CozyCorner
CONTEXT MAPPING 2021 FALL
Contents 1
Introduction
2
Research Goal
3
Dating During COVID-19 and What It Means to Feel Connected
4
Research Design: Sensitizing Package and GatherTown Toolkit
5
Sampling Method
6
Data Gathering
7
GatherTown Session
8
Data Analysis
9
Conceptualization
10
Conclusion
Introduction
Introduction COZY CORNER: WHERE COUPLE HAVE EVERYDAY INTERACITION
For every couple these days, interaction does not stop even if they are not together
thanks to the various mobile digital devices and online network
services that keep the connection between couples. They would constantly chat with each other via Kakaotalk, look through the pictures they took together in the gallery on their phone, or have a video chat with each other. Cozy Corner is our team’s original idea of an online social platform specifically for couples, where couples can meet everyday and share experiences that are scattered around diverse platforms. Cozy Corner service aims to not only gather those scattered couple’s interaction and integrate offline interaction online, but also provide some new experience that did not exist previously and deliver couples excitement and fun. To attain these goals, a thorough research should be conducted to learn about (1)how couples interact and share their experiences and emotions online, (2)how they date and what they do when they actually meet in person, and (3)what tacit perceptions and latent needs they carry. Our team has come up with a research toolkit consisting of a sensitizing package and a group immersive session for further insights and a blueprint guideline to build a prototype of the Cozy Corner service.
05
Team Members
KIJUN YUN
SUNWOO LEE
DAYEON JUN
MIN ZY CHOI
Cozy Corner
Research Goal
Research Goal
The goal of our research is to conduct qualitative context mapping research,
consisting of a
sensitizing package built in Mural and a group immersive session tool kit built in Gather Town. With this research toolkit we aim to obtain mainly three qualitative data.
First is how
couples interact and share their experiences and emotions online or when they are not together. Examples would be chatting with each other via Kakaotalk, uploading a photo of their date on Instagram to show their date life to others, and looking through their photos in gallery or cloud to reminisce about their past experience. By researching these data we would get to know
07
“How should our Cozy Corner look like, and what experience should it deliver?”
what kinds of interaction that are scattered
carry, regarding dating experience both
around diverse digital or online platforms
online and offline. These data would be
occur around couples, and which one should
the most crucial components for making
be brought into our Cozy Corner service in
our Cozy Corner service favorable, being
what ways. Second data we aim to collect
able to provide unprecedented contents
is how couples date offline and what they
that are still fun and exciting for couples.
do when they actually meet in person.
We expect that gathering these 3 types of
Those activities would each have their
qualitative data and analyzing them to
designated needs that became the triggers
obtain meaningful information would be
for the activities. Those needs would be the
a blueprint or guideline that leads us to
same needs that our Cozy Corner service
grabbing a more concrete idea on how our
should take into consideration. The third
Cozy Corner service should be designed,
data that we should collect is the tacit
what contents it should contain, and what
perceptions and latent needs the couples
kind of sensation our service should deliver.
Cozy Corner
COVID-19:
Dating During
What it means to be connected
DESK RESEARCH
During
COVID-19
distancing
be useful to reference when we define and design
and the rapid advancement of technology has
‘Cozy Corner’ as an online space to support the
affected all spheres of individual life including
relationship between couples.
dating relationships (Gibson, 2021). In dating
relationships,
and
exploring various technologies and features that
intimacy are crucial components in establishing
support intimacy and relationships. We looked for
and maintaining genuine, heartfelt relationships
research that explored the individual interpretations
(Jamieson, 2000). Meaningful interactions and
of intimacy, and that studied when and how users
intimacy are subjective and fluid concepts, in
feel intimacy in the social virtual world. We hope
which their definitions are defined, interpreted,
to refer to these research findings in building our
and understood differently by each person, and
design toolkit and prototype of making a virtual
their meanings change with context as well—i.e.
space in the metaverse platform that supports and
online and offline settings.
deepens the sense of intimacy among couples.
In the study “Intimate Experiences in Virtual
The study of “Falling Asleep Together: What Makes
Worlds:
Activities in Social Virtual Reality Meaningful
The
pandemic,
meaningful
Interplay
Communication,
social
interactions
among
Avatar-based
Hyperpersonal Systems,
Our
secondary
research
focused
on
and
to Users (2020)” asks users of social virtual
Experiential Drives, ” researchers studied how
reality “what made activities on these platforms
users redefine intimacy, interpret, and experience
meaningful to users.” An interesting finding was
intimacy in the virtual world platform, Second
that the mundane activities of the real-world,
Life. As a result, the study suggested that as with
when introduced in the social virtual reality world,
face-to-face interactions, the meaning of intimacy
were translated into a whole new experience. One
in Second Life was closely related to “emotional
prime example is the activity of falling asleep. In
fulfilment, the need to be touched, interpersonal
the offline world, sleeping is commonly perceived
communication, but also emphasizes new forms of
as
proximity--multimodal communication channels
brought to the social VR, users could fall asleep
and avatar mediated behaviors.” This study will
in virtual reality, with their VR headsets on and
a
solitary,
mundane
experience.
However,
Research Goal
avatars still connected. Thus, users could continue conversations with each other in the social VR, and fall asleep together. The act of falling asleep became a communal activity that could be performed with other users, and which furthermore elevated the sense of intimacy and closeness with others, as falling asleep is usually an activity done over phone
Through Design” defines relationship maintenance
with lovers.
as a dynamic process which requires partners to
Another study looks into the relationship between
actively sustain the relationship through various
the
materials
between
close
strategies.
intersection
between
close
like routines, sharing chores help maintain the
relationships research and virtual reality holds
relationship as much as strategic behaviors like
great promise for the advancement of both fields. In
gift-giving and interesting dates. To mediate this
social science research laboratories and mainstream
responsive interaction and mutual caring for long
society, virtual reality is becoming an increasingly
distance couples, technology follows the six design
popular and viable tool for not only studying close
strategies
relationships such as romantic relationships and
awareness,
friendships, but also for engaging in relational
mediating physicalness, gift giving, joint action, and
processes (e.g., social interactions, relationship
reminiscing.
formation, and relationship maintenance). With
“The Togetherness that We Crave”: Experiencing
VR’s ability to be used both as a tool for studying
Social VR in Long Distance Relationships”explains
close relationship processes, and as a means of
how the social VR platforms offer the couple
forming and maintaining relationships, the use
opportunities to experience each other in a character-
of virtual reality holds great potential for future
form.
research. The study touches upon adult attachment
collaborative activities, and casual everyday activities
theory, virtual reality, and neuroscience. The results
on these platforms remain as a problem for most
provide both promising results and far-reaching
relationships.
implications for deepening our understanding of
Another
how relational processes work, especially in an
with friends to cope with isolation during COVID-19
increasingly digital society.
pandemic” found that connecting with friends online
“Technology-Mediated Relationship Maintenance
with satisfaction is more important than connecting
in Romantic LDR: An Autoethnographic Research
more often. The video-calls were thought to be most
use
of
relationships.
digital The
Interestingly,
for
Still,
“abstracted
allowing
called
presence”:
emotional
facilitating
study
non-strategic
the
analogous to face-to-face interactions.
creating
expressivity,
shared
“Connecting
behavior
memories,
electronically
011
Research Design SENSITIZING PACKAGE & IMMERSIVE GROUP SESSION
Our team came up with two main research toolkits
These qualitative research toolkit aims to learn
for obtaining the aimed qualitative data, consisting
about (1)how couples interact and share their
of a sensitizing package and a group immersive
experiences and emotions online, (2)how they
session. We attempted to build and conduct both
date and what they do when they actually meet in
toolkits based on an online platform; we used Mural
persons, and (3)what tacit perceptions and latent
for our sensitizing package, and Gather Town for
needs they carry, to acquire a blueprint guideline
group immersive sessions.
information for building the Cozy Corner service.
