Mobile Devices as Props in Daily Role Playing

Abstract:

Mobile devices such as cameras or mobile phones can be used as props; actively to convey a specific impression to people in the vicinity and to feel better when interacting with them. Based on field studies and interviews, three aspects of users acting with mobile devices are described: warm versus cold devices; how a mobile device conveys a specific impression by association to similar devices and specific situations of use; and how the characteristics of a mobile device may open or restrict the body language of the user.