The study of material culture is a critical but under-explored area of contemporary anthropology with powerful implications for design research. Of course, as cultural researchers, we have techniques to elicit insights about how people interact with the objects that fill their world, but it isn’t always enough to ask participants how they interact with the stuff that surrounds them, or even observe them putting their stuff to use. Sometimes, a researcher has to get dirty.
This month, Whiteboard @SonicRim had a new emcee. Tamara Christensen of Portigal Consulting, kindly agreed to lead the session. She came prepared with icebreakers, energy, and plenty of fuel for thought.
Recently, I’ve found myself thinking about growth areas in social networking. Specifically, I’ve been captivated by networks that extend beyond the more germane social networking tasks of sharing content and status updates, to those that empower their users to extend their capacities, meet their needs, and achieve their aspirations.
We have selected two new titles for the May Book Club. Submit a request to review one of them by May 21st! Read more here. learn more »
Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, we will not have a Whiteboard session in May. We are now accepting RSVPs for the next Whiteboard @SonicRim on Friday, June 29th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Please email chris@sonicrim.com if you are interested in joining us at our San Francisco office for another relaxed afternoon of drinks and creative conversation. To learn more about Whiteboard, read on! learn more »