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Intergenerational User Experience with Digital Memorial Artefacts By Intergenerational User Experience with Digital Memorial Artefacts By Vincere Ip A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design (MDes) In School of Industrial Design Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario © 2020 submitted, Vincere Ip Abstract This study investigates the generational gap in modernized mourning rituals involving communicational technology such as social networking services. Current rituals of mourning have evolved using technology as a medium, but research in improving user experiences in the field of thanatosensitivity (a research field on death and technology) is limited. A diary study and semi-structured interviews were conducted to find design considerations that can be suggested to improve the user’s digital interactions. This study identified that the younger generation is unconsciously comfortable with technology, whereas the older generation is uncomfortable trusting it. Although there are differences between these two generations, their desire for continuing to bond beyond death and to leave a life experience legacy are the same. As a result, four primary design considerations were suggested for products in this field: familiarity, continuing bond, flexibility, and affective-cognitive experience. Also, flexibility in design is desired, particularly in terms of portability and being able to connect globally. Lastly, the sensorial connection has been seen in both generations. Keywords: Death, Design, Memorial Artefacts, Thanatosensitivity, Generational gap, User Experience i Acknowledgements Throughout this study, many people lent me their assistance and support. Many thanks to my supervisors, Dr Wonjoon Chung and Dr Robert Biddle, for their patience, guidance, and constant support. Despite the ups and downs, I appreciate you always checking up on me, providing me with a space to work, enlightening me, and being available when I needed your help. Also, I would like to thank Dr Lois Frankel and Dr Angela Sumegi for advising me on how to form my reading list and formulate my topic. I would not have completed this study without the support of my family and friends. To my parents, Chris and Ivan Ip, thank you for being super supportive, understanding, and patient. To my siblings, Sincere, Joseph, and Quincere: thank you for your eagerness to be my readers, lending me your room while I was in Ottawa, or providing me with coffee when needed. To Simon Tran, thank you for your love, encouragement, and motivation. Thank you for listening to me talk about my thesis and reassuring me when I felt overwhelmed. Thank you all for spreading the word about my study to everyone you know and providing me with a different experience and perspective to challenge my thoughts. I also dedicate this to Grandma Fong, who passed away as I was writing this thesis. Lastly, thank you very much to all the participants in this study for your time, honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to participate. Thank you for sharing your stories. With much love, I thank you all. ii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... iii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ vi List of Illustrations ..................................................................................................................... viii List of Appendices ........................................................................................................................ ix Glossary ......................................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Study Rationale ........................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Research Questions ..................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Study Contribution ...................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Overview of Thesis ...................................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2: Literature Review ..................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Cross-Cultural Mourning Practices ............................................................................................. 8 2.1.1 Mourning Culture of China ................................................................................................... 9 2.1.2 Mourning Culture of Nigeria ................................................................................................ 11 2.1.3 Mourning Culture of Western Europe ................................................................................... 13 2.2 Canada’s Current Mourning Design and Practices .................................................................... 16 2.2.1 Modern Mourning Culture .................................................................................................... 16 2.2.2 Various Stages-based Mourning Process .............................................................................. 17 2.2.3 Current Mourning Product Designs ...................................................................................... 19 2.2.4 Affective and Cognitive Experience ..................................................................................... 22 2.3 Thanatosensitivity ...................................................................................................................... 24 iii 2.3.1 Digital Mourning Culture ...................................................................................................... 25 2.3.2 Digital Legacy ....................................................................................................................... 26 2.3.3 Continuing Bond ................................................................................................................... 28 2.3.4 Virtual Funerals ..................................................................................................................... 28 2.3.5 SNS ....................................................................................................................................... 31 2.4 Generation Gap .......................................................................................................................... 34 2.4.1 Digital and Social Exclusion ................................................................................................. 35 2.4.2 Communication ..................................................................................................................... 35 2.5 Summary .................................................................................................................................... 37 Chapter 3: Methodology............................................................................................................ 40 3.1 Fieldworks Method .................................................................................................................... 40 3.2 Planning Stage ........................................................................................................................... 41 3.2.1 Participant Demographics ..................................................................................................... 41 3.2.2 Recruitment ........................................................................................................................... 43 3.2.3 Diary Study ........................................................................................................................... 43 3.2.4 Semi-structured Interview ..................................................................................................... 47 3.2.5 Analysis and Coding for the Diary Studies and the Semi-Structured Interviews ................. 49 3.2.6 Probing with prototypes ........................................................................................................ 52 Chapter 4: Findings ................................................................................................................... 54 4.1 Existing Heirloom and Memorial Artefacts .............................................................................. 61 4.2 Desire Personal Heirloom Design ............................................................................................. 67 4.3 Technological Considerations ................................................................................................... 72 4.4 Overview Insights from Data Analysis ..................................................................................... 82 Chapter 5: Discussion ...............................................................................................................
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