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An Ethnographic Approach to Design

Authors:
  • IBM Almaden Research Center, United States

Abstract

Designing interactive computer systems to be efficient and easy to use is important so that people in our society may realize the potential benefits of computer-based tools .... Although modern cognitive psychology contains a wealth of knowledge of human ...
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... As Blomberg, Burrell, and Guest (2002) suggest, holism is essential in understanding the different aspects of a particular activity within a larger context. It is argued that investigating an activity or experience in isolation from its context and other related activities and behaviors provides only a limited and potentially misleading understanding regarding that specific activity (Blomberg, Burrell & Guest, 2002). ...
... As Blomberg, Burrell, and Guest (2002) suggest, holism is essential in understanding the different aspects of a particular activity within a larger context. It is argued that investigating an activity or experience in isolation from its context and other related activities and behaviors provides only a limited and potentially misleading understanding regarding that specific activity (Blomberg, Burrell & Guest, 2002). ...
... As exemplified in the studies, one single method is generally insufficient to investigate the overall long-term user experience (Väänänen-Vainio-Mattila et al., 2008). As Blomberg, Burrell, and Guest (2002) suggest, triangulating different data types is required to gain a holistic understanding in ethnographic studies. ...
Thesis
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In the last ten years, wearable technologies for animals have become increasingly popular, and activity monitoring systems are one of the most commonly used types of technology. However, there is a limited amount of research on dog activity monitoring systems and their impact on the lives of caretakers and their awareness, despite the growing number of studies on wearable technologies for humans. This thesis aims to fill this gap by conducting a longitudinal study with 30 participants, exploring the dimensions of interaction with dog activity monitoring systems, caretaker personas related to the use of these systems, and their potential to contribute to the caregiving of dogs. The study involves participants using a specific dog activity monitoring device for six weeks, along with in-depth interviews, experience sampling method, and complementary questionnaires. The findings are used to develop the Dog Activity Monitoring Systems-mediated stage-based awareness model that explains how dog activity systems can mediate the human-dog relationship and support the caregiving of dogs.
... This research had a mixed approach as it consisted of collecting, analyzing, and integrating qualitative and quantitative data. This research had an ethnographic modality because according to Blomberg et al. (2002), it allowed to observe the participants in their environment, in this case, it allowed to observe how the usage of recast feedback was applied. In addition, this research had a descriptive modality, Blomberg et al. (2002) have mentioned its main objective is to get to know the customs, attitudes, and situations that predominate in the exact description of the object of study. ...
... This research had an ethnographic modality because according to Blomberg et al. (2002), it allowed to observe the participants in their environment, in this case, it allowed to observe how the usage of recast feedback was applied. In addition, this research had a descriptive modality, Blomberg et al. (2002) have mentioned its main objective is to get to know the customs, attitudes, and situations that predominate in the exact description of the object of study. ...
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Feedback is a vital process within English language learning, it performs an important role during error correction to develop language skills, especially one feature of speech which is pronunciation. For this reason, pronunciation is significant for communication and must be understandable, accurate, and clear for effectiveness. Therefore, the objective of the present research is to analyze the use of Feedback Recast in the 10th "A" of General Basic of the Educational Unit "Pensionado Olivo" to improve English pronunciation. This research is non-experimental with a mixed approach, a descriptive modality, and an exploratory level. As a result, it was evidenced that the strategies used in the teaching-learning process of English pronunciation are not well applied. In addition, the methodological process system used in the application of Recast has inconsistencies Therefore, the students do not acquire the necessary competence in pronunciation to achieve an appropriate use of English in communication. Finally, it specifies the correct methodological process that converts the recast into an effective tool to identify and improve pronunciation in the English language.
... Design, business, and corporate anthropologies are not intended, however, simply to reproduce the existing relations of production, nor to make them more efficient and cost-effective. Rather, design anthropologists have together constructed a rich discourse that, over the course of several decades, has critiqued the power relations within these corporate/business design environments [19] and has argued for actual participation from endusers in the design process [20]. ...
... In order to accomplish this, there is a clear need for anthropologists researching design contexts to critically consider materiality. One way of doing this -which is central to the method discussed in this paper -is to engage in design-artifact analysis [20]. In this study, design-artifact analysis was conducted with my student interlocutors, who were the designers of the artifacts (e.g., floor plans) in question. ...
... Although observational methods are known to be time-consuming and difficult to implement, especially with populations facing EF-related challenged, 26 they remain an important approach for collecting data without the risk of individual interpretation bias, as well as for obtaining nonverbal information. 25,64 Our recommendation is thus to encourage the use of observational methods. ...
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Assistive technologies for cognition (ATC) can help alleviate some of the impacts of executive dysfunction and support independence. This article presents a scoping review to highlight the research gaps in this area. Search of scientific and gray literature was conducted in clinical and computer science databases, resulting in a selection of 27 papers. Traumatic brain injury and dementia were the disorders for which the most supports were available. Planning and carrying out tasks were the most supported executive function operations. Food preparation was the daily activity for which the most supports were developed. Diverse non-context-aware technologies were used to deliver primarily audio and visual prompts and cues. The performance of most of the technologies was tested among the target population to evaluate acceptability and effectiveness. This review showed that: (1) The goal formulation executive function operation needs to be the focus of more research; (2) the clinical context needs to be described in more be detail; (3) ATC development could benefit from the use of a wider range of user-centered methods, such as observational or ideation methods; (4) more evaluation of user outcomes is needed, such as impact on independence; and (5) a greater diversity of activities of daily living should be supported. Recommendations are presented.
