Jan Chipchase: Chapter 4

Keys, money, and phone are stated as the essential items needed to be carried on a person before leaving their home. As a student, I can’t leave my home without my laptop, laptop charger, and phone charger. I also carry my water bottle, reusable tumbler, metal straws and utensils. These are all the tools that I need to be functional outside of my home. I believe that money is slowly being pushed out of the equation due to the introduction of Applepay and Googlepay. Cash and credit cards are unnecessary weight. Everything we do is based on convenience,  security, peace of mind,  and reliable solutions. My backpack houses all of the tools I need.  My phone, laptop and keys all have a very short range of distribution as they come with a high risk of theft. In Canada and Singapore, there is a low risk of theft however the consequences of theft are high no matter the geographical location.

Reading Response: Jan Chipchase—Hidden In Plain Sight: How To Create Extraordinary Products For Tomorrow’s Customers.

Jan Chipchase emphasizes the importance of user experience designers to immerse themselves in the group of people that they are designed for. In-field research creates more meaningful connections and understandings of the routines and cultural habits. No matter how nuanced online secondary research is, it will never be as accurate as primary in-field research. Rapid Cultural Calibration can be done by taking part in rush hour commutes and mundane task/chores. Key cultural points of contact in a daily routine: commuting systems, airports, bus stops, barbershops/salons, eating, and signs. 

What are breaching behaviours? This thought brings attention to what is culturally accepted in the community. For example, eating on public transit. It is an act that can be fined in Singapore and Taiwan whereas, in Toronto, Canada, it is normal to be eating on public transit. Why is eating not allowed in public transit? How does the authority figure enforce these rules? Signs within a city prohibiting actions can say a lot about stress points in behaviours and preferences.