The Social Experience of Coffee Shop Context Collisions
Collaboration with Diem N.
Context Collision?
“different social environments unintentionally and unexpectedly come crashing into one another”
- Jenny L. Davis & Nathan Jurgenson, 2014
Design Process
An Observational Research, defining the social experience of context collision centered at a coffee shop - The Meteor.
This research data consists of observations, ideations, prototypes, feedback and refinement of the experience.
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Establishing our subject was insightful because through the Mind Map method, we were able to learn about the existence of context collisions. After figuring out that multiple environments can live within a coffee shop, we began our secondary research on the possible context collision.
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The Observational Research Plan helped guide us and examine into the topic of context collisions. Through this design method, we were able to easily understand the meaning of social experience and observe at first-hand.
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We designed two physical game-like products to engage our target audience into social activities and interactions with not only their space (ordering center, backyard patio, or inside coffee house) but also their surroundings (drinks, people, table area, and more).
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During the interviews, the most significant point was that people took interest in the prototype, understood the functionality and its purpose, and enjoyed engaging with it; however, our audience did not think the prototypes were necessary to solve an issue.
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Many of us believe that a solution is to design a tangible product; however, through our Observational Research, we discovered that our prototype would serve as an “intervention” of the context collision.
Define : the interests, social experiment, and focus
To define our focus, we utilized the Mind Map to discover our interests. Since we were both interested in the social environment of coffee shops, we decided to explore further about the idea of context collision at The Meteor in Austin, TX.
Ideate : the observation, data insight, and qualitative research
Using the Observational Research Plan, we specified our definition with questions in mind to help identify the purpose of our research. Once we organized the research plan, we began to use the Sensory Fieldbook to dig deeper and first-hand observe our centered environment.
Prototype : the concept, idea, and key functionality
Using the Prototype Plan, we were able to target our audience to customers, who enjoy the space, draw out the key features, interactions, and functionalities. Furthermore, we would evolve the prototypes to professionalize this Qualitative Research Design.
Feedback : from the interview, interaction, and social circle
Our interviews were on different days to get a better knowledge of how people valued and experienced their environment. The key takeaway was that people interacted with our prototypes, yet, they did not consider the prototypes as useful.
Refine : the prototype, solution, and social experience
We decided that our prototype will work as an “intervention”, not a solution, to context collision. Many design a tangible product or solution; however, we concluded that our experience, research, and prototype are the designed solution.