Tactile phone conversation

Abstract

In this study, I identified the roles of touch during phone conversations by designing and developing interactive prototypes through several iterations and by observing users’ tactile experiences during phone conversations in the lab and field. Specifically, the three designed prototypes in this study are presented in a progressive direction based on five aspects for designing a tactile phone conversation (tactile medium, shape transformation, use environment, phone-calling behavior, and I/O spatial congruence). In order to reveal the true experiences and needs of the users and to provide practical guidance for designing future tactile phone conversations, I chose a qualitative user study method by observing the use of prototypes in the lab, at home and in a coffeehouse for a short-term and long-term period. I found not only common experiences but also different experiences according to the features of the gradually designed prototypes, usage periods, and use environments. In particular, I identified that touch can support the roles that it plays in face-to-face communication, emotional communication, developing tactile vocabularies, and settling usable targets for tactile phone conversations. I also identified seven suggestions for designing future tactile phone conversations based on the findings, and I categorized them into three perspectives, for practical use, for better usability and for better interaction. In the concluding chapter, I present my main research findings based on the research questions as well as my recommendations for defining tactile phone conversations based on the findings obtained from this study.