HCI ethnography - what to do?

Question

I need to perform an ethnography for my HCI (human computer interaction) class. It needs to be something HCI related. I'm trying to think of some unique ideas; something different from other people in my class. I have had a few ideas but they are not very original or creative, so I'm sure someone in class will do the same thing. Does anyone have some interesting ideas for an HCI-related ethnography? Thanks

Answer 1

Think about how people use computers to ask and answer questions. Also, what about asking how poeple use computers to become more integrated into society.

Answer 2

You might think of asking people how they think search engines work.  These would be open-ended ethnographic interviews.  You could get willing participants to show you on a computer what they mean. Don't give them hints, or suggest that they have it wrong. Just let them explain.  If they say they don't know, press them a little bit, get them to guess.  Be careful not to be judgemental.  After you talked to a few people, you might come up with the beginnings of an interesting cultural model.  Good luck!