I'll share three quick ideas for an ethnographic study. Note that strictly speaking the first idea is the only one which doesn't involve manipulation of the environment. I'm not certain a pure ethnography would merit changing the environment, but provoking people leads to interesting results, so I'll go with it.
Idea 1 - iStudy
How often do people using a dedicated study area use their electronic devices? Whether sending a text message, checking Facebook, or surfing the web, the idea of this ethnography is to observe the electronic usage patterns of those formally engaged in studying. Observations would take place at the library or annex.
Idea 2 - Human vs. Machine
Arriving in a strange location, you need further directions. Do you consult the friendly human behind the information desk, or instead ask the automated kiosk? Perhaps it depends on the design of the kiosk, your age, who is behind the desk, or a number of other factors. This ethnography would study the choices made by individuals in need of information, who are given a choice between machine and human.
Idea 3 - Wizard of Oz Kiosk
We’ve done it! A Turing test passing machine is among us-- its first mission? Conversing with university students about anything. By staging a machine as intelligent, we offer students the opportunity to converse with the machine. Will they challenge its intelligence with trivia? or search for its emotional center? maybe they’ll just be obscene. This ethnography studies the reaction of a human being to a truly intelligent machine.
All three ideas involve the reactions and integrations of technology into everyday life. The first examines the habits and patterns associated with the pervasiveness of personal electronic devices. The second examines our acceptance or avoidance of machines or humans in a situation where we are in need. The third seeks insight into the human reaction to machine intelligence. While I believe all three ideas to be interesting, I find that the last two would supply ample opportunity to study trust factors. I’m also certain the right design could lead to an application of the Media Equation, creating an opportunity to watch social engagement between machine and human.
Dr. David Hanson is a robotics designer and researcher with a talent for creating realistic humanoid robots. Creations like his often reactively create a social response from humans.
Idea Two has a very valid point. I know I'm guilty for looking at a website to familiarize myself with a place versus just going to information desk. haha
ReplyDeleteI like the Kios idea too. I also like the word Kios, for reasons not needed to be stated here.
Oo, David Hanson's robots! I remember them on Dean of Invention. :)
Wow. All of these ideas are excellent. Pick one and find some other group members!
ReplyDeleteFor two you would have to set up a person next to a gps kiosk to know if they are lost (how do you prevent them from checking their phone?).
For three, how do you set up the environment?
1) is good, but 2 and 3 are more interesting questions from my perspective, but more difficult to turn into ethnographic studies.