Postbox Signals
2023
'Postbox Signals' is a project that aims to transform paper-based communication systems into electronic signals.
The postbox is a communication system based on paper, and in today's society where handwritten letters have been replaced by emails, and emails have given way to chat platforms, it holds a special significance as an icon.
The data for this project was formed based on approximately three months of photography. I saw the changing appearance of mail in the postbox as a form of communication signal and wanted to visualize paper mail as a form of electronic signals. Through the continuous process of collecting data of various mail items that are placed differently each day, I discovered patterns for categorization.
The criteria I set for data extraction were the presence of mail, the number of mail items, the condition of the mailbox, any boundary infringements, the preservation status of the mail, and the direction of the mail.
Based on this, I attempted to create various versions of signal system platforms and was able to visualize the appearance of mail items as digital signals.
The postbox is a communication system based on paper, and in today's society where handwritten letters have been replaced by emails, and emails have given way to chat platforms, it holds a special significance as an icon.
The data for this project was formed based on approximately three months of photography. I saw the changing appearance of mail in the postbox as a form of communication signal and wanted to visualize paper mail as a form of electronic signals. Through the continuous process of collecting data of various mail items that are placed differently each day, I discovered patterns for categorization.
The criteria I set for data extraction were the presence of mail, the number of mail items, the condition of the mailbox, any boundary infringements, the preservation status of the mail, and the direction of the mail.
Based on this, I attempted to create various versions of signal system platforms and was able to visualize the appearance of mail items as digital signals.
90 Days of Postboxes
After observing photos of mailboxes taken over the course of about 90 days, I could discern various changes in the condition of mail and mailboxes. Personally establishing criteria, I developed a platform for extracting data. The platform for signal extraction was structured around six following criteria.
︎ Presence of Mail : Visually confirms the presence of mail inside the mailbox.
︎ Number of Mail Items : Counts how many pieces of mail are inside the mailbox.
︎ Condition of the Mailbox : Checks the condition of the mailbox, visually recording whether it is open or closed.
︎ Boundary Infringements : Determines whether mail crosses the boundaries between mailboxes.
︎ Preservation Status of the Mail : Evaluates the preservation status of the mail, categorizing items as either straight or bent due to external influences.
︎ Direction of the Mail : Indicates the orientation of the mail, either to the left or right.
Extracting Signals
Using the signal extraction platform from the six criteria mentioned above, detailed and quantitative data on mail and mailboxes were extracted.
Below are samples demonstrating the application of the platform.
Below are samples demonstrating the application of the platform.
Application
Various Signals from Postboxes
