Li Zhou

Have you ever noticed the surveillance cameras as you walk down the street? Do you know what kind of information is collected - public or private - and how it can impact individuals and the city? Do you feel safer with more surveillance cameras or just the opposite? In areas like Boston Chinatown, where there is a high level of surveillance, these are important questions to ask. But surprisingly, many residents, business owners, and visitors are unaware of the abundance of surveillance cameras in the area, let alone have a say in their deployment and current usage. But even when people try to become involved, it's undeniable and unfortunate that the communication channel is blocked. Currently, the conversation around the use of data surveillance technology is happening primarily at the municipal level, between the government and private technology companies. This conversation excludes the voices of the public, which means that decisions around surveillance technology are often made without consulting the community's values or opinions. This exclusion can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, eroding trust between the government and its people. When individuals feel that their voices are not being heard, it can lead to feelings of alienation and distrust in the authorities. This lack of trust can be particularly detrimental in areas like Boston Chinatown, where a strong sense of community is essential. The issue of surveillance technology is more pressing now than ever before, as it rapidly expands in use. It's crucial that we understand how it affects us, particularly in areas like Boston's Chinatown where awareness of the surveillance cameras is worryingly low. So my research question is: How might we increase the participation of underrepresented people in oversight of the use of surveillance technology in Boston Chinatown? Due to people’s low awareness and participation in the area, the first step is to start thinking and talking about it. But where do we begin? Let's start by looking at how people receive information about these technologies. Often, the only information people receive is from small, ominous signs saying "you are under CCTV 24/7," "smile, you are under surveillance," or "trespassers will be prosecuted." But what do these signs actually tell us, besides the fact that there is a camera in use? The reality is that these signs do very little to inform the public about the values and implications of surveillance technology. Instead, they leave people with a mix of emotions, including concern, suspicion, threat, safety, security, monitoring, watchfulness, privacy, intrusion, paranoia, reassurance, indifference, apathy, and normalcy. This mixed response reflects the complexity of the issue and the need for greater understanding and dialogue. So the question comes to how to raise more awareness and understanding of surveillance technology in Boston Chinatown? We need to understand the implications of surveillance technology. When it comes to surveillance technology, people's concerns go beyond the mere technical specifications of the cameras or other devices in use. Rather, they care about the values and implications surrounding its use that relates to their daily life. In Boston's Chinatown, residents might ask: can surveillance technology make our neighborhood safer from crime? Can it help us track traffic flow and reduce congestion? Can it contribute to cleaner streets with fewer pests and litter? These questions are invaluable because comprehending the technology from the perspective of people is the key to my goal. The aim of this project is to address the pressing issue of the use of surveillance technology by designing a solution that raises awareness, conveys information, and enables people to comprehend these technologies for themselves. I seek to understand the pain points experienced by people in their daily lives, and to design easily understandable materials that effectively communicate the neutral values of these technologies. This design intervention proposes the utilization of multiple mediums, including signs, video, physical game, and interactive app platform, to effectively present information and activate participation in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner. The video component showcases what a common surveillance camera can capture when placed in public areas and everyday locations, thus providing a visual representation of the surveillance technology in action. This approach aims to introduce people to what is actually being captured by the camera, thereby increasing their understanding of the technology. The physical game is an interactive element of the intervention that is designed to engage individuals in the Chinatown area. Participants are invited to play the game on a physical whiteboard by moving magnetic icons around while considering the trade-offs of specific surveillance devices and their key values. This activity is intended to encourage critical thinking around the technology for people themselves. The game-like activity can be conducted as a workshop or as a fun gathering session, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with the topic in a relaxed and engaging setting. For the long term, the interactive app platform will enable individuals to scan a newly designed sign mounted next to a specific surveillance device, which conveys information about the type of information gathered by the device. Participants can see the value maps created by others, reflecting their understanding of the values associated with a particular surveillance device. Participants can then create their own value map, a process that encourages reflection and a deeper understanding of the technology. Overall, the proposed design intervention aims to empower individuals by enabling them to comprehend surveillance technology for themselves. By utilizing a range of mediums to present information, this project seeks to make the technology more accessible and engaging for individuals. In conclusion, this design intervention is not the final solution to the issue of surveillance technology, but rather the first step towards raising awareness and promoting understanding among the public. By presenting information in an accessible and engaging manner, I hope to encourage individuals to care about and take an active role in thinking of surveillance technology for themselves. The value maps created by participants through the physical game and interactive app can provide valuable insights for influencing government decisions and policy-making. Ultimately, this project aims to promote a more transparent and equitable use of surveillance technology.