The internet is often approached as a means to reach out to an alluring stranger with whom a public first encounter was only brief. Unfortunately for many, even the most popular social networking websites may not help people track down their targets as well as the 'I Wish I Said Hello' scheme might.
A group of street artists have been working to summarize and document some of these out-of-the-blue inquiries by translating scenarios into the visual language of road signage, outlined in the upturned teardrop shape of the Google Maps marker. Some of the original text that recounts the stolen glance or the bummed cigarette is incorporated into the graphic and the unique query is tacked onto a lamppost or a subway wall in the location of its occurrence. Allowing the physical world to better overlap with the virtual world, 'I Wish I Said Hello' notices may effectively reach their desired recipients.
Manually Marked Missed Connections
'I Wish I Said Hello' Flags Locations of Brief Interactions
Trend Themes
1. Location-based Missed Connections - The trend towards location-based services for missed connections offers opportunities for businesses in social media, advertising, and data analytics.
2. Visualizing Personal Interactions - Businesses can focus on developing creative ways to visualize personal interactions in order to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
3. Humanizing Digital Communication - Incorporating emotion and personal connections into digital communication creates opportunities for businesses in social media, messaging apps, and online dating platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Social media platforms can integrate location-based missed connections services to increase user engagement and personalize the user experience.
2. Advertising - Location-based advertising targeting individuals who have posted missed connections on a public forum can provide an effective marketing tool for businesses.
3. Data Analytics - Collecting and analyzing data from missed connections services can provide valuable insights for businesses looking to understand consumer behavior and preferences.