WODA

Mobile Devices

Onlookers: Implications for studies of technology 

  • Onlookers are influenced and influence technology use > extra loop
  • Onlookers’ role will become more and more important (with development of wearable technology (augmented reality lenses, apple watch)
  • Onlookers need to be included in the studies and design
  • iPod case helps to go beyond “user-centric” perspectives and explain how the social (physical) context influences the use
  • Helps to see the problems of email addiction and family conflicts in a new light (e.g. why do husbands go to check their emails in the bathrooms?)
  • Use the “Onlooker effect” to explain what could happen when Google glasses would become mainstream
  • Reflect on how human agency is exercised and constrained (e.g. what scope/power do people have to change their situation/context?)

Discussion