Methodology
I used cultural probes to collect a variety of both "passive" and "active" data. These new insights into people and their daily practices offer new approaches or methods for invention.
Probe One: LandsSeaAir GPS Tracking Device
ACTIVITY: Participants were given the LandSeaAir GPS Tracking device to place in their cars for one week. This data was then downloaded and visualized using Google Earth. The images, data and video can be found in the subnav marked "Documentation."
WHAT I LEARNED: The LandSeaAir GPS tracker collects a variety of data including location, speed of travel and total mileage. As a "passive" way of collecting data, participants simply had to live their lives to participate in the study. I believe that good research includes both passive and active forms of data collection.
The data collected also revealed those secondary forms of data such as when each person left and returned from home as well as how much time was spent at work. This data as well as the video visualizations can be found in the documents section.
Probe Two: Globe Probe - Mapping Your Future
ACTIVITY: Participants were given a blank globe and asked to map what they thought there future would look like in 10 years. Participants were then asked to share their work in the form of a story.
WHAT I LEARNED: There is often a language that develops between groups and individuals. Examples include code names, nicknames, pet names and inside jokes. For example, the couple talked about their desire to buy a palm tree (and how she thinks that they harbor rats). In customizing any device, I believe it is important to leverage this type of personal knowledge.
Probe Three: Greater Los Angeles - Locating Experience
ACTIVITY: Using a large and detailed map of Los Angeles, participants were given a scavenger hunt to locate places of inspiration, annoyance, privacy and loneliness. This activity served as a catalyst for a larger conversation about how the couple communicates, their memories of the city and how they like to spend their time.
WHAT I LEARNED:The Map of LA served as the conduit for a larger conversation about how people discuss psycho-geography, boundaries, access memories and express their dreams. Particularly helpful was an understanding that some of the larger metaphors for the project such as "off the map," "drawing the line," and false summits.
Probe Four: Reflections on Google Earth Images
ACTIVITY: Participants were given the visualized data from their tracking device. These images were then used to discuss issues such as privacy, habitual trends and alternative perspectives.
WHAT I LEARNED: Visualizing GPS data provides a rare perspective our daily behavior. From a top down view, this data allows us not only to see how much ground we cover but the unintended shapes we make. Furthermore, these lines provide an unusual lens for recalling memory, defining boundaries and reinforcing GPS Tracking as a device for surveillance (and in turn the issues of trust).
Probe Five: Blank Device - Imaging the Future of Cell Phones + GPS
ACTIVITY: Given a blank device, participants were asked to design what they thought the future cell phone/GPS device might look like and how it might be used. Participants were then asked to design a second device specifically for their partner.
WHAT I LEARNED: The blank device says anything is possible and is an excellent tool for discussing those underlying issues between people. Especially revealing was the desire to give this device anamorphic behavior that would reflect the mood of the caller.