Cozy Corner
Research Design
DAY 1 ❤️커플문답❤️
KHJ 지혜롭고 올곧게 자라는 부모님 뜻에 맞게 닉값하 는 인생 살고자 노력중
벌써 스물셋(받침 ㅅ 이 므로 어느덧 20대 중반 !)
휴학 중인 백수 (자격증 시험 10일 전인 데 노는중 ^^....ㅠ)
노어노문학과 마더 러시아 사랑함
서울 노원 토박이 그러나 자취 좋아함
Power E NTP 새로운 사람 만나는 거 사 랑함
리더십 경험 多 학창시절 12년 회장+번 대+조별과제 수차례
예체능 얕게 잘함 (달리기, 피아노, 그림, 작문, 양모펠트)
토론을 좋아함 정치 사회 경제 전분야
인간관계 넓고 얕음. 인스타 팔로워 400명 카톡 즐찾(찐친) 10명
여가시간에는 주로 유 튜브 게임방송과 롤
최애 스트리머: 우왁굳
음악은 아이돌 노래 안 듣고 재즈랑 힙합 위주
최애 가수: 빈지노 음악가: 드뷔시, 사카모 토 류이치
단점: 그리 많지는 않음. 종종 말실수, 낮잠 너무 잠, 공부계획 잘 못지킴
최근고민: 진로 (전공 살리고 싶은데 뭐 하지, 교환 언재가지)
장점: 낯가림 x, 매사 열 정적, 타인의 장점 잘 발글, 말 잘함
커플문답을 통해 당신의 연애에 대해 생각해보 는 시간을 가져요.
om
unproject.c
ect
INSTRUCTIONS
3 우리의 연애에 대한 이모저모!💖💖
DAY 1
✨얼마나 만났나요?
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Rem
한석쿤?
one than more has to ungroup design sure If your make shape,
Ungroup
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saving Remembe before
커플문답 작성지는 연인과는 아직 공유해주지 말아주세요.
2
인터넷 밈에 빠삭한
당신이 사랑하는 그 사람을 소개해주세요! 뻔뻔할 수록 좋아요🥰🥰
합정
종로 익선동
신촌
이태원
홍대
혜화
엄청 다양하게 가서 거의 안 겹침
커플문답 작성지는 연인과는 아직 공유해주지 말아주세요.
더블클릭해서 포스트잇 을 만드세요!
2
스페이스바를 누르고 마 우스를 조작하면 커서가 Hand 툴로 바뀝니다.
Couple's Q&A
DAY 2
왼쪽 메뉴에서 이미지 나 아이콘을 자유롭게 추가하세요!
내 말을 항상 잘 들어 줌
내 상황에 필요한 조언 을 구할 때 같이 고민 해줌
내가 롤 못하는데 한번 도 화 낸적 없느 보살
롤 다이아(상위 1%)라 나 캐리해줌
내가 필수로 생각하는 남자 신체 부위인 허벅 지가 얇고 예쁨
내가 제일 좋아하는 광 배가 섹시함
속눈썹이 길고 눈동자 가 깊음
수족냉증이 있는 나에 게 너무 좋은 뜨거운 손
내 말투를 따라하는 귀 여움(냐아앙)
섹시함과 귀여움과 안 정감을 모두 가짐
엘리트! 서울대 기공 자 율주행 (믿고 면허 안따 는중)
빵빵한 가족 의사 약사 교사 (시어머니 무서울것 같 음)
오빠도 토론하는 걸 좋 아하는데 침착하고 논리 적인 토론이 가능한 거 의 유일한 사람임
내가 사랑하는 너디함 을 갖춤. 쑥맥적인 부분 도 귀여어
안경쓰고 운전하는거 반함
내 기분 속상할 때 상 냥하게 잘 달래줌
주변 사람들도 착하고 좋음 (끼리끼리 싸이언 스)
내가 먹고 싶은거 가고 싶은 곳 잘 따라와줌.
백만년에 한번씩 빵터 질 때 하허하 웃는데 넘모 귀여워
내 밝고 즉흥적이고 관 종인 성격을 좋아함(?)
나랑 취미 같음:롤, 애 니메이션
작은 일도 오래 생각하 고 말하는 신중함
감정선이 안정적임
1
What are the things that your partner often says to you?👄👄👄👄
Honestly one of the things he says most to me is probably "What do you wanna do now?" Because we only have a very limited amount of options when we are confined to an online space due to the nature of our relationship. We usually watch some shows or play games - atm we are watching the new league animation called "Arcane" and playing Dead by Daylight most on steam.
물론 ㅎㅎ 이런 결과론적인 에피소드 외에도 일정한 생활 루틴을 만들어서 지키고 최선의 과정을 만들기 위해 매 순간 성실하려고 노력하는 사람이라서 게으른 제가 닮고 싶은 사람이에요. 단단한 사람
블루라이트 안경
목도리랑 잠옷
Picture not available
복사 붙여넣기로 링크 내가수받았던 선물 중에서는? 나 이미지를 넣을 있습니다! 죠르디 인형과 레터링 케이크
Alt 키 혹은 Option 키를 최근 준 홍차 누르고 오브젝트를 옮기 면 쉽게 복사가 가능해요 :)
귀걸이
자신이 바라는 자신의 이상향이 확고하고 그 청사진에 닿기 위해서 노력하는, 또 그 과정에서 어려움이 생겨도 결코 포기하거나 엄한 것을 탓하지 않는 삶을 살아온 것 같아 요. 유하고 말랑해 보이지만 곧고 단단한 성정을 가진 것 같아요. 이 외에도...
향수
수분크림
3
When do you feel the absence of your partner the most?😢😢 Being in a long distance relationship, the feeling of absence is a constant. We do video call every day and do whatever we can online together, but the moment we hang up and go about our seperate lives it feels quite lonely being here all by myself.
Feel free to write, draw, insert photos to answer the questions.
Top 3 Precious Memories With Your Partner✨ When I went to Germany to visit him and his family this summer. I can't pick a specific memory but the whole month of me being there was just the best time I've ever had in my life. I got to be surrounded by nature in the countryside for the first time in my life and it was a very healing experience for me.
Couple's Q&A
"I like your t-shirt"
"I wanna escape once before I sleep" (In Dead by Daylight)
내가 받았던 선물 중에서는?
오빠의 대학원 면접이 이른 오전이었는데 면접 준비 때문에 끼니까지 챙기기 어려울 것 같아 서 전날 설렁탕이랑 반찬이랑 견과류 등등 아침으로 먹으라고 가져다줬었던 게 기억에 남아 요
What are the things that your partner often says to you?👄👄👄👄 "Go to sleep earlier" or "go to sleep early today"
3
웃길 수 있지만... 완전 연애 초에 데이트 갔다가 자켓 안주머니에 뭐가 있길래 잉?하고 꺼냈는데 지구젤리가 있었다 (ㅋㅋㅋ) 젤리 좋아한다고 지나가듯 말한 적 있는데 소소한 거지만 그걸 생각해서 사온 게 고마웠고 나중에 포탈 검색기록에 '맛있는 젤리 추천' '세계과자점 젤리' 등등이 있는 걸 보고 너무 귀여웠고 웃겼었기 때문에 기억에 남아요 😆😆 (이 분은 젤리는커녕 간식 입에도 잘 안 대시기에...)
