Big Fish Hub

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

[Overview needed]

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

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Go Hub

This Idea has been incorporated into the Bus Stop Info Hub. 

Idea Overview

Digital information kiosks at bus stops with map-based touch screens/displays to improve usage and efficiency of Pgh public transportation

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Leigh, Jane, Curt

What is the idea?

Digital information kiosks at bus stops with map-based touch screens/displays to improve usage and efficiency of Pgh public transportation

How would idea work?

• Digital screens and/or touch screens provide schedules, maps, fees, points of interest, arrivals, delays, departures, disability information
• Printable information
• Flat screens located in every community
• Environmentally friendly

Pluses:

• Improves existing resources
• Better information
• User friendly
• Organized
• 24 hour availability to check delays and problems
• Interface with internet

Concerns:

• Theft and vandalism
• Could either eliminate paper waste or create more
• Techno-phobes and technology barriers

Community opportunities:

Everyone would benefit from this. Not only transit riders, but also cyclists and people walking by, could access all types of community information.

PGHFAQ

This Idea has been incorporated into the Greater Pittsburgh Web Hub. 

Idea Overview

[Overview needed]

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

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Pittsburgh Factoid Book

This Idea has been incorporated into the Pittsburgh Guidebook.

Idea Overview

Create an easy/accessible/fun book full of facts about the city that includes people, history, current events and is geared towards young people and new Pgh people

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Lucia M.

What is the idea?

Create an easy/accessible/fun book full of facts about the city that includes people, history, current events and is geared towards young people and new Pgh people

How would idea work?

• History, people, places, odd stuff
• Educate, inspire city pride
• Pictures, maybe even a type of jeopardy game included in it

Pluses:

• Young people would get to know more about its city, feel proud of its achievements so they can stay, live and work in the city
• New Pgher coming to the city will get acquainted

Concerns:

• Balance the information so it is informative, yet still fun to read

Community opportunities:

Neighborhood organizations, schools, restaurants, public places with high tourism

Shiny Red Bench

This Idea has been incorporated into the Information Kiosks. 

Idea Overview

The Shiny Red Bench is a series of identifiable branded interactive centers offering information delivered to the right place at the right time. Information covers things like arts, events, nightlife, history and more, in local neighborhoods.

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Room 524

What is the idea?

The Shiny Red Bench is a series of identifiable branded interactive centers offering information delivered to the right place at the right time. Information covers things like arts, events, nightlife, history and more, in local neighborhoods. Content is kept fresh.

How would idea work?

• Visual icon
• Centralized network with benches and kiosks (digital information centers)
• Multilingual, touch screens, mapping, restaurants placed in high traffic areas (airport, convention center)
• Easy to use touch screens

Pluses:

• Link community
• Provides information on amenities
• Surveying
• Consistent marketing messages

Concerns:

• Weather, durability
• Upkeep
• Vandalism
• Content

Community opportunities:

Residents, travelers, sponsors

Top Stop

This Idea has been incorporated into the Bus Stop Info Hub. 

Idea Overview

Interactive source for information located at bus stops

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Claire Donato, Brent Boyd, Kate Peterson, Ester Marie Barbato

What is the idea?

Interactive source for information located at bus stops

How would idea work?

A vandalism proof technology would be installed at a pilot bus stop known for its high volume ridership. The technology would include:

• Video/audio news feeds (local, state, national, global)
• GPS locations of buses in transit and up-to-date schedule information
• Local points of interest per neighborhood
• Pamphlet distribution for local resources (health, politics, non-profits, etc)
• Limited internet access
• Solar powered roof

Pluses:

• Takes disable users into consideration
• Well-lit, creating inter-urban safe zone
• Cheap location venue for advertisements and information distribution
• Bus stop expands to its immediate surrounding

Concerns:

• Updating technology
• Vandalism, theft, heightened security

Community opportunities:

Everyone!!! Bus riders, community members, small businesses, etc...

U R Here

This Idea has been incorporated into the Information Kiosks. 

Idea Overview

Public kiosk of information about public events, transportation, performance schedules, city maps, and interesting points, placed throughout the city

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Karthik Raman, Jake Donham

What is the idea?

Public kiosk of information about public events, transportation, performance schedules, city maps, and interesting points, placed throughout the city

How would idea work?

• Inviting kiosks
• Functional and literal map
• Benches created by local artists
• Aesthetically and economically pleasing
• Live music
• Historic information
• Telephone, interactive, and web-based electronic capabilities

Pluses:

• Provides directions
• benefits business and tourists
• Pgh becomes more accessible
• Creates "street life" atmosphere
• Brings people together
• User friendly

Concerns:

• Who and how maintains?
• Function for disabled?
• Height accessibility - kid friendly?
• How is information dispensed?

Community opportunities:

Business owners, local non-profit groups, advertisers

Where 2 Go 2

This Idea has been incorporated into the Pittsburgh Guidebook. 

Idea Overview

An independently reviewed guide to things to do in Pgh broken down by where to eat, listen, see, shop, and play. There would be a searchable online component and a small format print version, as well as an annual guide.

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Lissa Rosenthal, Anne Lopez, Michael Pelas, Paul D Stewart, Mark Rautecaus

What is the idea?

An independently reviewed guide to things to do in Pgh broken down by where to eat, listen, see, shop, and play. There would be a searchable online component and a small format print version, as well as an annual guide.

How would idea work?

• Print version is organized by neighborhood then by category and would indicate price range and ratings
• Important to be independently run and received - not driven by advertising
• Would provide convenient information for all ages, visitors and Pghers
• Would be great to work with cell phones to access information on the go

Pluses:

• Pghers could rank businesses
• One stop resource for information
• Attractive to tourists to learn about Pgh
• Convenient for new residents to quickly learn about all the neighborhoods

Concerns:

• Not a new idea - why didn't it work in Pgh?
• Funding to seed and sustain
• Technology - management of data and information must be updated daily
• Organizational structure
• Who runs it?
• Non-partial interaction with city government
• Uncensored
• Editors and reviewers

Community opportunities:

Business owners and residents

Word Up Pittsburgh

This Idea has been incorporated into the Greater Pittsburgh Web Hub. 

Idea Overview

[Overview needed]

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

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