How push-to-talk makes talk less pushy

This paper presents an exploratory study of college-age students using two-way, push-to-talk cellular radios. We describe the observed and reported use of cellular radio by the participants. We discuss how the half-duplex, lightweight cellular radio communication was associated with reduced interactional commitment, which meant the cellular radios could be used for a wide range of conversation styles. One such style, intermittent conversation, is characterized by response delays. Intermittent conversation is surprising in an audio medium, since it is typically associated with textual media such as instant messaging. We present design implications of our findings. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.4.3 [Communications Applications]. General Terms Design, Human Factors Keywords Cellular radio, instant messaging, two-way radio, walkie talkies

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: GROUP
• Authors: Allison Woodruff, Paul M. Aoki
• Keywords: Cellular Radio, GROUP 2003, Intermittent Conversation, Push-to-talk Cellular Radios