When do you feel the absence of your partner the most?😢😢
Random moments or when I see things that bring back memories of her being here.
Doing a breathing exercise like this (helps me with emotional blockades or similar things): https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Pz6pIoat7X8&
I just call him if he's awake. Otherwise I don't have much of a choice since I can't just go to his house whenever I want. I do look back on texts or pictures sometimes but that usually makes me even more sad so I try not to.
Please don't share your answers with your partner yet! We plan to have a time to share our experiences during our GatherTown session.
TIPS
5 When do you feel loved? Or loving?💞💞💞 💓💓Moments you felt you were loved when did you felt loved by your partner?
Sometimes he looks at me with a certain look on his face and I just feel loved. Also obviously when he expresses affection physically and when we have nice, meaningful, or just funny conversations.
You can copy and paste links and images!
💓💓Moments you felt you loved your partner when did you feel loving to your parnter?
I feel that I love him when we have a particularly good conversation where we learn more about each other. I enjoy the feeling of knowing him so well. I also like when he is honest with me and expresses emotions.
When we walked around Seoul together at night and saw the city together. It's not too special, but I think about it a lot.
Feel free to copy and paste photos!
Feel free to write, draw, insert photos to answer the questions.
Freely add images or icons from the left menu bar!
To enable Hand tool, press space bar while using your mouse and easily navigate around!
5 기억에 남는 선물은 무엇인가요?🎁🎁
Take time to reflect on your dating experiences through the couple Q&A!
Double click to create post-its!
Easily copy objects by clicking Alt (or Option) key and dragging the selected objects!
1
DAY 2
Freely add images or icons from the left menu bar!
When he first came to Korea and watched "Breaking Bad" with me in my room. It felt unreal since I only knew him online till then and it was my first time meeting him. Breaking Bad is also an insanely good show. Easily our favorite.
굳이 꼽자면 둘 다 신촌 살아서 신촌이대연남 주변 을 자주 가는 듯 해요!
내가 줬던 선물 중에서는?
올드팝을 좋아하고 엘피판을 모으고 싶어하는 감성 있는 사람이고 운동, 공부, 책, 조현지로만 일상이 이루어진 세계관에 사시기 때문에 굉장히 건강/건전한 사람 이고 그래서 종종 유행이나 밈을 모를 때마다 🙂🙂?? 하는 모습이, 가르쳐주면 며칠 후에 써 먹고는 🙇🙇(이렇게 쓰는 거 맞낳?) 하고 쳐다보는 모습이 귀여운 사람 이고 눈을 냅다 감아버리고 상큼하게 웃어버리시는 버릇(하단 이미지 참조 ㅋ.ㅋ)이 있는 사람입니당
Double click to create post-its!
You can copy and paste links and images!
연애한 지 얼마 되지 않아서 자주 가는 특정 장소가 있다기보단 안 가본 곳을 겹치지 않게 다니는 중 🤤🤤
INSTRUCTIONS
4 What do you do when you miss your partner?🥺🥺 2
4 우리가 자주 갔던 데이트 장소는?🗺🗺🗺
"Potato"
Some couples may say romantic stuff to each other every day but I feel like that becomes redundant after a while. You should only say those things when you really feel like it, not because it's a routine.
Take time to reflect on your dating experiences through the couple Q&A!
TIPS
최근 준 빼빼로
내가 본 사람 중 제일 다정한 사람
스페이스바를 누르고 마 우스를 조작하면 커서가 Hand 툴로 바뀝니다.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please don't share your answers with your partner yet! We plan to have a time to share our experiences during our GatherTown session.
내가 줬던 선물 중에서는?
나랑 연애관, 인생관이 비슷함
음 딱히 없어요 보통 오빠라고 부르고 놀릴 땐 아저씨~~ 꼬질이 ~~~
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ENTJ 맞춤법에 예민한
INSTRUCTIONS
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당신은 어떤 사람인가요? 편하게 소개해 주세요. TMI도 환영이에요!😉😉 좋아하는 게 많은
❤️커플문답❤️
1년 반 정도
n Proj Nou te The Templa
inde
1
Couple's Q&A
당신은 어떤 사람인가요? 편하게 소개해주세요. TMI도 환영이에요😉😉
1
Couple's Q&A
4 What do you do when you miss your partner?🥺🥺 2
Top 3 Precious Memories With Your Partner✨
The whole time we could be together in Korea the first time (only a few days)
Going to- and swimming in the sea here :)
I do the breathing exercise/keep doing it or I just try to feel it fully when I can.
Meeting for the first time infront of her window
5 When do you feel loved? Or loving?💞💞💞 💓💓Moments you felt you were loved
Easily copy objects by clicking Alt (or Option) key and dragging the selected objects!
I feel most loved when she hugs me, especially when I cry.
To enable Hand tool, press space bar while using your mouse and easily navigate around!
💓💓Moments you felt you loved your partner
When she was here in Germany almost the whole time. Online, whenever my blockades get weaker--> breathing. Sometimes it's also just because we have a good talk together or just by looking at her.
Our sensitizing package is basically a workbook of question-
each page for 3 days, one page every day. The Q&A workbook
and-answer, or QnA, containing various questions about the
was built on Mural, which provides a board where many
couple. The sensitizing package directs at the two goals.
members can work together at the same time. The share link
First goal is to obtain the mentioned 3 types of qualitative
through which visitors can access the Mural board without
data. The second goal is to let the participant couple have a
bothering with the work of creating an account or other
chance to reminisce on their past experience and feelings to
things was sent to each participant to distribute the Q&A
make participants ready for the upcoming group immersive
workbook of the day. Questions such as ‘please introduce
session. To make our participants engage autonomously
yourself’, ‘please introduce your lover’, ‘places that we have
and passionately spend their time contemplating giving
visited several times for dating’, ‘most memorable presents
more fruitful answers to effectively achieve these goals, we
that we gave and received’, ‘things that your lover frequently
attempted to make our Q&A workbook less boring, but rather
says to you’, ‘3 most memorable moments we had’, ‘what
fun, exciting, and motivating. To ask as many questions as
you do when you miss your lover’, and ‘what our current
possible but at the same time lessen the burden, we have
need is’ were asked on the Q&A workbook to achieve our
divided the whole Q&A workbook into 3 pages, and distributed
designated goals of the sensitizing package.
013
To conduct an immersive group session, our team has built
hang out together. To smoothen the overall procedure of the
an immersive group session toolkit on Gather Town. Gather
conduction of the toolkit by easing the burden of building
Town is primarily an online meeting platform, but it also
their Cozy Corner from the very beginning, we have built
provides a simple world-building function of making a room
total number of 10 room templates with various concepts,
consisting of floors and walls, and placing various objects.
from castle theme, beach theme, spaceship theme, sky
While those world-building functions were meant to be
island theme, to comparably ordinary house-like theme
used to create a realistic meeting room that resembles the
with diverse wideness. The participants would have to
meeting room in the real world, we utilized those functions
explore around these various template rooms, choose one
as a generative research toolkit. Before diving into the
that they like the most, and use the world-building function
session, we had a small tutorial session with our participants
to decorate the template room by placing certain objects
to guide them through the world-building function. What
they select to create their own Cozy Corner. We gave them
the participants were mainly asked to do on our toolkit was
about 30 minutes to an hour to build their Cozy Corner, and
building their own Cozy Corner which will be the ideal room
when they were done with it, we visited their Cozy Corner to
for them to visit regularly to interact with each other and
listen to their stories they shared.
