Created by Livia Schmid at ECAL, Trail Sync is a participatory system for Swiss alpine routes where hikers carry trail data via app to update info boxes built into existing infrastructure.

In remote alpine regions, access to reliable information — such as trail conditions or weather alerts — becomes difficult in the absence of network coverage. Trail Sync attempts to address this challenge through a participatory and decentralized approach: local information boxes, integrated into hiking infrastructure, are passively updated by hikers using an offline mobile application. Each person passing near a box synchronizes contextual data, leaving a digital trace that benefits those who follow. Reinforcing existing signage without increasing technological dependency, the system is rooted in the mountain values of collective responsibility and solidarity.

The device uses Arduino and incorporates ESP32 with an E-ink display module (+ toggle to change display language) and communicates via low-power control unit (Bluetooth) for syncing data and energy usage. Hardware housing is made of aluminium, rigid plastic casing and joints with legend and information plaque, QR code, location plaque, and an emergency plaque. Power is obtained via integrated solar panel with manual backup also available via the hand crank generator. The webapp is built using mostly Javascript and communicates to the hardware via node.js.

Livia Schmid | ECAL Media & Interaction Design