Updated synthetic map based on the feedback
I updated my synthetic map based on the various feedback I have received. I think those critiques helped reshape my map to be more clear and self-explanatory.
Part 3, The synthetic map
I decided to take a different approach for the synthetic map after reading the critiques I received, and they all are very solid suggestions. I want to expose more of the forces in the map because I feel my outlines of the forces in the individual maps do not stand out as much. Since there is a learning curve for me, I decided to keep it that way and not to change my individual maps but to reflect the changes I want to make in my final piece. I want to especially thank Greg for pointing out a few things to help me improve my map for force 4, the fest. I feel I have improved it significantly because of his great critiques.
The PDF for Project 2, Mappings
Part 1, Observations
Bring Design to Life: The CAMP of Costa Mesa
The CAMP is located next to South Coast Metro, the heart of City Costa Mesa. This place has been described a green, eco-friendly retail campus dedicated to an active, healthy lifestyle mindful of environmentalism and supportive of the local community.
Force One: The Ambiance
The architecture of the site is mimicking the atmosphere of a campsite. The floor design of the site does not simulate a typical layout of many shopping centers.The entire place has shown the wildness from the ground up, and definitely lives up to its name “The CAMP” . There are always streams of traffic flow through the site with great dynamics and energy. Even if someone is just looking for a place to kick it and relax, this would be an ideal place to come and enjoy the atmosphere of a nice blend of the urban and the nature.
Force Two: The Culture
The CAMP balances culture, sophistication, and functionality, blurring the boundaries between nature and everyday bustle of life in Orange County. It’s a place for whoever likes a spot with lots of photo ops, hipster stores, and might be overpriced but strictly organic food. If you are seeking to find your inner hipster, this is the place cannot be missed. It’s not the biggest place to walk around, but the uniqueness of the shops and outdoor areas are enough to keep you entertained with friends. Random resting areas are placed in every corner, Plenty of hammocks, tables, greenery are built on the site.
Force Three: The eats, spirits and hangouts
The CAMP has great selections of restaurants. There are wide variety of food and drinks for everyone. Whether you are a steak lover or a strict vegan or on a diet or not dieting, there is always something for you. From the famous Umami Burger to a healthy all natural vegan burger, or the mouth-watering tacos from Taco Asylum’s it’s hard to walk away with disappointments. The site also has several gourmet coffee shops, such as milk+honey to challenge your taste buds for coffees. If you are a wine lover you also come to the right place. There are wine tasting spots such as WineLab for the wine enthusiasts, where people could discover and learn about wines while having a good time with friends.
Shopping at CAMP can be a lot of fun. So many cute little shops settled in on the site. Some of the merchandise may not be the best bargain, but definitely one of a kind. A lot of the stuff sell in the shops are oddly attractive, and super interesting. It’s fun to just look round in those shops.
Force Four: The Fest
Throughout the year, The CAMP also hosts events, art shows, and exhibits to bring the community together. In fact, the site received great reviews for being one of the best venues for hosting shows and events in Orange County. The entire place has a very hip organic vibe. The site brings in a very conscious crowd, and creates great cultural dynamics.
Force Five: The amenities
Due to its high popularity, the parking in this place can be a real challenge. I have never found a time there was enough parking when I was there. The site reserves spots for valet, which is never a preference of mine when I visit places. The CAMP does offer free valet with validation. You can get it validated at any restaurant by handing over your receipt. Tips for valet are not required but definitely encouraged.
Part 2, The maps of five forces
Hi Rui,
Based on your final map and without reading the text on your post prior, I gathered that this site map is a combination of two campgrounds with restaurants and entertainment available on the grounds. The campground includes patches of greenery, as well as amenities (though not sure what kind of amenities) that lie close to the parking areas. There seems to be many areas that are overpopulated with crowds, so I imagine this campground is quite popular. There are also large open areas for events and shows, so it sounds like the camp hosts events often to bring the crowds together.
I’m a bit confused on “The real reflections of the site” because this looks to just be restaurants as well (unless I’m interpreting that wrong?) and I’m not sure why there are two categories – “Food and entertainment” and “The real reflections of the site” – that encompass the same thing. I also am not sure why there is a blue wavy line to delineate “The Camp” and “The Lab Anti-Mall” when there are already location icons. (I suppose I would use either the icons or the blue wavy line, but not both. I also might just use different background colors in these two areas to depict this distinction instead of the icon or the line.)
After reading through your post, I’m very surprised to find out that this is not a campground, but in fact a retail mall that is meant to mimic a campground. I think to eliminate this confusion, you can title your map accordingly e.g. “The CAMP retail stores” or something to that effect. I also saw that you omitted information regarding the types of stores within “Food and entertainment” that I’d love to still see in your map – bringing this information back might also bring the emphasis on the retail aspect. Another feedback is to simplify the label “Amenities and parking” to just “Parking” since from your post, it doesn’t sound like there are any other amenities in this area.
I hope this interpretation is helpful!