... • In ethnography, the researcher/s centre their inquiry on a specific and identifiable cultural group or community whose members directly share an experience of the phenomenon rather than experiencing that phenomenon separately [9]. For example, a voice-enabled smart refrigerator could be given to people in an office space who may use it in different ways together and individually, at certain points in the day or week. ...
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Voice is a natural mode of expression offered by modern computer-based systems. Qualitative perspectives on voice-based user experiences (voice UX) offer rich descriptions of complex interactions that numbers alone cannot fully represent. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on qualitative approaches to voice UX, capturing the nature of this body of work in a systematic map and offering a qualitative synthesis of findings. We highlight the benefits of qualitative methods for voice UX research, identify opportunities for increasing rigour in methods and outcomes, and distill patterns of experience across a diversity of devices and modes of qualitative praxis.
... Observation is an essential method used during human-focused engineering design approaches. Observations allow engineering designers to collect rich data on design problem environments and stakeholder behaviors in ways that are not always possible with other methods, as well as allow for the triangulation of data across methods [1]. Multiple tools and strategies exist to support quality data to be gained from observations. ...
... There are many documented best practices in interviewing. Soft skills such as generating good rapport during the interview and including more casual conversation to help the interviewee relax can increase the likelihood of uncovering helpful information [3], [8]. Six students from the University of Minnesota and six students from universities in sub-Saharan Africa were chosen through a two-stage process. ...
... The choice of methods is driven by the diverse nature of the data collected through participant observations, interviews, surveys, document analysis, visual analysis, ethnographic fieldwork, and comparative analysis (Blomberg & Burrel, 2009) (Saldaña, 2003). Here is a detailed plan for data analysis a. Qualitative Data Analysis: ...
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This research unveils the symbolic depth of the Panggih Ceremony, a central component of traditional Javanese weddings. The ceremony is a living canvas upon which intricate symbols are painted, embodying the core values and beliefs of Javanese culture. Through a detailed exploration of the symbolism inherent in the ceremony's elements, this research offers an illuminating journey into the heart of Javanese traditions. The traditional attire of the bride and groom, marked by the pristine white of the kebaya and the vibrant batik sarong, signifies purity, unity, and balance. The siraman, a ritual of purification, prepares the couple with spiritual and emotional clarity, highlighting the importance of starting their journey with pure hearts. The exchange of gifts, including twin hairpins and a ceremonial dagger, symbolizes promises of love, protection, and support, reinforcing the commitment to mutual well-being. The seserahan, the ceremonial exchange of gifts between families, signifies unity and the merging of households, with each item exchanged carrying specific meaning. The Serimpi dance, celebrated for its grace and harmony, emphasizes coordination and mutual understanding in the marital relationship. The orientation of the couple facing west symbolizes the end of their individual journeys and the commencement of their shared path. The Panggih Ceremony embodies the essence of purity, unity, and balance, celebrating the enduring values and traditions of Javanese culture. It transcends borders and speaks to universal themes, emphasizing the power of tradition and symbolism in commemorating love and unity. This research not only enriches our understanding of the symbolism within cultural ceremonies but also serves as a tribute to the cultural heritage of Javanese society, encapsulating the timeless message that love, unity, and harmony are the cornerstones of a meaningful life journey.
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This paper delves into the crucial realm of posture assessment in contemporary work environments. The introduction underscores the increasing need for posture correction tools, particularly for individuals engrossed in sedentary jobs, who often overlook their anthropological constraints during work. Sedentary work, exceeding eight hours daily, is not only detrimental to health but can result in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, lower back pain, and cervical spondylitis. Ergonomics plays a pivotal role in assessing the well-being of working individuals. Methods such as REBA and RULA are commonly used to evaluate posture, although these methods demand manual readings conducted at various intervals. Different work environments require distinct assessment scores, making them intricate and time-consuming. For industries with dynamic working conditions such as mining, plumbing, construction, logistics, and maintenance, 3D posture recognition proves effective. This ergonomic approach, combined with manual assessment, enhances worker safety and productivity. Conversely, an increasing number of individuals lead sedentary lifestyles due to their profession, typified by prolonged computer use, desk work, and limited physical activity. These behaviours lead to a host of health issues, both physical and psychological. Moreover, the omnipresence of smartphones and attention-diverting content have extended the average time people spend sitting or lying down, causing long-term health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and migraines, compounded by the persistence of WMSDs. In the subsequent sections, this paper delves into the advancements in posture assessment techniques. With camera various pose estimation techniques with AI models table, categorizing them by year invented, model name, strengths, weaknesses, applicability to single or multiple persons, and whether they operate in 2D or 3D space. These advancements represent innovative and efficient methods for assessing posture, making it a valuable resource for researchers, ergonomists, and individuals aiming to enhance their work environments and overall health.