future potential to improve their business. Maybe it is time for us to throw some stones into that ocean, isn’t it?

Happy 2011!

Best,

Koray

Honda ASIMO the humanoid robot (1)

Apart from product replacements, the domestic environment contains other variables and factors, which are primarily affected by these new technologies both in positive and negative ways. More importantly, these various factors tend to change dynamically in response. As a consequence, new smart technologies, which robotic products are a promising part of, become a catalyst for change considering the variety of key factors and players in the surroundings.

However, still little is known about the impact of new smart home technologies within the domestic environment. Even though researchers have already started studying service robots and human interaction mainly in laboratories, there is a big need for studies to be conducted in real domestic environments. It is a compelling necessity for both technologist and designer to develop a deeper understanding of the domestic environment before planning the future of robotics.

Starting with that perspective, I recently conducted a research in Italy that aims at contributing to Human-Service Robot Interaction (HSRI) literature by exploring the effects of these named technologies within the domestic environment, in particular by studying an existing product example in a specific area. Its main focus is on the interaction between Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner, and dynamic factors within the domestic environment in Italy. These dynamic factors are envisioned as cleaning products, people, daily activities and the environment. Finally, the study also explores the general concept of domestic robots with respect to the position of Roomba in Italian society.

Roomba Discovery Series (2)

The research model is mainly inspired by the “Product Ecology” approach by Jodi Forlizzi. By following product ecology guidelines, the thesis aims to approach an ethnographic design-focused research model to discuss existing literature findings through new perspectives and open new arguments to contribute to the future of robotics.

The study opens up with an overview of the literature. Then, two separate qualitative surveys are conducted among Italian people through online platforms. First survey is designed for Italian Roomba users, and contains questions about house organization, cleaning habits and routines, Roomba experience as well as user demographics. It is mainly designed to deliver first impressions and findings about the Roomba interaction and experience in the domestic environment in Italy. The other survey is specific for those who never had Roomba experience before, and it is composed of questions related to cleaning habits and routines, domestic organization and demographics. It provides a base to compare findings of the first survey and gives a summary of Italian cleaning habits and domestic organization. In addition, both surveys investigate how Italian people would anticipate and picture the future of domestic robots. The survey phase is followed by a series of observational interviews with Italian Roomba users. Interview sessions explore same topics in details by additional support of records and photographs.

The envisioned schema of Roomba product ecology

In conclusion, the cumulative analysis of both surveys and interviews reveals that Roomba causes drastic changes on cleaning activities, and it creates strong emotional bonding with its owners. On the other hand, Roomba does not bring forth long-term engagements regarding cleaning products and environmental structure. The last part of analysis points out three main topics about the overall robot concept in Italian society. Those are the importance of robots’ visible movements, the references communicated with the intelligence of robots and the relationship between the generations and robots’ reliability.

Koray Ozsoy
June, 2010

Keywords: Product Design, Interaction Design, Product Ecology, Robotics, Human-Service Robot Interaction, Domestic Service Robot

——————————————————-

1) <http://www.wikipedia.org>, accessed at 04.04.2010.
2) DiSalvo C., Forlizzi J., 2006. Service Robots in the Domestic Environment: A Study of the Roomba Vacuum in the Home, Proceedings of the 1st ACM SIGCHI/SIGART Conference on Human-robot Interaction, pp. 329-336, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, March 2-4.

'Some' experiences in Favela de Rocinha

After meeting our guide early in the morning, we started driving. It went all fine when driving next to seaside. But things came to change drastically after leaving a tunnel that ended with an amazing hill view where the favela was settled. The size of the slum area, houses, the structure (!), the big chaos made me speechless at least for couple of seconds.

The location

We started climbing up the hill. The interesting thing was there were not only poorly constructed buildings, but also villas even with fancy swimming pools. Pointing at those, our guide told us that the hill was surrounded by neighborhoods of famous people from different industries; such as music, sports and media. What diversity! But I was already familiar with similar situations because of coming from Istanbul, a city full of diversity. Our guide continued by telling scary stories related gang wars. So, I felt the tension again.

