SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07

* SmartSex
SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07

Project Introduction
Affinity Diagram
Information Quilt
Presentation Placemat
Matrix
Online Research
Artifact Collecting
Initial Brainstorming
Interviews
Contextual Inquiry: Sex Ed for At Risk Youth
Contents Contextual Inquiry A Party

Contextual Inquiry Demagraphic Shopping
Cultural Probes (2)
Surveys
Modeling
Personas
Scenarios & Storyboards
Concept Development
Concept Testing
Scenario
Final Concept
* Introductions
Through standard design research

techniques, identify an area of opportunity in
which you can enrich life and provide value
through design. Your opportunity must fall
into at least one of the subsets of Interaction
Design we have focused on throughout the
minor (but it would be ideal if it somehow
touched on several of the five):
*Usability Engineering
*Convergent Product Design
*Poetic Experience Scaffolding
*Information Architecture
*Perceptual and Cognitive Human Factors
*Anthropology
I have a plethora of teenage cousins: male
and female. My mom recently expressed to
me that she was scared that one of them was
going to “get some girl pregnant” or worse-
one of them would wind up with a disease
of some kind because of “all the scary stuff ”
that is prevalent in today’s world of the sexu-
ally active.
In response to this statement, I began think-

ing about what it is, exactly, that is going
on within this sphere of social behavior?
It seems that there are two poles dominat-
ing our culture that are neither informative
nor provocative when it comes to how the
US talks or addresses the topic of sex / sex
education / sexual behavior. From one pole is
the state sponsored education reform domi-
nated currently by the idea of abstinence
and its surrounding philosophies. But turn
on the television, open a magazine, watch a
movie, watch a group of individuals in a bar,
and you’ll find tones and attitudes quite dif-
ferent from the aforementioned.
The initial intention was to provide an au-
thoritative source for sexual health informa-
tion that would include things that most in-
dividuals of all ages are confused by: human
biology, STDs, pregnancy, sexual practices.
Statement
Instead of presenting the information as if it
were a static, biological topic straight out of
a text, pragmatically frame the information
with the ultimate goal of imparting knowl-
edge on users in the form of method, rather
than leaving them with sheer, unprocessed
data that is too often forgotten.
Because of the sharp rise of STDs, and

ever prevalent ignorance regarding personal
sexual health, I would like to investigate
what is keeping young adults from having
safe {smart} sex, identify these specific con-
straints, and provide a solution via a product
and web platform. The project’s research,
synthesis, and implementation will ac-
knowledge both males and females with an
ultimate goal of improving the quality of life
for both sexes; however, the final deliverable
will be focused towards males roughly 17-24.

* Affinity
I began research and exploration with an
affinity diagram. This diagram is used to
generate an immense amount of areas for
exploration regarding any general topic.
The user generates as many questions and
possible facets of exploration as he or she
may think of, and then organizes the data
topically. The subsequent categories will
generate a focus, drive the research method-
ologies and find further questions in need of
answering.
When building this particular diagram, it

became clear that I was trying to ascertain
information on several different levels. For
instance, not only did I need to explore the
distinct differences between STDs, but also
how this information is relayed to my demo-
graphic, what their response to this informa-
tion is, and ultimately whether or not these
individuals are affected by the current mode
of delivery. Other areas concerned the ideas
or study of how our collective culture deals
with the topic of sex in regards to ourselves,
the media, how we teach our children about
sex and their specific sexual health, and other
interrelated topics.

I scanned a large amount of data concerning
a loosely defined domain: Safe and Unsafe
Sex, STDs, Teenage Pregnancy, Unplanned
Pregnancy, Abortion, Condoms, and Birth
Control. Separately, these topics are very dis-
tinct; however, the way in which each subject
is related to one or the other is important.
Further understanding can be achieved once
the cause and effect relationships between
each entity are identified.
This activity is labeled as quilting because I

have tried to connect certain data points in
order to achieve greater understanding of
the domain, such as a quilt that is compiled
of interrelated pieces, together forming a
functional and fluid object.
Some of the most compelling statistics have
been listed below, cited from the Alan Gutt-
* Quilting macher Institute.
This resource was recommended by Heather

Holloway, the external affairs coordina-
tor from the Savannah branch of Planned
Parenthood. The institute describes itself
in the following statement from the official
website:
“The Guttmacher Institute advances sexual
and reproductive health through an inter-
related program of social science research,
policy analysis and public education de-
signed to generate new ideas, encourage
enlightened public debate, promote sound
policy and program development and, ulti-
mately, inform individual decision making.”
*Together, HPV, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia
Although 15-24 year represent nearly 9/10 new STIs among 15-24
year olds.”
olds represent only
25% of the sexually From Cosmopolitan: April 2007
active population, “If caught in time, chlamydia is harmless. But

