Open Format Idea

Our idea for the open format originally was to make t-shirts using the 'group of faces' illustration from the brochure; to make something which represented the idea of neighbours day while still being stylish so that people would actually want to wear it. We really wanted the open format to be an ongoing thing, rather than just during the event. Although we began to feel like it was a bit of a cop-out as there was so much potential in the open format and the t shirt would only represent an image of connections rather than initiating connections.

We started rethinking the idea and decided it would be awesome to have something that maybe connected when neighbours came together to create something else, to promote meeting up and keeping connections going.

We suddenly realised that a social media-type app could be the answer. We had been trying to keep away from this whole time as it was making people antisocial. We eventually found a way to use it to initiate real life meet ups. Similar to Tinder, it would just serve as a tool to arrange the meet up.

The app would be called Meet Your Street and you would sign up with your address to begin. The app has a map that shows people's profiles from your neighbourhood only with a number. This is a privacy element and also means that you have to meet up with the person in order to 'put a face to the number.' The app doesn't do anything unless you come within a certain distance from a neighbour, in which case it alerts you that "Number 23 is nearby" and asks you if you would like to chat. If both people agree then the app displays a compass-like arrow that you follow in order to meet up with the neighbour who you will each take personalised photos of and swap names to complete the profile. There could also be a social ranking in the app showing who in the neighbourhood is 'the most connected,' this means that when you are not near a neighbour the app still serves as a reminder and motivator to meet up.

The app would fit in with the whole 'before, during, after' story of the campaign perfectly as neighbours could begin filling up their neighbourhood contact book and meeting people during the event while still having a use for it afterwards.