Reflection on 5 Feb class

Interesting methodologies that are used to find out about users are introduced in this class. It's the first time I heard of cultural probe and laddering. Cultural probe is extremely interesting in getting to know the users without the observer's obstructive presence. It's something like the ACNielson's media tracking dairy log. I think it's useful for people who can't articulate well. And I guess the best way to learn about one's culture is to analyse his/her life. However, I guess this methodology has its shortcomings. The participant has to be disciplined and consistent or the method will fall apart I think. But nonetheless I think it's best use for designing portable products in my opinion. Designers get to 'feel' and 'see' what kind of lifestyle the participant is having and what kind need surfaces going through the daily lives.

For the case of laddering. The technique may sound pretty 'lame' for the investigator has to keep asking why why why, making him/her sound stupid and retarded. But guess what. It's damn useful! Was trying it in class and it works! It really helps to delve into the person's underlying value. Amazing how things are linked to attitude, beliefs and underlying values.

For the framework of analyzing experience with technology, I find it rather hard to comprehend. Maybe because of the terms. But the explanation of the terms make sense. For instance, the recounting. We do enjoy telling stories and often this process is being left out till recent times when the term word of mouth become really popular. The framework actually take into accounts things that are not really rationale: connecting - we make a judgment in an instant without much thought. This is true in the famous case of Apple products because context and experience made reactions become instincts. The framework captured the emotional aspect in this sense...