OVERVIEW

This project has been done with a collaboration with Perch (a Vancouver-based start up) to explore an alternative design paradigm of ‘always-on’ video connections for communicating with both personal and work contacts. 

We conducted an online survey to understand people’s reactions to such technology followed by a four-week field trial with participants who used Perch media space. 

Our results showed that many people saw value in such a system, yet had reservations about the ‘always-on’ nature. Most said they would use it in observational situations. Field trial participants also faced challenges with an automated audio channel and a lack of dedicated devices. The implications are that while such systems can provide an easier communication channel, concerns with distractions, trust, and privacy should be mitigated within the design.