Climbing up the hill

Climbing up the hill, on the way to Rocinha

We finally arrived to our first stop. Last warnings by our guide before getting off: “Don’t leave the group. Hide your photo camera. Make sure that you ask people for permission before taking photos…” What, where were we?! Contrary to what I was expecting, people were extremely nice and talented. We bumped into a small group of craftsmen and street musicians. However, they did not let us make pictures unless we bought bunch of things they were selling. Sorry for missing that part.

When heading towards the second stop, I noticed something unusual. At some particular corners there were young people on motorbikes. What strange was, each of them was fully armed with relatively heavy machine-guns. Shortly after, our guide went into details of the common business that they run in this neighborhood. So, it was clear that those were the guards of the main business. What was it? Basically, the main business was established around drugs and there was no reason to create any chaos and trouble unless someone would put his nose into that business of big bosses. Opposite to the picture that the city people commonly used to draw, any other illegal business was not welcome to Rocinha at all. I even heard some of the native people saying: “We have Ipanema for p*mps and their wh*res”.

A street in Rocinha

The photo above was taken at our second stop that was the beginning of a avenue. Yes, I said avenue because this favela was already developed through services which we were accustomed to seeing in cities: private bus line shifting between city center and favela, private TV channel, banks, even a MCDonalds branch that was closed short time ago… The other remarkable thing, which you might have already noticed, was the chaotic look of cables that went all the way down from right to left and vice versa. They said of course it on purpose: “Curiosity is one of the things to destroy oneself”. However, I could not calm my curiosity down and started to follow one of these cables. YES, I LEFT THE GROUP!

One for all, all for one.

This small cable took me to the reality of Rocinha community that was the common idea of sharing all kind of services with one another. On top you see a TV channel infrastructure (!). The rule is, one buys and at least other twenty benefit. And here is the result of this philosophy (above). So better to say: “One for all, all for one”.

I kept on tracking these cables wondering how they would come to an end. Eventually, I bumped into different astonishing scenarios. Among some examples shown below, there is a very naive implementation on the bottom; tiny cable going towards a house.

Snapshots from streets in Rocinha

Of course, they need some superstars to hack high level of technologies in order to support their overall philosophy to share all services. Tony (below) should be one of them.

Tony Eletronica

Snapshots from narrow streets in Rocinha

Back to the group… We were in the entrance of a typical local street (above). Our guide warned us again: “When we start walking, please don’t even think of trying to shoot houses!”. Right after the first minute wondering about this warning, I was quite sure that it was the narrowest street I had ever been to in my life. Literally speaking, one was able to reach the next house just with couple of steps. Colorful kitchens, living room, laundries and so on… We kept on walking among these brick and concrete buildings accompanied by different Samba melodies on our ears. It was really tough not to use the photo camera. However, I could not stop myself  when I came across a kindergarten. I held my breath and hit the button of my photo camera (below).

Kindergarten

Wooden seesaws, slide, paintings on the wall, laundries and of course cables next to them. They all were completing a composition, the reality of this neighborhood and how people reserved room for children no matter how difficult and challenging their conditions were. But where were all the kids? So, the group was forwarded to an elementary school to meet them.

Snapshot from an elementary school

After 5 minutes of walking, we had arrived to the elementary school, where we witnessed very heavy conditions; classes and even fridges missing doors, windows full of bricks, broken fans… So our guide started to talk about the realities and unwritten rules in Brazilian educational system. Basically every body, especially many of teachers were so concerned about showing the overall education level in their country as high as possible that they ignored students’ failure in most cases in such slums. But the reality was totally the opposite which no one wanted to face so far. Considering the given conditions, there was no way to find out where the main problem were being derived from, but it was obvious that sooner or later someone should start facing this, which I hoped to happen soon. However, any of those negative aspects could not stop the motivation and warm energy of the local students to become better and skilled personalities.

