Understanding Tablet Use: a Multi-Method Exploration

Understanding Tablet Use: A Multi-Method Exploration
Hendrik Muller ¨
Google, Inc.
76 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
United States [e-mail] Jennifer L. Gove
Google, Inc.
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States [e-mail] John S. Webb
Google, Inc.
76 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
United States [e-mail] ABSTRACT
Tablet ownership has grown rapidly over the last year. While market research surveys have helped us understand the demographics of tablet ownership and provided early insights into usage, there is little comprehensive research available. This paper describes a multi-method research effort that employed written and video diaries, in-home interviews, and contextual inquiry observations to learn about tablet use across three locations in the US. Our research provides an in-depth picture of frequent tablet activities (e.g., checking emails, playing games, social networking), locations of use (e.g., couch, bed, table), and contextual factors (e.g., watching TV, eating, cooking). It also contributes an understanding of why and how people choose to use tablets. Popular activities for tablet use, such as media consumption, shopping, cooking, and productivity are also explored. The findings from our research provide design implications and opportunities for enriching the tablet experience, and agendas for future research.
Author Keywords
Tablet; mobile devices; diary study; video diary; contextual inquiry; field interviews; user requirements
ACM Classification Keywords
H.5.m. Information interfaces and presentation (e.g., HCI):
Miscellaneous
INTRODUCTION
The emergence of tablet computers (tablets) have provided a new device format for users to enjoy access to a wide variety of digital experiences and information. People search the internet, they communicate with friends, they download mobile applications (apps) so that they can access everyday information, they watch videos, and they play

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