Collecting probes

After the 5th day, we collected our probes from the users. We also debriefed them in detail about what were were doing with the probes and gave them the chance to ask any remaining questions they had. We then went over the probes to make sure everything was there and that we understood their responses (after all, what good is collecting the data if you don't know what they mean?). After all was said and done, we thanked them for helping us and then scurried on back to start evaluating the probes.

Consolidating data

We combined all of the data that we obtained from our probes into one giant spreadsheet. This was nice because with everything all in front of you at once, it's easy to identify trends in the data, both between and within users.

User profiles

Based on problems and trends that we observed from each user's reports, we outlined each user:

User 1

• Values free time - schedule arranged to maximize free time
• Semi-lazy - maximizes his free time so much that you could almost consider him lazy
• Forgetful - lost his wallet one night and didn't remember where he had been

User 2

• Academically-oriented - pre-med student; strong academics very important to her
• Health-conscious - likes to work out, but concerned about safety late at night
• Unreliable transportation - Missed the bus at the mall, cab didn't come, had to call friend for pickup

User 3

• Cutting-edge - interested in the latest and greatest technology
• Optimizer - optimizes his time very well
• Unfulfilled desires - walks everywhere because it's not worth figuring out the complicated bus system