iA's Web Trend Map 4 arrived in the doorsteps of SML Studio on September 14th, 2009.
WHAT IT IS: iA's Web Trend Map plots the leading Internet names onto the Tokyo Metro system. The domains and personalities are carefully selected through dialogue with map enthusiasts. Each domain is evaluated based on traffic, revenue, age, owner and character.
Paying attention to the intersections, we grouped associated websites and ensured every domain is on a line that suits it. As a result, the map produces a web of associations: some provocative, some curious, others ironically accurate.
As a few examples: Twitter is located in Shibuya, the train station with the biggest buzz. Google and its network are placed around Shinjuku, the most highly trafficked station in the world. The New York Times is located in Sugamo, the shopping paradise for Tokyo's grandmothers.
Why Tokyo Metro? Because it works.
The map is HUGE. It's printed on A0 (841 mm × 1189 mm / 33.25 in × 46.75 in) to be exact.
Compared to the 2007 version which was printed on A2 (also see my blog post in 2007), the map has grown more than four times in size.
Here's a shot of the map inside the studio for comparison to see how gigantic it is:
Kudos to iA's excellent packaging designs:
...with exceptional attention to detail
...which also inspired some fun strobist action:
Map in detail:
Online Web Trend Map
In collaboration with Craig Mod, iA also produced an online version of the map at webtrendmap.com where you can curate your own maps by choosing sources you trust:
Logo Design(ers) by zlok (Flickr: y-v-e-s)
Sounds great by David Bauer:
Related SML
+ SML Flickr Tags: Web Trend Map
+ SML Pro Blog: Information Design
+ SML Pro Blog: Maps
