Situations and interactions: digital café squatting and participatory design

This study begins an exploration into the temporary nesting or squatting experience of people using cafes as physical workspaces. I argue that the way people appropriate--and thereby design--temporary work environments in public places, will be of interest to both interior and interactive designers. The focus on what I call 'squatting' is one that takes into account the fact that we physically navigate urban environments; stopping to do digitally mediated activities along the way. While this activity is often solitary in nature it is done in collaboration with the sounds and activities of others. This is an important premise for using participatory research methods that can lead to, and follow participatory design.