How Technology Has Become Inevitable in Todays Activities - Term Paper Example

 Work and Technology Table of Contents Introduction 2 Methods 3 Observations 4 Interviews 4 Results 5 Analysis 6 Challenges and Solutions 9 Implications 10 Increased research management 10 Effectiveness in workplaces 11 Advancement in Technology 12 Conclusion 14 References 15 Introduction The investigator seeks to unearth how technology has become inevitable in today’s activities ranging from social interactions, work practices to research management. The bedrock of this discussion will be analysis of technology in work places. It goes a notch hire to showcase the linkages between ethnographic studies and our understanding of new technologies with regard to organizations. The researcher utilizes the analysis of elevators as the technology and investigates how lifts are attached to social interactions, research management and workplaces. The research therefore, explores technological studies and in particular lifts in a range of everyday social interactions in workplace. It aims at proper analysis of importance of elevators and further settles on the implications of lifts in social interactions. Technology has been earmarked as the driving force behind current research management and viewed as emergent process, entanglement as well as exogenous force. Technology is thus regarded as a tool for transformation and in this context, observations and analysis of range of uses lifts are aiding as to achieve such as taking photographs, viewing of places as well as showrooms. A further analysis will reveals the benefits accruing from the use of lifts with respect to a particular use as mentioned. The researcher will thus undertake a thorough observation on the various uses of lifts and deduce the significance of this technology to social interaction as well as economic significance of lifts. The researcher will base his analysis not on the mere functions of lifts to ferry people to various floors within the buildings but goes to showcase exactly the benefits such ferried persons as well as commodities and other resources translates into in terms social interactions, economic importance as well accruals based on aided researches. Methods . This study was based on observing the activities aided by lifts in The Shard; a high-rise building where lift usage is a necessity, and London Underground; where socio-cultural dimensions come into play. The quantifiable and unquantifiable dynamics of these spaces assist in gauging user behavior as well as benefits derived from the use of lifts. Data required were based on the significance of lifts ranging from the management of researches and their implication with respect to economic development as well as significance accruing based on the increased social interactions. Another key data needed were based on considerations taken during installation of lifts particularly, capacity and precautions and warning given to aid usage of lifts. Besides risks mitigating measures such as what users are needed to do during system failures, whether there are communications gadgets installed to aid such interactions as well as existence of specific call centers. Also data should be gathered on feedbacks of persons using current designs as compared to previous designs (Carroll, J. M. 2000). Observation should also be done to aid in determining the economic activities, social activities as well cultural practices that have become possible due to the use of lifts. Based on such data requirements, observation remained the best method to aid in the data gathering and interviews were also conducted to fine tune data collections. Observations The observation was conducted with an aim of gathering data on the significance of such lifts based on the number of people who were using it per unit time. It was not a matter of observing people getting in and out but keen interest was based on what exactly these people were using lifts for. Goods entering the lifts and transported to particular floors were also point of reference as this would aid in the determination of activities taking place in such building that could not be undertaken if it were not for presence of lifts. Another key interest was made on the urgency with which people and commodities were lifted. This also would aid in the determination of time costs associated with stares thus making people to prefer lifts. Keen interest was also made on the kind of interactions that were driven by use of lifts not only on lifts but various destinations. This was ensured as it would have aided in the explanation of benefits of this technology in terms of creation of harmonious relationships regardless of cultural diversity. Observations was sectioned in two parts with Shard conducted on Wednesday and on Friday whereas in London underground it was during the rush hours and normal hours. Sectioning was effected to enhance the amount of data collected. In the first stage, the researcher sat outside the lift banks watching people use the lifts while in the second stage; I travelled up and down trying to blend in with other users. Using the lifts brought about a clear understanding of the experience from the users’ point of view. Comparison was made based on business of both the areas under study with respect to influx of population which would help determine the level of social interaction. Interviews Interviews provided information about the actual perception of lift users towards the inherent characteristics and limitations