The Colors of the Panic Headquarters Sign in Portland, OR Can Be Changed Using an App

Panic, a software company in Portland, OR that specializes in Mac apps and is the publisher the video game Firewatch, has taken their set of skills to the streets by creating an illuminated Panic Sign for the side of their heaquarters that can be controlled by the public. The colors of their interactive sign, which was fabricated and installed by Security Signs, can be changed use a web app that anyone can easily use.

As a kid growing up in Portland, I was always fascinated by a strange, bright, sometimes-flashing colored light on the top of the Standard Plaza building. You could see it crossing the bridge on the way to school — sometimes it’d be red, sometimes green, sometimes white. Weird.

One day my dad told me the secret: it was a weather beacon. If the temperature was going to rise more than 5 degrees, it was red. Drop more than five degrees, white. Stay within five degrees, green. And if it’s flashing? Rain.

With the Panic Sign, I wanted to do something similar — not just feel cool about seeing our name on a thing but also build in a little magic for the city, something special for the observant, curious, and knowledgeable. And I thought we could take it one step further: we’d put the magic in your hand. (read more)

images via Panic Blog