Waiting for the crosswalk to change from the red stop hand to the white walking man feels like a lifetime, but the invention of Crosswalk Pong has made the wait so much more bearable. Created by Sandro Engel and Holger Michel at HAWK University in Germany, Crosswalk Pong lets you play Pong against another citizen across the street from you.
The score is tallied as the timer runs out, which also tells you how much time till the crossing light will turn. Once the game is over, cross the street and shake your opponent's hand as you pass each other. That's one of the great things about Crosswalk Pong -- getting to play against someone you have never met before.
The unfortunate thing about Crosswalk Pong is it's just a concept. The idea is great though, so someone somewhere should invest in making it a reality.
Competitive Street Corner Games
Crosswalk Pong Gives You Something to Do While Waiting to Walk
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Street Games - The trend of interactive street games like Crosswalk Pong creates an opportunity for businesses to develop innovative gaming experiences for pedestrians.
2. Gamification of Waiting - The trend of gamifying waiting times, as demonstrated by Crosswalk Pong, opens up innovative possibilities for businesses to engage customers and enhance their waiting experiences.
3. Social Interaction in Public Spaces - The trend of fostering social interaction in public spaces through games like Crosswalk Pong presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses to create innovative social networking platforms or experiences for pedestrians.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry can capitalize on the trend of interactive street games by developing unique gaming concepts that incorporate real-world experiences and locations.
2. Technology - The technology industry can explore opportunities to develop devices or applications that facilitate interactive street games like Crosswalk Pong, enhancing the overall digital experience in public spaces.
3. Urban Design - The urban design industry can leverage the trend of fostering social interaction in public spaces by creating innovative urban landscapes or installations that encourage play and connectivity among pedestrians.