Cozy Corner
Research Design
Sampling Method RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The target user group for our research is young couples in their 20s that are keen to explore new applications to entertain and fit their daily lives. Regardless
of
understandings,
demographic we
and
recruited
four
technological couples
to
participate in our research session to answer our sensitizing package and follow up for our Gathertown room design session. The recruitment was done over couples we have personally known initially. However, our initial participants were uncomfortable with the format of our sensitizing package and delicate questions. We had to tone down our questions so it doesn’t touch upon sensitive and private parts of our participants. After our reassessment of our sensitizing package, we recruited five new couples through the Yonsei University’s online community board that were willing to participate in our research session entirely. Incentives were given to the couples after the whole session process ended.
Data Gathering
015
For Cozy Corner, we would like to
their relationship(whether it is long-
collect contextual information on the
distance or not) was greatly considered
perception of cyberspace as a medium
when making a personalized question
for social interaction.
for
As our team planned out the
performed a preliminary research by
method and the goal of our research,
distributing the sensitizing package to
we needed to gain some contextual
our participants before our Gathertown
information on the use of cyberspace
session. The sensitizing package let us
as
social
understand their dynamic well before
gathering
the Gathertown session. This step
method, we chose to use Gathertown,
also provided the couple a general
a virtual space for hanging around
understanding of our research and
with your friends. In order to collect
what aspects we were looking for.
contextual data regarding our research
After the sessions ended and we were
question, we recruited couples to ask
done collecting the raw data, we wrote
about their dating experiences.
down
The dynamic of the recruited couples
mural board for each couple. Then, we
were
allowed
decided to use affinity clustering and
interesting insights to many couples.
combined it onto one mural board to
Some couples were both students,
cluster the insights with the maps the
while some were student-graduate
couples made. Labeling was conducted
couples. The range of the length of
to categorize suggestions and thoughts
their relationship, and the type of
about the Cozy corner.
an
alternate
interactions.
very
As
reality a
for
data
diverse,
Cozy Corner
and
a
post-session
interesting
interview.
insights
on
We
the
Gathertown Sessions
Gathertown Sessions HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN The GatherTown sessions were carried out in just one week. However, we could really gain a lot of information about each couple’s relationship and their styles through the decorations. In this section, we offer the summaries of each session with visual data.
017
Couple 1 DEMOGRAHPICS Session date: 11/21, 10pm Duration: About a year Room Template: Small Cabin This couple was a long-distance couple from Korea and Germany. They met as friends through a pen pal website and they met in real life 3 times.
The
couple
chose
a
small
cabin
The
couple
expressed
experience
resemble the boyfriend’s room.
package was a little uncomfortable
As the couple had to utilize online
at first, but interesting because they
platforms to meet, they wanted their
don’t
cozy corner to feel less like an online
things to each other. The Gather Town
space. The “realness” of the room
session, however, was much more
was aided by the kitchen sink, the
enjoyable than they thought. When
bed, and the computer. Furthermore,
we asked further questions about the
decorations were added to give the
cozy corner platform, they expressed
room a little more “spice” and make
that they would use the platform if
the room more cozy as the template
the program or the app took up low
lacked any color before.
memory, so that they can have it on as
In
terms
of
their
online
the
their
template, and decided to decorate it to
really
with
that
routinely
sensitizing
say
cheesy
dating
a background. Plus, they thought that
experience, they explained that they
the quality of calls, chats, or whatever
often play games like Dead by Daylight
service it provides should outdo the
together. They often use discord to
other existing platforms. If not, they
video call, while they use teamspeak
think they would use other platforms
for better audio calls.
rather than Cozy Corner.
Cozy Corner
Gathertown Sessions
Couple 2
DEMOGRAHPICS
This couple aimed to design their ideal
using for communication, so they don’t
house, and chose the template with a
think cozy corner should offer that
Session Date: 11/28, 2pm
lot of space for rooms with separate
feature. In their follow up interview,
Duration: about 510 days
uses.
they said that this experience helped
Room Template: Large house with a
For example, one room contained a TV,
them
Garden
two desks with monitors, and a library
experiences of dating each other, and
of books as an entertainment and
figure out why they loved each other.
workstation room. As the top image
If there was a platform like cozy
illustrates, the house was decorated
corner, they said that they would
as a real house would be. When asked
probably consider adding it to their
about their experience in Gathertown,
normal schedule and meet up there.
they thought the categorization items
Plus, they would love it if there were
were bad and the layers of objects were
holiday or seasonal events added to the
hard to order. Plus, they would’ve
platform.
preferred if the cozy corner would
The couples were using a Naver box
provide quests or activities that earned
to keep memories of the past. They
them new exclusive items.
usually look back at the pictures and
They also explained that they are
videos, but they don’t organize them
content with the platforms they are
because it’s too bothersome.
reminisce
about
the
past
019
Couple 3 DEMOGRAHPICS Session Date: 11/28, 10pm Age: 22, 27 Duration: about 488 days Room Template: Antique Room One participant is a graduate student while the other is an undergraduate. They met in a blind date.
This couple spent most of their time
They thought that the convenience
decorating their own room with their
should be mainly improved for the
own preferences. The co-space was
platform.
decorated later in the session.
consider using the platform for f
The couple explained that they both
eatures like “chatting” or “calling”,
have independent personalities and
they think the platform should have a
they respect that about each other. It
unique feature.
was interesting to see how their style
In fact, they haven’t used any couple
of decoration was vastly different. Both
applications
participants expressed that they had
Datepop, which helped them organize
other players other than each other
which date sight they should go next.
in mind. For example, the girlfriend
Since they use this app, they felt their
designed a bar in her house so that she
date experiences were never boring.
can have her friends over.
Through this gather town session and
When asked about their experience of
the post-interview, we could see the
Gather Town, they expressed that they
need to distinguish our features from
experienced multiple difficulties. The
other common apps. The convenience
object orientations were limited and
should also definitely improve.
the objects were badly categorized.
Cozy Corner
Since
they
before
would
rather
not
than
Gathertown Sessions
Couple 4 DEMOGRAHPICS
Session date: 11/27, 4pm Age: 23, 27 Duration: About 170 days Room Template: Middle Sized Room This couple met through a blind date. The boyfriend is currently working, andn the girlfriend is a student.
They chose a medium-sized room
experience.
and created the room based on their
more engagement, they felt the Cozy
current interests with a holiday spirit.
Corner needs more features like games
They chose this room because it had
or seasonal events.
a warm atmosphere that they wanted.
Since they met offline frequently, they
They explained that their room was
didn’t feel the need to have an online
based on ‘Lala land’, which was their
space yet. However, they expressed
favorite
that it would be nice for long-distance
movie.
Street
lamps
and
However,
to
encourage
fireworks were added to imitate the
couples.
scene from the movie.
When asked about what platforms they
Game items were placed in the middle
use to store information, they said that
and a turntable was placed next to the
they use Naver cloud. While they don’t
couch so that they could cuddle while
organize their photos, the girlfriend
listening to the music. A fireplace was
sometimes goes through the photos to
added to make the room more cozy.
reminisce about the experiences. We
They
could learn that the need for online
expressed
that
they
felt
the gathetown session was a fun
space could vary among couples.
Couple 5
This couple picked this template based
that our initial thought was to store
on the mood of the template. It felt
memories and photos in this platform,
like all the other templates had dark
they were immediately interested in
wooden floors, when they wanted a
using the platform.
brighter mood.