Cute students

It was time to take a look at the panoramic view on top of a concrete building to see how locals were to enjoy the life. We stopped in front of a scary and mysterious building. It seemed to be deserted some time ago. Of course I wondered “why?”, but no chance not to go inside as a part of the group. It took just some seconds to get ‘wow’ expression by every one. They all were fascinated by the view that was to picture the colorful structure as well as nice ocean view, whereas I was more focused on the next balcony. Iron bars covered by plastic bottles, hmm…

Another kindergarten on the roof.

The bell rang right after I saw blue gallons and a lady taking care of laundry on the roof. Women used to wash laundry on the roofs thanks to blue gallons that help them collect water, and sun that takes care of drying. How would you look after your children at the same time? So, mothers defined these roofs also as a playground for their kids to keep them busy and easy to look after. As a result, it was impressing to see the obvious need and a pure approach for solution right at the place.

Lady taking care of laundry

Back to the panoramic view… The chaos, but it all make sense to favela people. Nice view of the beach and ocean, right place to party. Not much to say.

The view from Rocinha

Before concluding, I would like to suggest two movies that you should definitely watch if you consider making a trip to Rio de Janeiro. First one is titled as “Elite Squad” (imdb) and it is about a special unit called “BOPE” (wiki) whose members are specially trained for such slum neighborhoods. This movie is picturing the issues closely from good guys’ perspective. Second one, “City of God” (imdb) might be more familiar to you. It is telling stories more from bad guys’ perspectives. I personally like this contrast of perspectives as they both highlight various aspects which completes the other.

Films good to watch

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are looking for more tips and advices related to a Rio de Janeiro trip. Saúde!

Juicy Salif by Philippe Starck

Your parents, grandparents, wife, children, your girfriend, boyfriend… It is always difficult to find a good gift idea for special days no matter for whom you intend to look. Designophy, that is a design publication covering contemporary design and technology news, latest competitions, interviews, articles and topics related with all design professions, found a way to help us come up with unique ideas.

A famous designer’s touch to an everyday object often results in unique but expensive products. Here we have put together 50 affordable products ($5-$100) designed by famous names and/or reached a cult status. A design feels always better if you have it at home. This list composed by Ali Vatansever for Designophy will be a design buying guide for you.

See the entire list here:
http://www.designophy.com/great_gift_ideas.php

For "Dummies" Book Series

One way or another, we all must have seen the “Dummies” book series with their particular yellow cover that are giving instructions about a bunch of computer software. “Windows for dummies”, “AutoCAD for dummies”… Yes, I tried to read one of those. Does it make me dummy? And I improved my skills a lot instead. It was maybe the overall concept that took my attention at the first glance. But then I noticed how easy the language was. Heavy content, but the chosen way of communication was not boring at all.

“The Story of Stuff International” by Annie Leonard definitely reminded me of those in the beginning. In spite of its heavier and deeper content, Annie takes the level of communication one step further. The message, that is mainly about sustainability and our meaningful contribution (!), is delivered so simple and bold. The animation style, transactions, words and connections… Her communication choice is brilliant and it goes very well with its scope. I wonder how many people would get the real point if it had been written on a paper instead of such a way of delivering the message. But we still keep on consuming so deadly. That is why I wish to see more of those nice efforts.

Watch and let others watch:
http://www.storyofstuff.com/international/

New beginnings

Finally, I got my place in the blog world that had already become a must considering current daily habits.

The plan is to share and reflect things that I am up to regarding design thinking, consumption culture, packaging, human centered design and others that I could not recall. As a main difference I think, the update process will be done on Sundays only. So, you can focus on other sites, magazines, books during the other 6 days of a week. But please remember that you are invited to my Sunday coffee table, not just to read but also to have your word. Enjoy your coffee!