Micro Notes

The purpose of this study is to better understand the contexts and behaviors involved when people jot quick notes.

With varying degrees of success, digital support has been designed for many of our routine paper-based information activities. One that has stubbornly resisted automation has been informal note taking, especially of "micro-notes" (one or two word reminders you scribble down in the midst of performing other activities to serve as future memory triggers). The opportunities afforded by digital augmentation here are significant, especially for later interpretation and collaboration. This ongoing study is examining the nature of micro-note taking behavior. Related ISRC research is underway developing novel mobile interfaces for the capture of such notes.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills required. Experience conducting interviews and/or working with qualitative data is encouraged.