Living in the Mediatope: A Multimethod Study on the Evolution of Media Technologies in the Domestic Environment

Reviewer: Mariana Damova

While providing an overview and analysis of domestication, a concept referring to the roles of media devices and their placement and use in people's homes, this paper presents an interesting perspective and a set of data related to objects that emit media content. The purpose of the presented research is to introduce an innovative framework through which to study the life of media devices in domestic settings. This study regards media technologies as "living organisms" that "cohabit and compete" in the living space. It also investigates their interaction and integration in the domestic environment. All kinds of media devices are studied, including televisions, VCRs, computers, laptops, and mobile phones. The developed theoretical triangular model includes "observations, interviews and pictures of 100 households." This includes a thorough explanation of the processes of acquisition (adoption) of the devices, their integration in the living environment, and their life cycle, for example, the modification of their role in the household over time. A case study depicting the usage of media devices in one household, with specific characteristics, serves as an example of the method of the triangular model and completes its description. This paper presents an emphasis on a new approach for handling the role of social media in domestic environments, and is a good read for those who specialize in sociology, interior design, and the design of media devices. Online Computing Reviews Service