Pier10

From CloudPad

Pier10- VisionBusiness for a Better World ==

(based on a dream)

Pier10- is a vision of 2 things:

• an advanced highly interactive web searchportal where instead of text searching, the user is a visitor/explorer in an extensive highly graphic 3D virtual world of imbedded information, and
• a franchise of realworld retail/commercial spaces which offer edutainment and inter-activities for engaging the masses in creative technologies with a 'have fun while saving the world' bent

The portal is a collaborative construct which uses an intuitive GIS-like tool framework to help users navigate and create retraceable pathways through connecting existing virtual worlds and access embedded information from billions of webpages throughout the web.

As opposed to traditional search engines where the user is specific about what they are searching for/needs specific information, Pier10 is an 'experience'. Far richer in possibilities than any one video game, it offers the user infinite choices in exploring the web in a 'choose your own adventure' style. Users may choose from countless worlds and environments, suiting mood and taste- from busy city streets to tranquil zen gardens, medieval castles, outer space... (take a tour of SecondLife.com (http://www.SecondLife.com) ) You may select an avatar from a catalog or upload your own. A brief demo explains how to move your avatar through the environments and gain various perspectives. Objects in the environment are clickable (a mouse-over will give you a hint) and may transport or offer information. It is easy to 'back up' if you choose not to go that route or find the information uninteresting. see Memory palaces and Memory Palaces 2

There is a $1 fee to enter the Pier10 portal. This fee helps to maintain the most elaborate and immerse portal on the web and to support our mission of raising funds for charitable organizations worldwide. inspiring example (http://congogorillaforest.com/congovirtualtour/congotour/congopavilion/?tourid=114353&po=10/) After entering the portal you are under no obligation to purchase anything, but should you choose to make a purchase, each participating merchant will donate 10% of the purchase price to the charity of your choice. Pier10 is a catalyst for encouraging the 10% Pledge for all businesses who wish inclusion and virtual representation. (A pervasive media '10%Club Campaign' would be in full effect for 6months to a year before the Launch.) Users can designate a charity of choice at the time of entering/logging in to the portal or at any check-out/purchase opportunity. Non-specified donations will be directed to the Better World Fund. Direct donations to charitable organizations and/or projects can also be made at various inworld donation boxes or events. Several realms are devoted mainly towards charity and sustainable development project awareness. A large display registers how much money is being generated/accumulated and distributed to projects.

The launching of the Pier10 Experience webportal is simultaneous with the opening of several Pier10 Hybrid Spaces around the globe ( possibly beginning with one in US, Japan, Europe and Canada and then proliferating as a franchise). These are actual brick-and-mortar sites which are duplicated precisely online (within the virtual world). The brick and mortar sites are a combination of cyber-cafe, arcade, interactive science museum, gift shop, with directional connections to a tearoom restaurant, bar/lounge, and health club. There is also a $1 entry fee for the brick-and-mortar sites.

The focus in the main area of Pier10 is cyber-cafe and interactive museum/retail with interactive activities and edutainment. It is designed to introduce the masses to cutting edge technology and to engage them in activities which demonstrate cyberspace possibilities so that all that enter will most likely return to experience the portal from home. The webportal enhances the B+M experience and vice-versa.There is an emphasis on intuitive interfaces and visualizations which inspire individuals to understand their ability to effect positive change in a networked world.

                   We believe every individual has the power to make a difference.
                   We exist for one single purpose:
                   So that more and more people discover their own
                   power to make good things happen. - omidyar.net (http://www.omidyar.net/home)

Design of Pier10

'Hybrid Spaces'(Brick and Mortar franchise)

• based on kalachakra mandala (http://kalachakranet.org/mandala_kalachakra.html)
• domes/skylights, circle in a square
• planetarium
• NEED:sketches to 3D visualization for both easy access web presentation and immersive prototype presentation within SecondLife
  • NEED- builders/3d graphic persons/collaborators

Pier10 Main- Center

Interactive activities/workstations/Arcade

• internet
• Builders workstations- Beginner to Advanced-
  • Specially guided Intros (create-A ) (create your dreamhome (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/569/569037p1.html), create your grandmother, create a scene...all very user-friendly, simplified with question prompts and multiple choice or other___) "Can you remember the color of the carpet?" choices:pick one. "Is this correct? modify/start from scratch
• interactive visualizations (Create a Tipping Point, migrations, WorldGame)
  • educational simulations (http://www.educationalsimulations.com/products.html)
  • inspirational short films (http://www.bigpicturesmallworld.com/movies/index.shtml)
  • Powers of Ten
• The Pier10 WebPortal
• Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/)Game?

• A popular activity for teens and newcomers are the avatar (http://www.digitalspace.com/avatars/book/fullbook/chow/chow3.htm) photo booths....designed to allow the user to manipulate a snapshot of themselves in countless fun and creative ways. Created avatars are then dispensed on a chip similar to a memorycard....easily downloadable and usable online from any computer at the site or home.The chosen avatar image is displayed on a sticker for the top/end of the memory card for easy reference. These are collectible, and often worn on keychains.

• There is a large wallscreen monitor which projects live videocam feed from other Pier10 sites and inworld...to create awareness of connection and simultaneous action. Possibility for 'face-to-face' live moment with someone on the other side of the world. I think this alone can be very potent if done well.

• Music sampling and mixing stations (interactive and instructional DJ programs/booths allow the user to 'cut a record')..

• special workshops and classes from beginners to advanced.....ties in with virtual classrooms on SecondLife

• Pier10 is well equipped and suitable for hybrid special events.

Yearly computer designers festival/awards/'screenings', character-group Meet-ups, etc., Competitions

offshoot hubs:

Pier10 HealthClubs- West

• state of the art exercise equiptment with immersive graphics, solo or group

treadmills: 'race', 'situation' or 'exploratory walk'

surround screen meditation and yoga rooms

Pier10 Gardens- North

• restaurant/tearoom

The relaxed place to meet with a friend. Lush, tranquil, real plants, tea bar, coy pond, sounds: water, birds.... noise level regulated

Pier10 Bar/Lounge/DanceClub- East

• somewhat conventional but 'futuristic' decor
• cyber-punk