Post on 09-Mar-2016
description
Chicago Skate CultureID 516 Observing UsersBen JacobsonFall 2008
Andy ConradJudd Morgenstern
- 3 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
We set out to explore skateboarding in Chicago.
In researching this culture, we tried to gain a
better understanding of skateboarders, the act of
skateboarding, skate parks and related environmental
social dynamics, skate stores, and expose ourselves to
any other important cultural facets.
Additionally, as the research coincided with the onset
of winter in Chicago, we wondered how skaters would
deal with the winter weather.
The aim of the research was to gain rich insights into
skateboarding culture that could result in design
themes and implications relevant to either skateboard
companies or skate-shop owners.
The project also served as an opportunity to gain
experience with some of the observation tools and
techniques pertinent to user-centered designers as
well as develop our own processes and techniques for
better user-centered design.
Topic Purpose
Objective
- 5 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
We focused our skate park observations on two
Chicago locations:
> Wilson skate park
> Burnham skate park
Research showed that these were the premier
Chicago locations and were most likely to represent
Chicago skate park culture. Despite inclement weather
conditions during our observation period, we were
able to observe and talk to multiple skaters that
persisted through the cold weather to get their final
skating days in for the year.
We focused our skate shop observations at two
Chicago locations:
> Belmont Army
> Uprise
We visited the two skate shops to get a better
understanding of the larger skate culture and see
if we could derive design implications from shop
observations. Conversations with skaters at the park
informed of us two locations where we could target our
in-store observations.
Skate parks Skate shops
Observation EnvironmentsWilson Skate park
Belmont Army
Uprise Skate shop
Burnham Skate park
- 7 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
Tools
After gathering our research, we employed a few
techniques to manage the data and uncover insights
and themes, including:
POEMS framework >
AEIOU framework >
Photo sort >
Card sort >
Relationship clustering >
The research yielded tons of data in note, photo, and
video form. To make sense of it, we first started by
extracting individual observations and insights and
marking them on cards. We were then able to sort
and group the cards manually. Clustering the cards
was effective in allowing the group to express our
thoughts and ideas through the research in a visible
manner. We generated a number of potential themes
based on these clusters. In an attempt to look at the
data from another perspective, we re-organized the
themes based on the POEMS framework structure. The
POEMS framework was helpful in re-organizing the
data by people, objects, environments, messages, and
services. From here, we focused in on key components
and new relationships.
At this point, we had insightful findings, but were still
buried by the wealth of information. We wanted to filter
out meta-level themes. In order to do so, we looked at
the information from the AEIOU perspective. We were
then able to synthesize meta-themes around activities,
environments, interactions, objects, and users. We felt
that by combining the two frameworks, we ensured
coverage, better synthesized the information, and
generated themes appropriate for different levels.
The main tools we employed to gather and conduct
our research were:
Intercept interviews >
Skater observations >
Contextual research >
Video recording >
Field notes >
Photo documentation >
Additionally, we tried to get more research participants
by posting requests on Craigslist and trying to network
through our community. We were unfortunately unable
to find more willing participants. Instead, we focused
on building relationships through people we met at the
skate shops and at the parks.
The intercept interviews had mixed success. Though
many did result in key insights and provided direction
for further research, the interviews were not as focused
as if we had more willing participants. Often times
we got the impression skaters did not want to break
from skating to talk at length, so we had be mindful
of our affect on them. Once we did establish rapport,
we were able to conduct good, close-up observations
and document the social dynamics at the parks. Both
photo and video documentation were key in allowing
us to record findings and then recreate the scene when
doing analysis. Field notes were helpful, but were
difficult to write since we were mainly standing and
active in the skate park.
Techniques
- 9 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
When we examined skater activities, dedication
emerged as a meta-theme following our research. This
may not be one of the first attributes that comes to
mind when considering skaters, but observations at
the park covering numerous skaters gave the same
impression. For starters, the research was conducted
in the fall, during cold temperatures. The fact that
skaters were outside at the park alone is testament
to their dedication to the sport. However, what was
really interesting and not apparent at first, was their
persistence in trying new tricks. Rather than just skate
around and attempt different things, skaters would
routinely try the same trick in repetition until they got
it or showed signs of improvement. Often, practicing
a trick and failing would result in painful falls and
possible injuries, yet skaters would consistently get up
and without hesitation attempt the same trick again.
This is an interesting insight about their learning style
and motivations.
Findings
Theme :: Dedication
Skaters demonstrated intense dedication to their sport and betterment
- 11 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
Another meta-theme that emerged from environments
was locationism. Skaters expressed strong ties to their
local park, be it Wilson or Burnham. Some skaters
referenced growing up and skating their neighborhood
or street, and then migrating to the local skate parks.
Feelings ran so deep in some that they would mock the
other park and skaters, establishing a sort of rivalry.
The two parks were separated by a far distance, which
probably contributes to skaters’ affinity and allegiance
to their local park. Besides location though, skaters
were very opinionated regarding certain attributes of
their park. For instance, the transition angle between
the ramp walls and the ground was of significance.