within this technology. Data collected from field observation was based on timing. Some aspects of lift technology and social interaction may have not been recorded. Interviews provided a broad source of information from the everyday users of lifts. Components of these interviews included; background information, opinion rating of elevator designs, preferences, design suggestions, and security and safety measures. In these two areas of study, interviews conducted indicated that lift users preferred lifts with mirrors. Mirrors distract the mind of the passengers so the waiting does not have to feel so long. Figure 1; lift users enjoying the view inside a lift cabin In the Shard, respondents showed concern about the sound of the wind in the lift shafts; indicating the height and speed the lifts were travelling. Results In London Underground, the population was higher than that in The Shard. The stations have barrier free access to and from street level. In The Shard, a security desk at the main entrance restricts the flow of people into the building. People behaved differently according to different peak times. Data collected in field observation included; interaction with design, waiting and operating habits, interpersonal interaction, design of the lift lobby, movement flow, interior architecture, and wet floor signs (Kim, 2012). The researcher noted the presence of a hierarchy within lifts. This hierarchy is attributable to societal norms, and distinct characteristics within components such as; age and gender (Markon, & Beielstein, 2006). Men preferred to stand near the back while women stood near the door. Men were fond of staring at the mirrors while women gazed at the monitors. People had exaggerated mental perception of waiting times. For example, in the London Underground, people were impatient and stood restless as they waited for the lifts. In The Shard, floor skipping and the lifts dropping past floors were also noted. The large number of lift users in London Underground lead to a relatively lower air conditioning state in the lift cabin; they were stuffy. A sense of discomfort was evident among people in the lift cabin. A sigh of relief was evident once the doors opened and people alighted. In The Shard, the presence of glass, acting as the lift’s shaft wall, created a view that people would enjoy along the way down or up the building. These clear windowpanes brought about a sense of relaxation. These clear windows promoted social interaction in two ways. Firstly, the view distracted people’s attention in relation to the number of floors covered; which was a long way. Secondly, it was therapeutic in calming down emotions. The three-directional view of these lifts attracted attention while allowing passengers to enjoy a wide observation view. Analysis Analysis based on observed data as well as interviews conducted revealed shocking positive significance of lifts in both the two areas under study. Besides the usual enjoyment arising from the use of these lifts over stares, several pros and benefits were attached to use of elevators. It was noted that time factor contributed a lot in the determination of whether to use lifts or stares as the alternative systems (Kim, 2012). Despite fewer people fearing to use lifts, most preferred use of elevators based on its minimization of time leading to less time cost. Elevators have attracted varied number of uses ranging from research management, social interaction as well as source of entertainment based on showrooms, taking photos as well as view cities. This technology has led to a lot of innovations based on its range of uses and in particular research management. Researchers have been able to take photos aimed at helping them to further their research. With respect to social interactions, cultural exchanges and harmonization have been achieved based on the use of this technology. This results from the interaction of people using the lifts at specific time making them to break away from cultural ties and racial segregation. This has even enhanced effectiveness at workplace as these people who use the lifts do work in such building or are there for particular activities such as business transactions or to carry out research. The researchers take different photos of people which are also further used as sources of education to create awareness on how people harmoniously interact in elevators. Social interaction was inhibited by the sense of insecurity among lift users. In the London underground, a security keycard was not issued as people entered the premises. Elevator users felt threatened by such elements. In The Shard, a security desk at the main lobby enhanced social interaction as people waited for lifts. No negative experiences were recorded from the interviews conducted. With respect to precautions and warning made in lifts such as to help users be safe during system failure, it was noted that lifts give users alternatives during such unforeseen conditions, in particular communication gadgets such as telephone as well as alarms are installed within the lifts and steps followed to communicate this to call centers are clearly outlined (Carroll, 2000). These give users a surety to use life based on safety, the interview conducted at call centers, revealed that people attached are so welcoming and honest as well as quick to react during such occurrences. This makes it easier for people to immediately inform them and options promptly suggested and executed. Lifts have stares as substitutes for