Objective

Investigate the elevator environment, specifically the two-fold problem of: 1) awkward silences that arise because people simply don’t want to talk, the ride is too short for conversation, the space is closed and overly intimate, or there is nothing in common anyway; and 2) awkward actions, such as pushing the close door button repeatedly, reaching for buttons at the same time, double riders, or being the only person talking.

Initial Plans

Study two types of elevator activity:
1. Small groups / Single person
2. Large groups / Crowded, full

Exert two types of BI influence:
1. Direct - social dynamics, experimentation
2. Indirect - posters, signs

Collect statistics:

• Average wait time
• Average travel time
• Number of button pushers
• Average conversation time
• Surveys

First Steps

Focus: Direct Environment Influence

October 19, 2004
Signs are posted slyly inside elevators at: Cory (2), Etcheverry (2), Bechtel (2), Evans (2), and Moffit Library (5).

October 20, 2004
All signs have been taken down by mean, terrible people.

Conclusion: Field research must be done in person, directly influencing the environment.

The Experiment

Setup

Images of signs go here.

Observations

• Wil attempted to stay expressionless and avoid eye contact.
• Most enter, immediately turn around and face door for remainder of trip.
• Some obviously notice Wil and sign, but do nothing but smile and then ignore
• Sometimes more reaction when not alone, with friends
• Some actually think Mina’s presence and/or actions are odd

Interesting Reactions

Girl: “I’d be talking to myself … I’d feel like a jackass … … …” Meet again later, recounts own experiences in buses.
Boy: Silence is not that bad; you can check out others secretly / inconspicuously
Boy: Thinks Wil is enforcing library rules, remained only one speaking, made environment even more awkward.

The Conclusion

This was a very interesting study, and there was a wide variety of personalities to deal with. Obstacles faced came from the school and administration’s permission (or lack of) to change the elevator environment. In the future, the study could be extended to public restrooms or public bus etiquettes.