Hi Rui,
I can tell by your photos that you really like The Camp of Costa Mesa. I found your photos to be lovely and your forces very interesting especially the ambiance and culture. Your five maps are also fun and engaging. I appreciate your whimsical approach to indicate your forces. Stylistically, there is “boho chic” about The Camp and I wonder if you can push your map designs a little further by adding similar color esthetics from location or even from the website. For example, using muted greens, orange and browns to highlight your forces. I feel like that would bring cohesively everything together.
Hi Robin,
Thank you for reading my post, and those are great suggestions. I like the idea of being a bit playful with the colors. Creating the maps has been so challenging for me and I started to lose the sense of my initial intention of choosing the site. Rethinking my choice of colors helps me to have a better reflection on the mapping.
This is such a fascinating site, and your photos & descriptions definitely make me want to go there! Your forces are mapped out really clearly and I love the details you’ve included.
I’m wondering if there might be a way to imbue your force map with that same sense of excitement and unify your forces through the range of emotions they elicit. Maybe parts of your forces (ambiance, crowds, nature, food, festival, etc) could be mapped according to the feelings of people engaged with them. For instance, crowded areas might have a very different feel or buzz from quiet garden spaces. And those both feel different from restaurants, where people are happily eating their meals and soaking in sunshine.
What if this force map displayed emotion and excitement in a way that made viewers want to visit those locations for themselves, and feel those feelings? That, I think, would really align with the goals of the space itself!
Hi Serena,
Thank you. I like about your suggestion on reflecting people’s emotions in mapping the site. When I chose this site for my part 1 assignment I really enjoyed writing about the forces, however, only later I feel my descriptions of those forces are so abstract, I was struggling in creating my part 2 mapping, which requires more concrete drawings to present the tangible output. I actually finished a whole set of 5 maps over the weekend, but on Monday didn’t feel they depict what I’m presenting in part 1 so I decided to take a different approach.
Rui Lin,
Your map for “the fest” doesn’t actually map anything. I like that it is festive and clearly celebratory, but if the performances are always in the same location, maybe indicate that. If there are vendors that sell certain things only during the fest, highlight those. Its a solid force decision since I’m sure it actually does impact the business of the area, but confetti and ribbons don’t actually indicate where things are, or why the fest is important. Another good thing to maybe point out are specific areas of interest that are highlighted during the fest. “Want to see this band while eating ice cream? Heres the shop”
Hi Greg,
Thank you for your great feedback. I was having a bit hard time to map the fest as I haven’t gone to any of their outdoor events considering how often I visit that place. However, I have heard a lot of good things about their shows and concerts. Since those events are all held outdoors, it makes sense to map them in the big open space around the buildings as shown in my updated mapping for Fest. 🙂
Hi Rui Lin! I loved reading your post about one of my favorite places in Orange County. You really hit the nail on the head with this one. Your five forces are spot on and I cannot wait to see how you map each one. How are you thinking about portraying ambiance and culture on your map? Could the use of colors, shapes, and “landmarks” at The Camp capture those forces? For example, using a colorful tree and bench icons to represent the hipster aspect with the knitted trees and painted on benches? Or another thought is using a camera icon for spots that are perfect for photo ops. I look forward to seeing your maps and watch them evolve! Awesome job.
Hi Sofanah,
Thank you. I struggled to create my part 2 mapping, considering the forces in my part I have chosen to describe are really abstract, even though I very much enjoyed writing about them. you really gave me good ideas of how I should approach my mapping to present those forces in a concrete way.
Hi Rui Lin,
I’m so glad you did this site, as it is one of my all-time favorite places to go due to its unique culture and sense of community. It’s refreshing to go to a shopping center that isn’t screaming consumerism. but instead promotes art and meaningful values.
I find your point about valet parking interesting since the valet is free with validation and I’ve always wondered why so many people seem resistant to park valet that they would rather drive around in circles looking for a parking spot. Do you think the word “Valet” gives off the connotation that it is expensive, and therefore repulses people from using it even though it’s free?
I’m curious to see how you depict culture vs. ambiance, as the two seem to have a lot of overlap. Furthermore, culture and ambiance are both pretty abstract concepts, so it’ll be interesting to see how you represent them on a map!
Hi Grace,
It was easy and enjoyable to write about my P2.1, I very much loved the ambiance and atmosphere the CAMP has to offer as like you pointed out its less consumerism but more art and culture in creating this place. I, however, had to put a lot of efforts in creating the concrete idea in my 5 maps as my concept of the five forces are just too abstract, which create the challenge for me to develop something that is tangible and solid to view.
About my thought on valet parking, my concern is not about the hidden cost but is to hand my car key to a stranger, which makes me feel insecure. I realize that it might be a totally biased personal preference and there’s really nothing to be worried about. 🙂
Hi Rui,
I see what you mean by the valet now! That’s interesting because I never even thought about how handing someone the keys might make certain people feel apprehensive.
Oh by the way, this is actually Grace 😛 (Sorry, I just figured out how to display my name properly on here)
Grace,
I am so sorry for my mixed-up with the names! Because Graham made a comment on Slack about my choice of the CAMP, I just assumed the G is from him. :p