ABSTRACT
‘Wearable’ electroencephalography (EEG) devices have potential to offer new and persuasive methods of quantitatively measuring and representing navigation in space, and responses to place, which may have practical application for urban-regeneration projects. This chapter describes fieldwork undertaken by a team of social researchers, and wayfinding and spatial-design experts, using commercially available technology and software, promoted as accessible without neuroscience expertise. The authors review the resulting empirical findings, and discuss the methodological and technological challenges faced by the team in applying existing EEG and geolocation hardware and software in a live spatial-design project in Thamesmead, South East London. This chapter reflects on the current potential of brain-activity measurement and geolocation in spatial-design practice, and calls for some development of simple software to facilitate greater use outside academic settings.