In fact, the couple started using a
They were pleased that the trees
couple
showed a sense of season, because
trying to search for an app that could
the couple liked to see nature. They
gather and organize the photos they
placed a river in the middle to divide
took together. However, the Summon
the upper and lower space according to
app was very limited to text and didn’t
use. They created a space for games,
support
with objects like pool tables and poker
appreciate the conversation starters,
games. The poker game was placed
but were unsatisfied.
especially because one participant was
On top of that, they would also like the
good at playing poker.
cozy corner to have additional features
The participants first said that the
like minigames and entertainment.
experience
but
Also, incorporating visual elements of
wouldn’t use it for a longer period of
nature, and seasonal events would be
time. However, when we explained
greatly helpful for good experiences.
was
interesting,
app
called
bigger
Summon,
formats.
They
after
did
DEMOGRAHPICS Session Date: 11/28, 10am Age: 22, 25 Duration: 61 days Room Template: Cloud Island
Data Analysis
ANALYSIS METHODS
To analyze the collected research data of five couples, a total
were set, each post-it was organized below each related
of 10 participants, we decided to proceed with an affinity
category. After this process, we began building the affinity
diagram. For a more cohesive process, we divided our
diagram.
process into the following steps: Data Analysis, Primary Data Categorization, Data Organization, Sub-Category Labeling, and Extraction. The online program, Mural, was utilized to efficiently execute our analysis. Through Mural, we were able to easily organize post-its notes online on a real-time basis.
Data Organization Based on the data assembled during the primary data categorization, each post-it was organized into related responses. Related response post-its were clustered together side by side until all the post-it notes were grouped and organized. Although some outliers did not seem to fit in a group, most of them were kept as they provided quality
Data Analysis As the first step, we individually analyzed the sensitizing package, notes from GatherTown session and follow-up
information. During this process, labeling was not done and was kept silent with no matter of discussion.
interviews. There were a total of 5 couples conducted, with
Sub-Category Labeling
the demographics shown below.
After organizing the data into big clusters, a discussion
Couple Age(F,M)
1 20,21
2 25,25
3 22,27
4 23,27
5 22,25
Relationship Duration
1 year
512 days
488 days
170 days
61 days
-
-
-
-
A d d i t i o n a l Long DisDetail tance
regarding the relationship of the clusters and attempts to define headers for each cluster was made. Surprising patterns,
personal
insights,
controversial
notes
were
discussed as constant changes on the clusters happened. When ideas of the clusters were matched, a heading was
After reviewing the sensitizing package and entire session
assigned to the cluster. As each cluster was assigned a
notes, key phrases from responses and observations were
heading, a continuous discussion was managed to label the
extracted into single post-its as initial affinity notes. Each
clusters into more specific clusters, developing a detailed
couple was assigned a post-it color (finalizing into 5 different
diagram summarized into major keywords.
colors), to create no confusion during the following analysis steps. Based upon our annotations, we then individually discussed our initial thoughts and insights obtained so that we could understand each other’s data clearly.
Extraction For our final stage, once the labeling was completed, final insights and findings were extracted. To reach this state, a constant discussion was performed until we had come to a
Primary Data Categorization
consensus of insights for each general cluster group.
Before going into detailed categorization, general categories were designated for data organization. We decided to
Codes for References
divide the responses based on the sensitizing package and
C01 ~ C05 - couple number
interview questions and organize our data into the following
A/B - female/male
topics: Interactions, General Dating Experience, Desires, and
SP - Sensitizing Package
Practical Features for Cozy Corner. Once these categories
ISI - Immersive Session Interview
Gathertown Sessions
DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
How couples reflect, interact and share their experiences and
but we couldn’t and it was sad” -- C05A SP
emotions online, or when they are not being physically together
“(I feel especially lonely when) I have to fall asleep all by
By analyzing the response from our sensitizing packages
myself without him” -- C05A SP
and the group immersive session, we could learn how
“I miss my partner when I’m bored, want to see her and
couples reflect, interact and share their experiences and
can’t see her, when I eat good food that my partner had
emotions via online channels when they were not physically
mentioned earlier was good” -- C05B SP
together. While couples craved to be with each other for
“I miss my partner during hard times like exams/career.”
every moment, they were not able to and had to stay away
-- C03A SP
from each other for some duration of time due to their own
n order to elude these sad emotions, couples use online
circumstances. This ‘not being able to be together’ made
and digital tools to be with each other in online space, by
them lonely and miss each other, hence couples relied on
constantly expressing their love to each other, interacting
online network services such as voice calls, video calls,
and sharing continuously, and communicating instantly.
other text-based communication, and sometimes playing
These enumerated activities available on online platforms
games together to be with each other in online space and
seemed to keep those couples connected regardless of their
enjoy the feeling of being together. Online services as well as
physical distance, hence leading to lessening the sadness of
digital tools were also used by couples to record, store, and
not being together. These constant, continuous, and instant
share memories with each other, through which they can
online interactions were placed on the margins between real
reminisce on their memories of being together and lessen
in-person dates, extending the feeling of being together
the loneliness. Nevertheless, most of the couples articulated
continuously.
that no matter how online services are there for them to
“When I feel alone and miss him, I would immediately send
let them be connected, being physically together is always
him a Kakao message asking him what he is doing right
better than meeting online.
now” -- C03A SP
Even the most loving couples cannot stick together in
“I have routine habits of sharing good morning and
person everyday, all day long. Couples inevitably stay far
goodnight, telling each other to have good meals (via online
from each other due to their own personal circumstances.
SNS service).” -- C05B SP
While they yearn to be with each other, they all have their
“I feel like I’m really loved by him, since he constantly
own conditions that keep them away from being together.
expresses how much he loves me all day long everyday(via
“Would love to meet him everyday, but the reality of school
online SNS service).” -- C04A SP
and work limits us from being together.” -- C04B SP
Couples used various types of online channels to interact
“We live in different countries. It is rare for us to meet in
with each other. Voice calls happened frequently around
person.” --C01B ISI
couples to provide them with the feeling of being together.
Therefore, it is natural for couples to miss each other,
Some of our participants stated that deep conversation that
regarding how much they desire to be with each other that
is rarely generated on real in-person dating might occur in
contrasts with the reality that hinders them from doing
voice calls, while others articulated that the topic of online
so. Particular events and situations such as getting sick
conversations of voice calls tends to be more abstract and
but having no one around or lying on bed alone to sleep by
freer compared to the conversation that occurs in real in-
oneself sometimes kick in and inflate this sad feeling of not
person dating, including topics like whether they think
being able to be together.
aliens exist, or what they think fate is.
“I really wanted to see him and hang out with him everyday,
Couples used various types of online channels to interact
025
with each other. Voice calls happened frequently around
-- C05A SP
couples to provide them with the feeling of being together.
