Probing Experiences: Logs, Traces, Self-Report and A Sense of Wonder

Abstract

Two studies are described in which logging electronic data in conjunction with self-report provided a deeper insight into user experiences. During a field trial, interaction with a “visual” radio was electronically logged throughout and shed light on subjects’ daily diaries. In a location-based audio play, users’ tracks and traces were used in conjunction with interview data. In a third study, partici- pants wore fashionable communicating garments; Galvanic Skin Response data triggered a sense of wonder. The studies highlight the ad-hoc nature of our use of electronic data to probe experiences and the need for a more rigid theoretical framework.