Hello, it has been a while since I collect some contact information from design studios and offices and create a link in Google Earth at the exact location.
I thought I would post this here to see if we can make it grow. Ideally, I would like to create a “Design” layer in Google earth to be available for everybody.
Designers: will easily find contact information to get in touch.
Design Studios/Agencies/Offices: will be able to have their contact information available for prospective clients and employees.
Clients: will also be able to find designers and studios in a more accessible way.
It would also be nice to create more layers with design related contents (schools, expo centers, suppliers, etc). Ideas are welcome.
Actually I have 54 locations. To add/change information, post it here, PM me or email me and I will update the links.
IMPORTANT: This information is to be used in a responsible way! (Please don’t start bugging people trough phone or email)
i agree with R. i think putting designer contact info on google earth is a mistake. i can understand that you might think its an interesting example of information architecture in a geographic form. but i just think it comes off as being slightly stalker-ish.
I wouldn’t say it’s more accessible or needed but it is an interesting way of viewing where design firms are located. I think it may be a great visual reference and a useful tool in addition to the design directory, if all those firms were placed on a map.
You could easily see where more firms are concentrated and in what parts of the city. I wouldn’t waste your time but, perhaps business week could do it with some sort of database.
Actually, go ahead and map all 6548. I would appreciate it.
I am taking a look at Google maps, I guess it could be another easy way to share this. I tried creating a KML file that you can now include to “My Maps”.
What I like about this, is the possibility to have other design related layers that can also include images and video.
I don´t know anything about coding, but it would be nice to to have a geographic directory with vendors, schools, suppliers, events, etc. Don’t you think it could be a useful tool?
Designdirectory.com is ok, but can also be improved with more dynamic and interactive information that could be used as a tool by designers, clients and vendors.
cuoto, I’ve seen the link you’ve added here. I think its a good idea. How about making a website for such a directory and link it to the google maps in case people do not look for maps when it comes to locating a design establishment they want ? I think most people do not expect Googlemaps to give out design office locations. it simply doesn’t click automatically. But most people would look for sites at core77.com. So maybe a site to mention the work you’ve done and let people surf to google maps to see where they are.
I was thinking about the same thing. This should be accesible trough a web page. An alternative would be to create a something like a widget to include in “My Maps” like one of these Ideally th widget should be from Coroflot/BW because they have the database, otherwise it would be difficult to keep it updated.
I think it would be nice to have it as a layer for google earth as well, it would be a nice way to promote design interest. People could easyly find design related tractions in their city or as a tourist in other places.
cuoto, I think your idea is interesting. If you could arrange them up further, it will look good. It has to be easy to find too. I like the idea where there is a map that shows up the places in the world. Very quick info for readers to know the details and location of these establishments.
IMPORTANT: This information is to be used in a responsible way! (Please don’t start bugging people trough phone or email)
Download links (Google Earth required to open file)