Megan's artifact (2/10/09)

Observational Notes…
Megan Stephens’ phone is black with some silver parts to it. On the outside, there are ten buttons and does not flip open. Also on the outside, there printed the words; “Verizon,” “LG,” “Schneider,” and “Kreuznach” to help others know who the artifact was made by. On the front of Megan’s cell phone there is a touch screen that is activated by pressing any button. On the back, there is a camera for taking pictures and 16 holes to hear out of if Megan wishes to set her phone on speaker. At the top of the artifact, there is a small hole with a picture beside it telling its user that headphones can be put in the whole.

Personal Notes…
This artifact reminds me of the fact that new technology is constantly being made for consumers to buy. I know a few things about this artifact mostly because I have one of my own. Of course, mine is a different kind, with a different name, and different personal settings but the basic principles are still the same. Each phone can connect to the internet, send text messages, receive phone calls, etc. I don’t really have any assumptions about this artifact other than I assume that it goes to long without being recharged, the battery will die.

Interview…
What is your artifact?...”my cell phone”
Why is this artifact important to you?... “Because it connects me with all of my friends and keeps me away from boredom”
What do you use this artifact for?... “Text friends, call my family, take pictures, check my e-mail”
Do you use the artifact every day?... “Yes, all day every day”
Did you purchase your artifact?... “yes I did”
What kind of materials are in/on your artifact?... “Battery, stickers, finger prints, plastic, technical shit”
Do you enjoy your artifact?... “Yes, I get a lot of joy out of it”
Will you ever part with your artifact?... “No, unless I get a new version of it”
Where do you usually keep your artifact?... “Any pocket”
How often to you use your artifact?... “Pretty much all day texting”

Theorize…
Metaphor: This cell phone is a string that connects people to their peers/family.
If I wanted to learn more about this artifact then I would probably go online to the Verizon store. I would either type the name of this specific phone into their search engine or e-mail a professional with any questions I might have.

-Julia St. John