Participant solicitation 1
From ThesisWiki
Context
I sent this as an email to the graduate design email list and a few other colleagues. Response so far has been really good, with over 12 interviews scheduled so far.
Content
Hello everyone.
This semester I'm working on my thesis project and the topic is concerning "how couples communicate when living at a distance." I'm interested in learning about how current technologies aid or hinder an emotional connection between partners with the goal of designing a new method of communication specifically for this context.
The reason I'm emailing is that I need help. If you're willing, you can help my research in one of three ways:
- Have a conversation with me.
- Be a research participant.
- Refer and introduce me to other potential research participants.
Let me explain further:
- 1.
- If you are currently in a relationship where your partner is not living in Pittsburgh I would love to talk you about it. This will take 30-40 minutes and will involve me buying you coffee as we chat about communication and long distance relationships.
- 2.
- I'm looking for couples to participate in a 10 day research project later this month. This would involve an initial interview (1 hour), a daily web-based questionnaire (10-15 minutes/day), a follow-up interview (30 minutes), and a concept feedback survey (30 minutes). The tricky thing is that I'm looking for both people in the relationship to participate. If you're interested, and you think you can recruit your partner, let me know.
- 3.
- Maybe you don't fit the description or don’t have time for to do #2 -- do you know other people who might? I'm looking for a diverse group of couples who vary in age, length of relationship, time spent apart, and distance apart. It would be great if you could refer and introduce me to friends who might be willing to help.
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So, what's in it for you/them? I unfortunately can't offer any monetary compensation for helping but it may be fun, should be interesting, and your input will have a direct effect on a new design. I will continue to involve you as much or as little as you're interested in.
If you would like to help me in 1, 2, or 3 ways please email or just stop by my desk in the grad studio. I will be out of town this weekend but will still be checking and responding to email.
Sorry for the long message. Thanks so much!
Simon
