Tech break up: A research method for understanding people's attachment to their technology

Elizabeth Gerber*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tech Break Up is an early stage research method that enables researchers to gain insights into ways in which people are attached to technology through improvised "break-ups." Informants verbally reflect on and formally end their relationships with technology that they previously used. The method was used in a study to understand peoples' relationship to technologies that enable creative work and reasons and moments for change in the relationship. This paper provides an overview of the method and its execution. The study reveals three primary factors of detachment for technologies that support creative work: changing self-identity, creative process, and creative ability. This case study suggests that the Tech Break Up Method can provide insights into product attachment to inform the design of new technology while simultaneously providing informants with an immediate positive experience through direct emotional expression to technology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationC and C 2011 - Proceedings of the 8th ACM Conference on Creativity and Cognition
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages137-145
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781450308205
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 3 2011
Event8th ACM Conference on Creativity and Cognition, C and C 2011 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Nov 3 2011Nov 6 2011

Publication series

NameC and C 2011 - Proceedings of the 8th ACM Conference on Creativity and Cognition

Other

Other8th ACM Conference on Creativity and Cognition, C and C 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period11/3/1111/6/11

Keywords

  • Design
  • Emotion
  • Methods
  • Product Attachment.
  • User Research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software

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