“Online conversations tend to have topics that are kind of
Some of our participants stated that deep conversation that
abstract and free, like for example; do you think aliens exist;
is rarely generated on real in-person dating might occur in
or what is fate” -- C05B ISI
voice calls, while others articulated that the topic of online
“I guess we tend to have deep conversations online.” --
conversations of voice calls tends to be more abstract and
C01B ISI
freer compared to the conversation that occurs in real in-
Video call was another channel that couples commonly used.
person dating, including topics like whether they think
One participant from a long-distance couple testified that
aliens exist, or what they think fate is.
he was grateful that he had access to a video call service and
“When I miss my partner, I will call him if it is time that he
online network system with high quality, letting him see his
is awake.” -- C01A SP
girlfriend’s face synchronously without critical delays. Some
“When I miss my partner, I would call him and have a chat
participants stated that they tend to talk about objects in
with him” -- C04A SP
their own and each other’s surroundings when having video
“I was once so depressed due to my PMS and missed my
calls.
boyfriend so much that I called him, and immediately just
“I’m glad and grateful that we have the technology of video
poured out my negative feelings and complaints to him. Soon
calls, since we are in long distance relationship.” -- C01A SP
I realized I didn’t ask him whether it was ok for him to have
“I once felt that I really love her just by looking at her face
a phone call, but he was just listening and cheering me up. I
(through the video calls)” -- C01B SP
said sorry and asked him whether it was ok for him to have
“While using Facetime, topic of conversation is sometimes
a phone call, and he replied that it was indeed ok, and what
about our surroundings” - C02A ISI
mattered the most is how I am feeling and if it got better.
Text-based communication also happened regularly and
He was very kind, and I fell in love with him once more”
repeatedly between couples. Some couples might share their
Cozy Corner
Gathertown Sessions
feelings and gratitudes after real in-person dating as an
usually by uploading Insta Stories and collecting them in
extension of being together via text-based chatting, while
Instagram highlights” -- C05A ISI
others would use Kakaotalk to chat with each other constantly,
“I take a lot of memos about what my girlfriend wanted to
doing things like sharing their daily schedule, sharing daily
eat and visit” -- C05B ISI
events that happened to them, and sympathizing with each
“When I miss him, I organize the photos in our shared album,
other.
and sometimes do some editing on the photos to make it look
“We exchange text messages about what was good and
prettier” -- C05A SP
thankful when we finish our dating and go home.” -- C05A
Online networks and digital devices extended the feeling of
SP
being together from real in-person dating and interaction
“We regularly use KakaoTalk to chat with each other, but
and made those feelings available for couples even when
rarely have a phone call comparable” -- C03A ISI
they are not together. The appearance of online networks
“We usually share our schedule daily through Kakaotalk
and digital devices even enabled things that were not
chat.” -- C05B SP
possible before, such as being connected with each other via
Other than these listed communication channels, there were
various online channels, getting to see each other’s face and
more other various online interactions that occurred among
have a video chat real-time, and store, organize, and share
couples. Playing online video games together was one thing,
their pictures and memories they built together. However,
and using diverse entertaining services for couples was
couples still perceive physical, offline, and real in-person
another.
interaction more pleasant and favorable than online dating.
“We play League of Legends together, and that is one way
“I guess we don’t tend to meet online that often, since we
to interact with him when we are not together” -- C03A SP
meet each other quite often in real life.” -- C04A ISI
“We play games like Dead by Daylight, using Teamspeak 3
“Likes meeting face to face more than through online, it
for audio communication and Discord for video (both at the
feels more comforting and real” -- C02B ISI
same time).” -- C01B SP
“What we need the most is to get rid of the 8000+km distance
“We use a mobile application that we answer to a daily QnA
between us. I feel like a lot of my anxiety and sadness comes
to interact with each other.” -- C05A SP
from not being able to be there in person. ” -- C01A SP
Online networks and digital services were used by couples
“I really wish I could MEET him everyday offline. That’s the
for other reasons than mutual interaction and synchronous
only thing I can ask for since we’re long distance. It doesn’t
communication. One way of using online networks and
really matter what we do if we’re together, we can go for a
digital services for couples was to record, store, and share
walk or go swim or cook or play games or just do nothing.
memories with each other. Some would even organize these
I’d just be thankful to have him around in real life instead of
data in a way they can access them efficiently. Those data
only online.” - C01A SP
would be subsequently used by couples when they miss each
“What we need the most is to finally live together and be
other hence reminisce on their memories of being together.
able to do all kinds of activities whenever we want, not just
“When I miss her, I would go through the pictures we took
during holidays. Also to be able to physically touch whenever
while dating, and see what I can do later to become a better
we feel like it or need it.” - C01B SP
photographer.” -- C05B SP “I look through our shared album when I feel lonely and
How couples date and what they do when they actually meet in
miss her.” -- C03B ISI
person
“We have a shared album on Naver Cloud for our photos we
Based on the results derived from the sensitizing packages,
took while dating. I watch some photos stored there when I
Gathertown session, and our group based interview follow-
feel lonely” -- C02B ISI
ups, we were able to attain results on how lovers interact
“I records a lot of memories with my Instagram account,
when they meet in person and what aspects they are looking
travel, the situation is always better with their significant other. “It is fun to be with together and I like it when he is around. We haven’t met for a long time yet, so I want to meet more often.” - C04A SP “I like that I have someone to do something I like together.” - C05B SP “I’m simply glad that I have the closest someone who I can share my daily life to and depend on.” - C05A ISI For the date course, routine activities were usually held around the same places for each couple. Especially for the ones who enjoy the same restaurants and activities, these couples tend to hang around in the same region every time they go out on a date. For example, a couple that lives near for in their dating experience. The following results were
each other already has a good mapping of their surroundings,
categorized and analyzed in more depth through affinity
oftentimes visiting the same cafe, PC cafe, restaurants, and
diagrams.
walking courses. For another couple who enjoy a certain
Each couple has their own distinct dating experience when
atmosphere of a place would often meet around Sinchon,
they meet in person. Some of the couples enjoy daily routine
Yeonnam, and Hongdae, all famous as regions for young
activities every time they meet, like enjoying meals together
couples.
or going to a comfortable cafe they have found out from
“We date around Seoul whenever we have time. Since
past outings, while others actively look for new activities
both our houses are in Sinchon, we date around Sinchon,
to do together for a fresh experience. The couples with a
Yeonnam, or Hongdae frequently.” - C05A SP
long relationship tend to settle with the usual routine when
“Our dating experience is usually eating food together,
they meet in person; activities that are repeatable and fun,
playing games, and having a walk around the park together.”
like singing in karaoke or going out for a walk together. The
- C02A ISI
couples that just met were the ones eager to try out different
“We revolve around the same places when dating because
activities for a fresh experience, like going on a boat ride or
we live near each other.” - C02B SP
traveling to other regions in Korea together.
“We usually meet around the same places, eating meals,
“It was romantic watching the night view while riding a boat
drinking coffee, and watching Netflix together at my place
with romantic music” - C03A SP
is the best. - ”C04B SP
“... usually meet around Sinchon, which is where I live, or
These daily activities do change when Holiday seasons and
around Siheung, which is where my boyfriend lives. We like
special anniversaries come along. Quite obviously, most
to go to each other’s house when we are dating.” - C04A SP
couples for their anniversaires would enjoy some kind of
“Going to and swimming in the sea while I was in Korea was
a special event. Instead of a normal dating routine, the
memorable to me.” - C01B SP
couples would travel to places together, exchange presents
Regardless of the different activities each couple do for dates,
that would last in one’s heart forever, or go for special
the general consensus is that meeting in person and being
activities and create memorable experiences together. Most
together with a lover is a lot better than staying alone. All of
of the top moments the couples remember for their dating
the couples mentioned in certain ways that they are glad that
life were full of such memories from anniversaries.
