Coffee+Shop+Phase+2

== =**Coffee Shops as Social Space**=

We are investigating coffee shops as an unique social space that integrates various social contexts to in order to create an environment that allows for a variety of people and activity to exist simultaneously.

We are looking at coffee shops as a social place that many different types of people utilize. neutral ground, sets the tone for conversation and work, middle ground between formal and informal

People: Types of people using space
students co-workers/business meetings friends family acquaintances coffee shop employees

Activity: Ways this space is used
relaxation studying reading talking business meetings refreshment playing games/cards profit making/product selling advertising bulletin board (communication) internet access eat write entertain one another pass the time working places for social interaction/getting to know someone teaching/learning

Context
place for both short and long engagements easily accessible, large storefronts, frequent and convenient furnished surroundings comfortable seats tables usually slightly darker than restaurants classy environment — paintings, slower appeal

//__Physical Environment__//
furnished surroundings comfortable seats/tables/stools darker, warmer in colour easily accessible, large storefronts, frequent and convenient artwork, paintings on walls light music; establishes relaxing mood

//__Social Context__// allows for variety of social engagements—people meet others, people can go alone doubles as workspace, constructive thinking/talking/discussion library is purely a workspace, coffee house doesn't have to be quiet integrates social and individual aspects

//__Organizational Context__// places for ordering at front of store

Technology
huge focus on internet access coffee making process streamlined to be faster pay for debit, quick pay

input - money, debit/credit cards output - internet access, coffee people value personal interaction, ordering of coffee

=User Study= We will be utilizing both observational and investigative methods in our research.

Currently, we will be attempting to grasp a better understanding the nature of the coffee shop as a space for social interaction; the research will then assist us in discovering more intriguing aspects in which we will then continue to investigate.

Possible Interview Questions
What do you look for in a coffee shop? Do you think music is an integral part of the coffee shop experience? Is comfort in sitting arrangements and the environment important to you? Is choice and variety in drinks Is service/personnal Do you mind lining up for your coffee; is the wait time excessive?

How often do you go to a coffee shop per week? How convenient are the coffee shops in terms of distance? Do you meet with people, if so how many What do you use a coffee shop for? How long do you usually stay for?


 * Observation Approaches **

Line up times, traffic hours Rate of service If drinks are specialized how many coffee shops in general area

Age, Gender, assumed purpose employees Most commonly ordered

SURVEY QUESTIONS
1. What kind of work are you doing? 2. How many people usually meet? 3. What sort of environment is most preferable when meeting/working with others? 4. How long are your meetings? 5. What would make your meeting more productive? (Tools, etc.) 6. Are there designated roles assigned to each member in the meeting? If so, what are they? 7. What are the most common distractions for you when doing group work? 8. Are there specific organizational methods that are utilized during meetings to ensure that everything gets done (lists, timekeeping, etc.) 9. What technologies are commonly used when doing group work?