Desire Path

  • Building a map of NYC as seen through the eyes of students

Vertically Integrated Projects
Desire Path

We are a student-driven initiative designed to support students navigate the complex cultural and geographic landscape of the city. Our goal is to understand the relationship between transience and belonging by developing a student-centric ontology of NYC’s geography. Using participatory methods and digital tools, the project will create a dynamic, community-generated resource map that highlights relevant services, spaces, and opportunities through the eyes of the NYU community. The map can also serve as a living tool that adapts to the current and future users to navigate the city.
 

Apply to "Desire Path"

Methods and Technologies

  • Qualitative Research Methods (Interviews, participatory ethnographies, co-creation workshops)
  • Surveys Design, distribute, collect and analyze surveys
  • GIS Mapping (ArcGIS, QGIS, Mapbox)
  • Storytelling Tools (e.g., Canva, StoryMapJS, Adobe Express)
  • Data Visualization (e.g., Tableau, Datawrapper)
  • Project Management (Organizing workflows, timelines, and responsibilities)
  • Human-Centered Design (Research, Ideate, Build and Test)
  • Critical Making (Identification, Prototyping, Reflecting)

Majors and Areas of Interest

  • Urban Studies & Planning
  • Sociology & Anthropology
  • Computer Science & Data Science
  • Media, Communication & Digital Storytelling
  • Design & Human-Centered Interaction
  • Geography & Geospatial Analysis
  • Innovation, Business & Entrepreneurship

Subteams

  • Research & Ethnography
  • Mapping & Data Visualization
  • Strategy & Integration

Potential Partners

  • NYU Student Affairs & Student Clubs
  • Technology Management & Innovation (TMI)
  • Center for Urban Science + Progress (CUSP)

Primary Instructors