The Family Portal

Examining the impact of the new technologies of information, communication, and computerization on American families, this research project is focused on the design of a home-based information technology product. The Family Portal is a web-based interface specifically addressing the needs of families within the context of their domestic activities and routines. Using data from in-depth interviews and concept testing, this project considers a family’s current use of computers and focuses on the design and development of a product used as an aid to manage various activities performed in the family context. Product features include a family calendar, event organizer and other key uses.

Youth and Technologies (Y-TECH) Project

An investigation of the electronic and media culture of youth, including consumers between the ages of 10 and 22. The juxtaposition of children and information technology invokes powerful meanings. On the one hand, it can stimulate visions of a childhood at ease with arcane knowledge, empowered, connected and freed from the constraints of locality. At the same time these images promote the fear of a childhood spoiled by isolation. This project studies children as consumers, technology innovators, cultural change agents, and users of new language by looking at their use of electronic media such as email, instant messaging, Internet, music videos, mobile technologies and various other media (such as iPods). This study is based on the following questions:

• What are the impacts of these technologies on the lives of children?
• What are the expectations of parents who see children as the future of the information age?
• How are the roles of children changing? Or, put it another way; are their new roles that are merging because the children are at the forefront in using and managing their technologies (e.g on-line consumers)? In a related way, are any of the current roles sharpened or diluted in any way?
• Are their any differences among children based on age and gender?

Seniors and the Internet: Innovation and Usage among Later Adopters

While seniors currently comprise 16% of the U.S. population, they represent only 6% of online users. Nevertheless, wired seniors are an enthusiastic online user group who find that the Internet enhances their lives in a variety of ways. Moreover, the 65+ group is growing more rapidly than any other user group online. This project investigates the characteristics of seniors that affect attitudes toward technology and technology adoption and use, and explores some of the characteristics that define this largely untapped segment of Internet users.

Household Decision Making at a Distance: Enhancing Relationships via Technology

Military deployments represent an extreme example of separated families due to work obligations. Access to email communication for separated military families can increase a sense of connection and strengthen relationships. In turn, this can increase employee morale and job satisfaction. This project focuses on understanding and predicting how the frequency, variety and depth of email communications is related to family involvement, joint decision-making, satisfaction with family communication and successful reintegration into the family upon return.