they have a close someone to share daily life with. Whether
“I liked the whole journey in Danyang. It was like a dream,
the couple goes through daily activities or goes out afar to
doing things that were far from everyday routined life. The
Gathertown Sessions
experience as a whole felt like a movie.” - C04A ISI
date) experience, I gained more faith and our relationship
“When we booked a room for Christmans and we cooked
has gotten stronger.” - C03A SP
dinner, I gained more trust in my boyfriend and our
“I think we need to stay together more to improve our
relationship got stronger after that.” - C03A SP
relationships. Although we can’t meet right now, I wish we
“When we first met in Korea, and how we went swimming in
could live together and interact more in person.” - C01B ISI
the sea together…” - C01B SP
“We’ve been dating for only a short time, so we enjoy doing
“The super scary viking we rode at Wolmido and the jelly
something new every date!” - C05B ISI
beans we shared at the ferris were memorable.” - C05A SP When we asked why these couples preferred to meet in
Latent Desires and Needs of Couples
person rather than online, the majority of the couples
By collectively gathering and observing textual, verbal,
answered that they felt more comfortable together. Having
and visual data from our sensitizing package, Gather Town
their significant other within reach and being able to see
session, and interviews, we were able to cluster and connect
each other’s faces made them feel comfortable and happy.
affinity notes to extract keywords in what couples desired in
Sharing emotions together, doing activities alongside each
their relationship listed in the order of volume: 1) sharing
other, and doing daily activities with someone were reasons
of daily activity, 2) seeking new experience, 3) honesty and
why the couples enjoyed meeting in person. Some reasons
understanding, 4) expression of affection, 5) constructive
may be available online, but the feeling of being next to each
relationship, and 6) rest.
other was important for these couples.
Sharing Daily Activity
“(For what we need the most right now is) to finally live
One major desire that every participant mentioned was the
together and be able to do all kinds of activities whenever we
desire to see each other every day and share their daily lives.
want. Being able to physically touch whenever we feel like it
Participants strongly expressed their desire to see each other
or need it.” - C01B SP
everyday, live together, share daily tasks such as eating and
“I like meeting my boyfriend face to face more than through
walking together, and in some cases share personal interests
online, it feels more comforting and real.” - C02A ISI
and hobbies.
“I’m glad we can be happy together for good things that
“I wish I could meet everyday offline.”--C01ASP
happen to one of us and celebrate together. Being able to
“I wish I could watch YouTube and fall asleep together”--
share emotions near each other is important.” - C05A SP
C02BSP
As mentioned earlier, special dating experiences will leave a
“I want to go to the PC cafe everyday with him”--C02ASP
lasting memory for the couples to reminisce and talk about
“I want to share my personal interest such as plogging with
in the future. These meaningful activities tend to create a
my partner”--C05ASP
stronger bond between the two, ultimately strengthening
For couples who have dated for a short period of time or
their relationship. However, the couples with long lasting
had met through blind dates, had the strong desire to find
relationships also mentioned that doing any activities and
a common hobby that they could enjoy together in their
staying together for a long time will also help strengthen
everyday life, such as plogging, doing volunteer work, or
the relationship between the two. One of the girlfriends
working out together.
mentioned that she was glad that she had someone to watch
Although participants acknowledged the fact that their
movies, eat food, watch funny videos, and have someone to
individual circumstances make it hard for them to live
start and end the day with. Overall, a relationship between
together and see each other everyday, one couple also
each couple can be strengthened by both special occasions or
acknowledged the fact that not living together and seeing
daily routine activities, all depending on how they view the
each other in limited moments, made their time together all
situation.
the more valuable.
“I don’t know the exact reason why but after that (Christmas
“not being able to be together every time makes our moment
029
together more valuable.”--C05ASP
days) we have done a lot of traveling. I like how we can
Seeking New Experience
make special memories together and experience something
Trying
out
new
activities
together
and
seeking
new
new. But other than that, I don’t think we have an activity
stimulation was another strong desire shared among couples.
that we do together I want to do these activities together in
New experiences came in the form of trying out and eating
the future: baking, volunteering, working out, and etc”--
good food, looking for new activities, traveling to new places
C04ASP
and escaping the mundane life.
Honesty and Understanding
“I want to escape the metropolis of Seoul to feel freedom”-
Through the sessions, we could identify honesty and
-C02
understanding as another key element that couples desired,
“we’ve been dating for only a short time, so we enjoy doing
since it was an important factor that determined whether
something new every day” --C05
couples felt trusted, understood, and intimate with their
It was interesting to note that couples who have dated a long
partner.
time wanted to enjoy new activities together during their
During the research, examples of honest and understanding
dates, and so would endlessly seek new places to go and new
experiences came in various forms, from physical bodily
activities to do. However, for couples who have dated a short
actions such as farting, to sharing honest conversations
time, and usually dated by traveling around Korea, wanted to
about the past, discussing opinions on politics, and being
share more of their daily lives together and find a hobby that
openly vulnerable--as in emotions and sickness--to the
they could enjoy together daily.
partner.
“We usually seek new activities to do every time we meet.
“[I enjoy] teasing him every time he farts”--C02ASP
We do a lot of one-day classes such as painting, pottery, and
Participants wanted to be heard, understood by their partners,
baking”--C03AISI
and when they felt these needs were met, participants
“I want to have an activity that we can share together.
commented that they felt loved and had meaningful
Compared to the time we have dated (approximately 170
interactions.
Cozy Corner
Gathertown Sessions
“I feel loved when he listens to me attentively”--C03ASP
“I want to see him every day and hug him tightly”--C04ASP
“I feel good after we share a deep conversation. [Deep as
“I wish I could kiss him on the cheeks every day and fall
in] discussing about politics, social issues, and also when
asleep together holding hands”--C03ASP
we talk about things and I get to learn more about him”--
The yearning for physical touch was especially strong for
C01AISI
long-distance relationship couples, whose main method of
This applied to not only how participants felt about
communicating love daily was only through online platforms.
themselves, but also when participants wanted to know
For long-distance relationships, the lack of physical contact
more about their partner as well.
was a constant reminder of the vast geographical distance
“I think we need to share more conversations about our
between them, and whether this gap will be overcome in the
childhood...”--C03ASP
near future.
In the case of one couple, they actively sought out and started
“I wish I could meet everyday offline..and get rid of the
using a mobile application called ‘Summon,’ which is an app
8000+km distance between us. I feel like a lot of my anxiety
that provides a question a day for the couple to answer. The
and sadness comes from not being able to be there in person,
couple said they first started using this app to get to know
and my unforeseeable future of whether I’d actually be able
more about each other, and be able to start conversations
to live in Germany quite soon or not.”--C01ASP
that they would otherwise not be able to during everyday
Constructive Relationship
conversation. They found the app very helpful, and still
Another interesting insight was how some participants
continues to use.
considered it important to maintain and foster a constructive
Furthermore, participants felt understood and loved when
relationship. In these instances, participants identified
they felt they were accepted by their partners even for their
themselves in the couple relationship and mentioned how
weak and vulnerable moments, such as when they were
it was important to not only develop their relationship, but
crying or sick. Participants responded they felt loved and
also grow as an individual inside the relationship.
cared for at these moments, when their partners accepted
“We need to put effort to remember what we feel, to learn
their vulnerabilities and went on further to console them
about each other, and consider how we can develop together
through actions of silent hugging or acts of service.
with our relationship.”--C05ISI
“[I feel loved] when she hugs me, especially when I cry”--
In maintaining a constructive relationship, participants also
C01BSP
mentioned how they acknowledged the need and importance
“When I was sick, I just said in a passing note that I wanted
to respect each other’s time and rest.
