Technology Probe II

Summary

Two tests with separate groups in order to test the validity of a "music-sharing" experience. The central question of the testing procedure was "How do people react to listening to each other’s music?" The testing confirmed that a communal playlist had potential as a tool for experience-sharing with participants from different backgrounds and age-groups.

It should be noted that these tests were largely informal

Go to: 4.10.18 results | 11.10.18 results

Protocol

Testing

1. Inform participants, acquire consent
2. Send out a google form to collect songs
3. Create YouTube playlist from songs
4. Get the group together and play the music.

As a tester, inform users who’s song is being played

Questions

These questions were used as a basis for for discussion

• How did you feel when your song was being played? Why?
• Would you pick different songs if you knew different people were going to be listening? Why?
• What did you think about listening to other people’s music? Did you ever want to change someone else’s song?

Results

Results are based on observations, and significant points from the discussion

4.10.18

A group of peers, aged 18 - 25. No family connections

• Participants become nervous when their song was played.
• Most people enjoyed listening to other people's songs, but felt nervous when their song was being played.
  • "I was afraid no one would like my music, or make fun of it."
  • "I chose some songs that I knew people would like."
• Participants sang together for one song -- everyone knew it.

11.10.18

A family unit. Parents aged 50~, children aged 18 - 21

• "I picked a song I thought Mum would like." - younger son
• "I picked music to annoy you," - parent, referring to children
• One parent struggled with picking music under pressure
• "A surprisingly communal experience."

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Signed consent forms contain sensitive information so it is not available on here publicly (available on request).