The Customers of the future program for 2003 was based
on studying and identifying opportunities for convergence
of information and communication technology (ICT) devices.
The scope involved literature research and developing
and running an empirical pilot study with young people
investigating convergence of ICTs and the relationship
between convergence and identity. The work was framed
by a successful Australian Research Council (ARC) grant
for an Australian government funded linkage project entitled
'Humanising the Convergence of ICTs'.
The objective of this part of the work was to employ a
longitudinal contextual study of an existing social group
of young people between 15 and 17 years to observe and
analyse their uses of ICTs in relation to defining and
maintaining their identities. This included gathering
data on how ICTs are appropriated and used to establish
and maintain identities. The findings were used to develop
and publish research papers and to direct the future of
the research program.
 
Detailed Description
Methodology
An initial meeting was held with the six participants
aged between 15 and 17 to gather demographic and sociometric
information through interview and questionnaire, and a
focused discussion on participants' uses of technology.
Data was collected through audio and video recording and
written notes. Over the following three weeks, researchers
met the participants individually and as a group at their
local shopping centre, and observed them at the networked
computer game parlour. These planned and spontaneous observations
within the social context of the participants resulted
in rich data based on interaction between the participants
both face-to-face and using ICTs such as mobile phones.
Data was collected through taped interviews and conversations
between participants and targeted video and audio footage.
Finally, participants attended a two-hour group session
using various industry standard and innovative techniques
to gather further data surrounding the on-going development
and maintenance of identity connected with their usage
of ICTs.
Key Findings
Mobile ICT's were found to be integral to the identity
of these young people who use their mobile phones for
a significant amount of communicating in their personal
and social activities. A significant amount of audio and
visual data was collected and analysed from the contextual
and focus group sessions. Papers and presentations on
identity have been produced. These have been presented
in various national and international forums. Information
regarding these may be found in the publications sections
of this web site. The focus of the project was refined
to specific aspects of convergence and identity, a more
data orientated approach has been adopted based on a semiotic
framework and an empirical study with an older age group
has been planned.
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