to eat peaches. It was 12am midnight, but he came to my
“I know that we need our time alone to restore energy and
house after work to give me peaches. He even had work the
play with each other next time”--C05ISI
next morning too.”--C04ASP
Also, these couples were looking at their relationship in the
Expression of Affection
long term, either by imagining their near future plans with
Expressing affection was important to all couples, in
their partner, or thinking about how their relationship would
both physical touch, such as holding hands, and non-
change in the future.
physical communication such as a loving gaze and words of
“I felt I loved her when I think of her naturally in my future
affirmation.
plans as well”--C02SP
“Sometimes he looks at me with a certain look on his face
“What I think we need is a peace of mind, more love, and a
and I just feel loved. Also obviously when he expresses
stable job”--C02
affection physically and when we have nice, meaningful, or
“I feel the need to record and remember emotions because
just funny conversations”--C01ASP
I know that--as with every relationship--our relationship
However, touch was the strongest desire for all couples, in
will not always remain the same, and we may forget the
which they wished to be able to see their partners every day
emotions we had in the beginning. I want to record and
and touch each other.
remember these emotions to cherish later...We need to
031
put effort to remember what we feel, to learn about each
Almost all participants mentioned that they would not use
other, and consider how we can develop together with our
the cozy corner if the quality of the features cozy corner
relationship.”--C05ISI
provides is worse than the existing platforms.
Rest
Two couples said that they would prefer if the service or
Lastly, some participants, especially those who were busy
the app had low memory, so that they could have it in the
juggling several tasks like work and academics, strongly
background without slowing the computer or the phone
desired some sort of rest or break. Some wanted rest to be
down. The lagging of the service would break the immersion
able to spend more time with their partner, while others
of being in the same space and would evoke frustration and
simply wanted rest to have a peace of mind, so that they
not a calm, loving atmosphere
have more space of mind to enjoy their relationship as well.
Plus, the strong privacy was mentioned as a must. Since the
“...because it’s hard to schedule out time together, I think
couple’s space would contain very personal information, the
what we need is one week with no schedules!”--C02ASP
concerns for privacy should be addressed greatly.
“[what I think we need] is a trip or a break.”--C03BSP
Regarding the method of saving and archiving, a convenient method should be utilized.
Three couples mentioned that
Practical features that Cozy Corner needs to have
they do look back but felt as if organizing the photos and
Based on their thoughts about the experience, and based
uploading the photo is a burden. Cozy Corner should therefore
on the extraction of latent needs through our data analysis
provide an auto-archiving feature.
process, we were able to narrow down possible features that
Decoration Process
Cozy Corner needs to have.
The convenience of decoration must be guaranteed since
Contents
the service heavily depends on the act of decorating. All
The couples expressed that Cozy Corner needs to have
participants expressed difficulties in Gather Town, which
contents other than decorating. The couples said that they
can be taken into account when building our own prototype.
would like to do something they could not do in their usual
Object manuevaring was a big problem that participants had.
daily lives.
The orientation of the objects were limited, and the moving
A daily QnA not unlike our sensitizing package was
of objects that are already placed was unintuitive and hard
mentioned as a possible content. The couples were surprised
to find in the menu. Not only that, the function for editing,
by the experience that asking themselves questions seemed
managing, moving, and arranging the layers of the objects
to elicit deeper understanding about their relationship.
should be much easier. One couple said that it was hard to
Plus, game-like contents should be added. people expressed
know the exact size of the object before placing the object,
that missions and rewards would attract them to visit the
and the fact that they could not change the size of the objects
platform more frequently. In the decorating session, almost
was disappointing. The editing of the floors and the walls
all couples added some kind of game element to the map. It
should be easier, too.
could be a simple game like poker or a couple-based question
In addition, there should be a thorough categorization of the
game that incorporates Couple’s QnA.
objects and a variety of decorations. The participants were
One couple mentioned that they would like to invite other
a little confused about the categorization of the item and
friends into their Cozy Corner, While there is merit in only
the search functions. Gathertown also had too few colors for
having couples to access the Cozy Corner, interacting and
the walls and the floors, which made it hard for the couples
socializing with others and other couples will be an attractive
to create the mood that they liked. Plus, the variety of
feature. By showing around their cozy corner, they could
decorations can also motivate couples to actively participate
feel as if they are holding a housewarming party.
in contents the service provides, and gain exclusive or
Quality
seasonal objects.
The quality of the service should be guaranteed as well. Cozy Corner
Gathertown Sessions
Conceptualization Based on the feedback and insights gathered from the generative session, we created the initial framework for the Cozy Corner app’s core features, which are room decorating, memory data storing, and mini-game features. In room decoration, we focused on making the decorating process simple and convenient. Users will be provided with several room templates and color palettes of choice, in which these decorating features all focus on delivering coziness. The app will also have a point system, in which users can earn points by adding photos, videos, screenshots, answering daily questions, or playing games together on the Cozy Corner platform. Users can utilize these points to buy objects to add in their room, or to decorate their avatar. Users will know how much points they have earned through the status bar displayed at the bottom of the app that shows the total points accumulated. Users will first be provided a single room, but through collecting points and building their relationship in the Cozy Corner room, users can expand their single room to add more rooms. These features of collecting points, customizing rooms, growing space, and building relationship with their partner in the app are elements that aim to attract the users’ interest and continue their interaction with the app. We hope this feature sparks interests among the users, as couples could share a common goal to grow and foster their room with Cozy Corner. This is another element that sparks interests; they have a common goal that they can work towards.
OUR COZY CORNER
033
Cozy Corner
Gathertown Sessions
Conclusion
Online
interaction
over
cyberspace
and emotions online, (2)how they date
and its role as a medium of social
and what they do when they actually
interaction are growing in importance
meet in person, and (3)what tacit
everyday. Every couple nowadays can
perceptions and latent needs they
keep in touch with their significant
carry. With the data gathered through
other with the aid of various digital
our research toolkit, we were able to
devices and online network services
answer questions regarding our goals
over long distances. Cozy Corner is a
and extract interesting insights. Our
platform that takes these various online
data analysis and findings answered
platforms and tools of connection
some
into one space. Our service aims to
regarding dating experiences online
gather all the various tools for social
and what features lovers would want
interactions, like chatting or video
if Cozy Corner was published. With our
calling services, integrating them into
findings we attained, we were able to
a space exclusive for a couple. Not only
create a simple conceptualization on
does Cozy Corner assemble all kinds of
how Cozy Corner would look if it were
functions for lovers, but also would like
to be produced as an actual platform.
to provide new experiences that did not previously exist in order to deliver a refreshing experience. In attaining such
goals,
we
have
conducted
contextual research on (1)how couples interact and share their experiences
of
our
underlying
questions
035
APPENDIX Group immersive Session Toolkit https://gather.town/app/89LQO2vSnBZc3WS5/My%20Home%20Space Team Blog Link https://kukubasak.wixsite.com/website Day1: https://app.mural.co/t/cozycorner6005/m/ cozycorner6005/1638818977653/90833d7347db7569ad5b794b4e1fe6971713d1bd?sender=u9cc09c1909bb9b83d0ef3385 Day2: https://app.mural.co/t/cozycorner6005/m/cozycorner6005/1638818956680/ c597c644d6484ee1fdbbb9a7efbb431e00ca5729?sender=u9cc09c1909bb9b83d0ef3385 Day3:https://app.mural.co/t/cozycorner6005/m/ cozycorner6005/1638818941103/179bbf9e26b2aea915e1392cb823d78e7aa3dd19?sender=u9cc09c1909bb9b83d0ef3385
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https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/isometric-room
Cozy Corner