users who might prefer stares and this has made in easier for people to carry out their daily activities attached to such buildings. The researcher further gained a comprehensive understanding of the lift user experience. The decorative properties within a lift were not of high priority to the passengers. They actively engaged with the monitors and mirrors. The design characteristics mentioned by the respondents in the interviews were based on the mechanics and technical design. (Koopman, 2012). Responses were based on the lift mechanics and the feeling of security and safety. There was a positive relationship between perceived safety, and the lift cabin interior control panel design; lift users felt safer when they assumed a greater level of control. This can be attributed to psychological theories; such as defensible spaces. In this theory, control is established to create an illusion, within the mind, that all is in control. The presence of security cameras in the lift cabins created a perceived level that the users are in control. There was a significant causal and effect relationship between interaction and social organization. From observations made from inside the elevators, there was a clear social order regarding how people positioned themselves and interacted with design features inside the elevator. A specific arrangement was portrayed on the standing position. Men who stood at the back watched the monitors and mirrors. Women avoided eye contact by staring at the monitors. Users seemed disturbed when a passenger would get into the lift and stand facing back. It seemed unconventional, as people tend to face the lift doors. A user could draw attention from another user by staring continuously. All these dynamics portray a sense of playfulness among lift users in re-organizing usage habits and hierarchies. . Figure 4, a glass design that combines aesthetics with functionality. Challenges and Solutions The research unearths the existence of claustrophobic persons that fear congested small spaces such normal designed public elevators. This results due to anxiety disorder in such people culminating into panic attack when subjected to congested closed spaces. This challenge has been attentive by current designers coming up with special spaced lifts preserved for such particular cases. Subsequently stares are made as substitutes and at times staff elevators are used during peak hours as substitutes to weed out this menace. Precaution is taken by setting an enquiry desk where such people are received and accordingly directed. Current research has also been focused on the need to incorporate children who might be unable to reach and press the necessary button. In this regard, small people are employed to help such children in case of such difficulties. Harmonious social interactions in lifts have also contributed greatly as adults have usually rescued such children. Besides this, new designs are coming up based on research where buttons are designed in a manner to enhance access by all using lifts. Debates are ongoing to introduce remote control so as to help control the lifts for those people who may be unable to reach the buttons. Another noted challenge is the availability, functionality and applicability of evacuation elevators which are attacked by such agents as water and smoke as well as power blackouts. This has since been solved by ensuring securing constant power supplies weeding out possibility of smoke and water from entering. This is also solved by recent review and revision of the NFPA Life Safety Code which has since elevator lobbies being enclosed and strategically installed directly adjacent exit stairwell. Sprinklers have also been banned away from evacuation elevator technology sites. Lobbies are further expected to grow extending to occupants already gathered to be evacuated. Implications Increased research management Lifts have enhanced the activities of researchers who use them as vessels for conducting their researches. This has also led to increased efficiency and effectiveness of lifts as researches based on the gaps existing on their usage have gone a notch higher. System failure has thus been in control as new lift designs have been upcoming so as to answer the gaps revealed by such research. It has therefore, ensured safety of users as well as commodities undertaken in such building. The extensive communication networks have led to users being friendly with such elevators and consequently use them to conduct their daily interactions. This has fully impacted economic activities as well as social interactions. Researchers have also been able to create awareness on how social interactions on lifts have benefited such firms using the lifts. Workplaces have thus remained active from this understanding so as to increase firm’s productivity. Understanding of cities resulting from views is made possible by use of lifts has also led to new designs for urban development. This has ensured that cities develop in a manner that housing congestion is limited as researchers recommend the kind of housing and their location. Photos captured based on the use of lifts have also led to increased understanding of cities arrangement even by those persons that are not using the lifts. The photos can be distributed to government agencies responsible for conducting such mobilization and awareness to show their citizens on how housing in cities as well as roads should be built and constructed respectively. Effectiveness in workplaces Based on