PROJECT 01.00.00
Anatomy of a Cultural Probe
The following is a story from the perspective of a player in the experience of Cup-A-Joe coffee shop, i.e. a particular customer, barista, dishwasher, busboy, manager, delivery person, etc.
Reflecting on my design process, I experimented with stream-of-consciousness as a means. Curious about it working at all, this experiment presents a path to emotional connection through minimal textual expression.
Gray
Orange, gray?
Orange, gray?
Orange.
Keys?
Wallet?
Phone?
Bag? Good.
Dammit wrong way. They should change the lock.
And... I’m late.
8:30, not too late.
Where’s my umbrella? Eh.
Rain. Headlights. Hard to see; I’ll cross.
Why’s there traffic? Where are they all going?
Rain’s cold; feels kinda good.
Puddle. Crack. Mud.
Big step.
Never noticed that shop before; closed.
Why are the lights on?
Puddle.
Dammit.
“Oops, excuse me”
She smells good.
Damn puddle.
Go already.
That looks heavy.
Shit!
Did I forget my book? Um... No. good.
Oh, don’t hit me.
“Sorry.”
Close.
The wrapper from my gum.
Why are there no trash cans here?
Its lightening up.
I wonder where my umbrella is?
I had it the other day...
Car floor?
Wallet?
Ow!
Are they ever going to trim those.
He doesn’t look good.
“Nope, sorry, no change.”
Where does he sleep?
I wanna house like that.
What do they do?
I wonder who’s showing up.
Phone.
Text or call.
Text from Abby.
“Where are you?”
“A Round the corner.”
Trash can, gum wrapper.
A lot of paper cups.
Recycle much.
Nice windows. When was I last in church?
Wow, mural.
I wish I could paint.
Open mic night.
No thanks.
Uh, Pull. Dammit.
Everyone’s here.
Billy
Stan
Abby
Mike
Brian
Big Boob Blonde
Ernie
“Hey guys!”
“Be right back.”
Who was that?
“Hey John, Tall mocha and a blueberry muffin please?”
Sugar.
Sugar.
Cream.
She come with Brian?
“Thanks John”
Sugar.
Sugar.
Cream.
Stir.
Mmmmm... top?
Tops?
Over there.
OW SHIT!
HOT! HOT! HOT!
“Sorry man, you okay?”
“Shit.”
“Yeah, I’m okay.”
Orange, should’ve worn gray...