Observations on use of mobile devices at airports and train stations

By Maish Nichani | 03 Jan 2012 | Observation diary, Mobile | Tweet

This post is the first in a series we're calling the Observation Diary. Here we take a look at how people interact with other people and with technology in different environments. This first post takes a look at people using mobile devices at airports and train stations.

Why are we doing this? We are curious. Just like you. We want to know how such interactions are taking place and how people are adapting.

We're also happy that we have Bernie Quah, who is curious and hungry to sketch out these behaviors. The sketches you see below were made on a trip to Shanghai.

Our initial insight: Mobile devices need to be positioned and it is quite amazing how the human body is used as the prop in most cases. Some postures look painful while others look natural. A physical object is used when we need our limbs to do something else, like eating food.

Here's a question for discussion: suppose we had to choose between using our body or using a physical prop that offered a comfortable position, which one would we prefer? Why?