Title : Mobility in vivo

Introduction & Background of Study
The seminar “mobility in vivo” was represented by Barry Brown. Brown described the meaning of vivo as “life” and related this to the use of mobile devices in everyday life. He also defined “mobility” as settings where people are mobile. This seminar discussed studies which were carried out in order to collect video data to gain new insight into the use of mobile computing devices.

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There are several ways of collecting data such as software that monitors what other applications are being used, as well as experience sampling where application asks the user about their current activity. However these techniques result in a broad measurement and do not provide data in depth. Brown decided to take another approach by installing cameras to monitor users interaction with device. There were two studies in different settings. The first study consisted of 13 trips where the drivers interaction with GPS devices was monitored. Second study looks at how people use their smart phones to navigate and perform search as well as the role that mobile devices play in conversations.

Summary
In the first video, the driver follows the instructions issued by GPS, however during a turn, a passenger is crossing the street so she stops but GPS updates the current instruction with the next instruction. This doesn’t cause any problem because the driver knows when to stop and therefore don’t follow the GPS blindly. In this scenario, the sensor assumes the driver has completed the turn, even though they are just starting the turn. In the second video, the GPS issues an instruction but the driver ignores it and chooses his own route. These are both examples of using GPS however as a competent driver, we need to work out what the GPS is instructing and when is a good time to follow it. This is because GPS could get it wrong sometimes. Accuracy of maps is also essential however not perfect. Sometimes there is a delay for system to calculate the exact time of issuing the next instruction. GPS could issue strictly legal routes but drivers may decide to take a short cut. In the second part of this study, users were given cameras to wear around their neck. Their everyday activities such as navigating town was monitored. This first part of the study concentrated on the concept of “Multi-Activity” which is when user uses the device while completing other tasks at the same time. This study demonstrated the role of smart phones in conversations. For instance during conversation, something comes up and “Just in time search” can be conducted prior to what they user is doing and is dependent on what is going on in the environment . It could be the case when mobile devices distract us and take us away from social world. This is defined as divergent versus convergent multi activity. Brown defined the term “Double Duty” as when doing something on user interface but pointing at it to show it to someone. This brings interaction between people and is regarded as a gesture to the person who is present. These are all examples of how we interact with mobile devices within our social life. In the second part, we saw example of user using the GPS map to find a restaurant however the GPS fails to guide the user correctly. The user starts walking away from the location because of the inaccuracy of GPS and in the end she gives up. This problem arises because GPS takes snapshots of the location and then updates the dot pointer which shows the current location. Metal objects in the surrounding could also influence the sensors.

Speaker’s Conclusion
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Brown undertook this research because he believed that gathering this data certainly helps to implement a better system. Brown considers mobility of how we take our devices and integrate them in our activities. It may not be as important as portability, touch screen or other facilities a device provides. But it does provide good indication of how user mobile interaction could be improved.

Discussion
During discussion it was asked whether GPS errors were related to technology limitation. It was explained that this limitation could be caused by sensors therefore GPS cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. It’s usually the case where the system is to blame rather than the user.

Evaluation and Conclusion
This was an interesting research studying how we rely on technology in life and learn to cope with the limitations of these technologies. We manage to cope when it lets us down, we tend to ignore it, restart the device or use our common sense. We are dominated by these devices, yet the technology is not perfect but we search for ways to improve our interaction with technology as well as improving the technology itself.

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