social interaction enhanced by use of lifts, workplace has increasingly become attractive as people get to understand cultural diversifications which make teamwork possible and thus increased productivity. This has also been aided by the researchers conducted on cultural diversity and how they affect people in lifts. It is revealed that people in lifts socially interacts and get to know one another prior enough to create mutual understandings. This then extends to workplaces culminating in to teamwork making people to work harmoniously for the benefits of both firms and their respective employees. Advancement in Technology Applicability of lifts is a basic topic in the today’s research as many researchers have been driven by the need to ensure a highly rated safety for both people and commodities ferried by lift. Based on this, researchers have recommended new designs of lifts and the necessary precautions to be subjected to keen analysis before coming up with a particular design of elevators. This has led to increased innovation and intense research as human life stands a blow should the system fail based on negligence of installation experts. Defectiveness in lifts is thus realized prior to causing harm to individual so as to ensure daily operation is not questioned. Recommendations have thus been made and subsequently implemented culminating into high levels of safety and security in such technologies. Current lifts designs have thus incorporated such precautions and have installed every facility needed to ensure lifts are free from threats to life of individuals. Numerous issues arose in regard to this study. Ethnographic measures have indicated a continuous learning curve. Future research should incorporate specific behavior that conforms to the environment, in relation to the researcher’s social position. Quantitative and qualitative techniques ought to be employed to obtain detailed and explanatory information of the situation being studied. Past experiences are embedded in the mind. To recall them, researchers need to be mindful of them. Deriving information from lift users on their past experiences tend to remind them that they should be conscious of such experiences. Lift users are only conscious of design interactions if there was a negative experience (Portigal & Norvaisas, 2011). For people who have had none of these experiences, they would term design interactions as successful; that is, their mobility within a building’s floors is continuous without interruption. Future research on user experience should focus on getting information that is not based on user experience (Walters, 2013). Incorporating mirrors in the lift cabins and lobbies enhanced design interaction. In the lift cabin, mirrors had the attention of users ‘carried away’ as they stared at themselves not noticing the amount of time spent in the lift. Incorporating mirrors at the lift lobbies in the London Underground brought about a sense of relaxation. For a moment, people did not have to worry about the waiting time. Mirrors brought about a sense of composure among the passengers (Storz, 2012). A led screen with advertisements would capture the attention of users. These screens would serve the purpose of conveying information since the likelihood of it being noticed is high. The major sensitivity of this design is that, it may be in contradiction with other design concepts. Incorporating a screen, mirrors, and a glass wall at the back, these design concepts will be conflicting (Goetz, 2003). Lift users might miss important information on the screen as they stare at themselves or enjoy the scenery from the back. The positioning of a screen in the lift cabin should be highly considered. To incorporate all these designs, the lift cabin should be round instead of being squared. This will ensure that all these design concepts are within the users’ visual spectrum (Storz, 2012). Incorporating mirrors with glass for walls can boost social interaction. This is a design that would replace walls from the lift’s shaft with glass. The essence of this design would be to develop observation lifts to complement their function. Such a design would have a therapeutic effect on lift users. New technology on lift design should incorporate LED screens inside the cabin. On these screens, advertisements and information relevant to lift users will be displayed. In the case of London Underground, displaying timelines and fares would enhance design interaction (Schittich, 2013). Conclusion The research has attached ethnographic studies and technology as closely interconnected and drives the applicability of various kinds of technology to human activities. Technology has been attached social interactions as well as technological understanding. Research has been enhanced by technology based on daily innovation based on topics of interest. In this context, observations of lifts have revealed a number of implications on social interactions at workplace and in diverse cultural practices. Lifts have ensured that people daily interacts and perform their various activities leading into economic development and social and cultural harmonization. References Apex Elevators-Lifts, Elevators, Escalators, Otis Lifts, Kone lift, Otis Elevators. n.d.. Apex Elevators-Lifts, Elevators, Escalators, Otis Lifts, Kone lift, Otis Elevators. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://apexelevators.com/elevators_usage.html Bangash, M. Y., & Bangash, T. 2007. 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