http://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ios_maps_waze.jpg
Waze is a sophisticated interactive digital map app that collects every driver’s data that has downloaded the app and uses it to indicate the speed of traffic and what others have seen recently on the road so they can report crashes, obstacles in the road like a fallen tree branch or can warn others about patrolling police enforcement. Their website claims that you will “Get the best route, every day, with real–time help from other drivers,” so their map is not only real-time but it is also personalized and you can choose to select various things like avoid tolls or freeways. Waze is useful because when you sign up, it asks for your permission to access your GPS location while using the app and that way it can collect your data and compare it to the Waze users around you. The map encourages communication by giving you points if you are driving with a passenger and they are able to report traffic accidents. The points don’t really help with anyone in real life, but in the Waze world in can show you an a baby Waze icon (when you’re brand new to the system) or you can become older and get yourself a new icon that best represents you. Besides showing you where you are going and what is along the way, there aren’t any more visualization tools and I think that helps the map serve it’s purpose since after all it is really about getting from point A to point B.
Even still, the map is especially interactive and really lays down a foundation that builds trust within the user community. When people report a cop, they really watch how they are driving, and if they see the cop has left or moved they can also report that. The really cool thing about Waze is that if you want to get home and there is a big accident on the way, it will show you what side streets you can use to get home faster and avoid the traffic. It’s interesting that once you are a Waze user, it’s easy to spot who is one as well. Instead of sitting in traffic they will be behind or in front of you, taking all the same crazy turns you’re taking to get to where they are going. And it really does help. What’s also cool is that you can communicate to other users if you’re really bored or what to have some small talk with a stranger. If you’re going somewhere kind of remote, like Joshua Tree or some hipster event like Coachella, you can possibly even become friends even before you get to where your going. The icons can serve as conversation starters and it’s pretty groovy to see how a map can create friendships and get you to wherever your going in a way that is fast, smart and creative.
