Suicide effects: designing for death

Abstract

This paper presents design ideas and suggestions for digital signage systems within the Tokyo transportation system to create and nurture social and community engagement around the phenomena of train suicide. This method of taking one's own life is widespread in Japan and repeatedly cripples the schedules of trains creating delays. The authors of this study have conducted field research and interviewed a number of participants on their perception of suicide in the train system and their observation of other passengers' behaviour. Our analysis has shown that a tragic act, such as suicide, offers multiple views and departure points for design. The outcomes of the paper, aside from analysis of collected data, are ideas and suggestions for designs and design guidance for particular urban spaces and insights into the design of urban systems that foster community awareness and engagement.