Skaters would get used to one feeling and did not
like adjusting to different angles. Also, the rails of
the bowls were different across parks, which skaters
were quick to point out. Another major difference was
whether bikers were allowed to use the park. Burnham
park did not allow bikers, and the skaters there felt
strongly about only allowing skaters, whereas many
bikers were using the park alongside skaters in Wilson
park. Lastly, there was a fair bit of customization of
parks. Even though illegal, skaters would use found
objects, like trash cans or street cones, as obstacles for
tricks.
Findings
Theme :: Locationism
Skaters expressed strong ties and feelings about their home park
- 13 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
With regards to interactions, skaters demonstrated a
subtle etiquette at the parks. This was in sharp contrast
to some more apparent observations, such as the
disrespect for park rules. It is interesting that skaters
would demonstrate disregard for rules imposed by
the park authority, but at the same time honor implicit
rules and etiquette amongst the skaters.
For instance, skaters would respect other people’s
space when they were attempting tricks. Rather than
a free-for-all, skaters followed a flow at the park where
each person was often on a repetitive loop as they
tried a trick. If multiple skaters were trying the same
trick or using the same park feature, they would wait
in line and take turns. Even though it appeared to
be somewhat chaotic, there was order. Additionally,
skaters were very supportive of each other. If someone
completed a trick, others would often acknowledge
and applaud or cheer for him as a sign of respect and
encouragement.
Findings
Theme :: Etiquette
Skaters demonstrated a tacit etiquette when it came to park skating
- 15 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
With regards to objects, one key theme was self-
expression. All the paraphernalia for skateboarding,
such as the skateboards, wheels, clothing, and
DVDs, were very graphic and reflected different
personalities. For instance, the graphics on the bottom
of skateboards was a huge point of differentiation
between boards and brands. Different brands had
different looks and appealed to different skaters.
Additionally, the notion of self-documentation as a
form of self-expression was very prevalent. Amateur
skate videos are a large part of the skateboarding
culture. Skaters will record themselves and friends and
then post videos to their web sites or YouTube.
Different styles also manifested through clothing.
Some skaters had more of an urban, baggy style,
whereas others wore tight clothing. In a sense,
the board and clothes very much represented the
personality of the skater and was a way for them
to identify with others. Also, graffiti was prevalent
at the skate parks as a form of communication and
expression of identity.
Findings
Theme :: Self-Expression
Skate culture incorporates a high degree of self-expression
- 17 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
In terms of users, we identified that skaters have a
strong sense of community and derive inspiration
from other skaters. This manifested through their
friendships, allegiance to local parks, social life, and
online networking.
First, many skaters cited that they began skating with
friends. Often skaters would be in groups at the park
and even though they would skate alone, from time
to time they would group up or encourage each other.
Sometimes, they would watch each other skate and
offer support and cheer when someone landed a trick.
It also seemed like some skaters knew one another
just from being at the park, even though they were not
social otherwise.
Another interesting discovery was the social life
around skateboarding. As noted previously, skate
movies are a big part of the culture. Sometimes people
go so far as to throw skate DVD release parties. Some
stores often organize the parties as a way to reach out
to customers and friends and host a party. Lastly, we
witnessed strong online connections. One skater we
interviewed had his own blog dedicated to Wilson park
and would post recent videos. The site also linked to
other skate blogs, stores, and friends.
Findings
Theme :: Community Inspiration
Skaters have a strong community
- 19 -Observing Users | Fall 2008 :: Conrad | Morgenstern
The question of fitting inMany of the skaters were young, and we clearly stood out as outsiders at the park. It was difficult to figure out
the right approach, whether to try to “fit in” or to stand out. For one, we stood out by being the only people
not skating at the park. This sometimes made skaters uneasy and wonder why we were there. There are a lot
of cultural nuances, so when trying to fit in, we run the risk of committing a faux pas and alienating ourselves.
However, standing out makes it difficult to get access to a sometimes cliquey group. As mentioned before,
skaters have a strong sense of community, so outsiders aren’t always greeted openly.
Knowing which techniques to use and when to use themAnother issue that came up was which technique to use and how each could affect our interviews and research.
This is a corollary of fitting in. Using photo and video was the best method of capture, but sometimes subjects
were uneasy with the mediums. Field notes was a less intrusive tactic, but not as rich, plus it was hard to use
while in an active environment. It was a delicate balance between rendering ourselves harmless and having
casual conversations and being rigorous observers.
Ethics and issues of trust with illicit actsWhile at the park, we observed some illegal activities. This surely added to the outsider paranoia and made
it difficult for subjects to open up to outsiders. Even though it was performed at a public place, they were still
trying to be discreet about it. Further, it presented an ethical dilemma for us. Should we say or do something, or
ignore it?
Planning and managing research subjectsWe had initial difficulty when it came to gaining access to the culture. We tried to find and compensate research
participants through Craigslist, but found no willing participants. Reaching out through our network only
produced one interview, and though he was an informative subject, more participants would have been helpful.
Project Learnings