Computers, Phones and the Internet: Domesticating Information Technology

Ch. 9. Designing the Family Portal for Home Networking. Alladi Venkatesh, Steven Chen, and Victor M. Gonzalez

ABSTRACT:

The main purpose of the study is to design an interface for family use, the Family Portal, that would address the specific needs of families in the context of their domestic activities and routines. Data were gathered from a select group of families in two stages. First, we gathered information on their current use of computers. Second, we presented some basic ideas regarding the Family Portal and its characteristics, and obtained detailed reactions and inputs from families as part of our concept testing. As a result of in-depth interviewing, we were able to identify several family-oriented themes concerning computer use. The extensive nature of computer use attests to its growing domestication and integration into family life. Bearing this in mind, we asked our respondents to consider the Family Portal as an aid to manage various activities that are performed in the family context. There seems to be support for the idea on the basis of a family calendar, event organizer, and other key features. It is also viewed as both reducing and complementing paper-based activity, although families are not willing to give up the paper entirely. This suggests some resistance to a total virtual environment in the home. The Family Portal is also viewed as a useful tool for organizing home finances and maintaining financial records. One area of concern is that the families need to be convinced that the Family Portal is in any way better or superior to some existing devices. This will be one main challenge as the concept is put into practice.

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