Role of Mobile Technology in Social Bonds in Playgrounds

Abstract: Mobile technology is ubiquitous and also influential in different spaces. This master thesis was a design exploration to study the impact of mobile technology on relationships among parents and children at playgrounds. The study consisted of three methods to get an insight on the issue: (1) a pre-study to get acquainted with playgrounds and needs of targeted people, (2) a design exercise where a photo taking prototype was created and its mobile application was implemented, and (3) a user study where people that visit the Pelle Svanslös playground were interviewed. The mobile application was aimed to be a social platform to be used at playgrounds to share photos among people. The results consisted of different views of parents that were interviewed about the issue. These different views were divided into categories and conclusions were drawn. The categories consisted of interaction levels of children at the playground, and parents' perspectives on the use of photo sharing applications and their effects on communication. This study serves as an initial understanding for the impact of mobile technology use at playgrounds.