What Lies Above

Abstract

Copyright is held by the owner/author(s). This paper describes a study in which participants were made aware of the presence of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) infrastructure (often colloquially known as GPS) through an exaggeration of its breakdowns and a defamiliarisation of its use. We found that, by drawing attention to satellites and their signals, participants began to feel part of a larger system and to reflect on their sociotechnical practices within that system. These reflections included playful exploration and an interrogation of power relations made invisible by the blackboxing of GNSS infrastructure. Despite these shifts from established practices, smartphone visual interfaces continued to be a powerful arbiter of how participants situated their experience. Drawing on the experience of this study, we suggest ways for designers and researchers using Location Based Services (LBS) to inspire critical relationships with infrastructure which circumvent dominant design inscriptions. We also offer these techniques for others working more broadly in the fields of participatory and critical design.