Week+3

1. Chipchase’s job is to gather information from sources that would normally be considered trivial, such as a Vietnamese barber shop for major corporations such as Nokia. The idea is that these sources are becoming increasingly important as third world nations continue to develop. There is a growing need for information and communication technologies in these countries, so manufacturers like Nokia need to know how to optimize their designs for these countries, in order to maximize sales.

In terms of this work, Chipchase has been given the titles “user anthropologist” and “human-behaviour researcher”. These titles reflect his work in researching aspects of human behaviour, such as browsing through a woman’s purse. By studying these aspects, he gains a better understanding of people, which gives him the power to give suggestions for better, more user friendly products.

2. Cell phones provide a ‘just in time’ opportunity, an opportunity provided immediately and only when needed. For example, a cell phone can be used to provide just in time directions to someone who is lost in a larger city.

Second, cell phones provide a primary form of identity. Because many people living in third world nations are often displaced by natural disasters and other events, a cell phone offers a form of address and personal identification that can easily be moved.

A third use for cell phones is as a tool of commerce. Cell phones provide a constant access to information, something vendors can use to check market prices, among other things. Furthermore, a cell phone allows for a worker to visit only the worksites that currently have work available, which reduces time wasted looking for work. Additionally, a cell phone offers a form of banking. Using a prepaid calling card, micropayments can be sent through phone operators.

Finally, Cell phones provide access to medical information, either by calling a local health center or using the text messaging service. Either way, the users receive important information about important subjects (such as Aids). References Corbett, Sarah (2008). Can The Cellphone Help End Global Poverty? //The New York Times Magazine//. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13anthropology-t.html?_r=2&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all