left untreated, this incredibly common STD can
they account for near- ruin your chances of having kids one day. The
ly 50% of all new STIs worst part: It’s usually symptom free, so you can’t
even tell you’ve been infected.”
each year: 9.1 million,
This study also notes that some research shows
costing the US 6.5 that “using contaception such as the pill, the
billion dollars each patch, or the ring-could increase a woman’s sus-
ceptibility to chlamydia because the hormones
year. alter the cellular suface of the cervix in a way that
makes if more vulnerable to infection”...
-Guttmacher Institute
*Not to get ahead of myself [as I am writing this
*Most young people have sex for the first time at blog after having conducted the interviews I am
about age 17, but do not marry until their middle about to post] but this is especially scary because
or late 20s. This means that young adults are at most of the male participants that I have been
risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually trans- interviewing cite “well, she’s on the pill” as their
mitted infections for nearly a decade. reason for not using a condom during casual sex
[i.e. someone they met at a party]
*Men in their 20s account for 53% of the preg-
nancies that terminate in abortion each year in From a planned parenthood staffer
the US “Nearly 80% of all STD cases were free of
*Roughly 50% of all births each year in the US symptoms”
involve fathers who are in their 20s.
*Two-Thirds of all teen pregnancies occur among

18-19 year olds. SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07
The idea of the placemat was to try and approach the initial pre-
sentation with less formality and with the ultimate goal of getting
more structured feedback. I created this large workspace of statistics
and quotes from one of the study, In Their Own Right: Addressing
the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of American Men. This
particular study, published by the Guttmacher Institute, dealt with a
subject very close to the goals of my project: delivering males a new
form of health care service whether through a different method of
knowledge transfer, service infrastructure, or product / marketing cam-
paign. I gave these to my classmates so they could view the content
as I verbally presented certain thoughts, reflect upon the material, and
write responses back to me after lapse of time.
The responses were interesting and ultimately beneficial. The use of

fear was touched upon as a possible tool to leverage. I feel that while
this is a powerful tool, too often fear is already implemented as a way
to affect behavior without a foundation of knowledge. We are left
with a multitude of individuals who fear certain circumstances, yet still
* Placemat
engage in risky behavior without the benefit of preventative knowledge

or skill to curb innate risks.
Wicked Problems was another subject highlighted in the response.

Richard Buchanan cites Horst Rittel when defining a Wicked Prob-
lem in The Idea of Design as, “class of social system problems which
are ill-formulated, where the information is confusing, where there are
many clients and decision makers with conflicting values, and where
the ramifications in the whole system are thoroughly confusing.” This
is significant because of the nature of a wicked problem and the com-
plexity, time, and implementation that is necessary to holistically solve
it. In order to give the problem of STDs, unplanned pregnancy, and
the general idea of unsafe sexual practices its respectable status, I don’t
propose to “fix” this problem. I propose a method that can enhance
one crucial facet of this problem with the ultimate goal of reducing
the amount of STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and provide ways for
individuals to embrace safe sex practices.
Another project goal becomes studying the way we react to different

methods of information delivery, and how we frame ideas like STDs,
AIDS, Safe Sex in a cultural sense. We have attached stigmas to all of
these words and in most cases these stigmas are inhibiting the evolu-
tion of knowledge, behavior, and general progress.
There are three generally agreed upon behav-
iors that eliminate the risk or greatly reduce
the risk of contracting an STD. These are
abstinence, having a monogamous partner
that has been screened for STDs prior to
sexual contact, and using a condom {which
is extensively noted to only reduce the risk of
contracting an STD- and is not capable of
100% prevention}
Abstinence.
What are the associated problems?
Abstinence is the only 100% effective way
to avoid contracting an STD and unwanted
pregnancy. This statement can be found
* Analysis
everywhere regarding this subject matter.
However, there are several problems associ-
ated with abstinence that must be addressed,
especially because the philosophical point of
view for this project is pragmatism.
Abstinence as a goal is a very safe and

admirable approach to STD and pregnancy
prevention when it is developed from a per-
sonal philosophy. However, when abstinence
only education or messages dominate, it cre-
ates a very detrimental atmosphere for the
very people it concerns. Studies show that
the average age that most males lose their
virginity is 17, and the average age of first
marriage is mid to late 20s. Because of this
ten-year gap it is undeniable that this group
of individuals needs practical information
regarding sex, STDs, birth control and other
sexual health information sets.
Matrix
The government increased funding for Furthermore, due to the nature of most casual
abstinence only education from 10 million sexual encounters, which participants most
dollars per year to 176 million. The idea of often describe as spontaneous or spur of the
abstinence itself is very benign; however when moment, this method becomes incongruent
paired with religious ideology and a great to these types of behavior patterns.
void of knowledge, this type of education
breeds a malignant atmosphere of ignorance. Condoms
Now, not only do we find teens having sex, Condoms are the only form of STD preven-
we find uneducated teens having sex and then tion bottled nicely and neatly into a product
feeling intense paranoia because they were manifestation. Services and knowledge
not given the tools to safely engage in the associated with their use is greatly benefi-
activity. cial, but no one needs a prescription, nor an
educational seminar to use one. Condom use
Depending on what website or medical and effectiveness has widely disputed num-
professional cited you may or may not find bers, much like any statistics regarding these
the success or failure rates of this type of topics because of differing reporting methods
education promoted by the current govern- and ideology. The condom has an “instant
ment administration. Interestingly enough, gratification” nature, as the end users need
the most current, long-term, congressionally neither waiting period nor organization to use
mandated study was released the 13th of this it, outside of having the capability to purchase
month and finds: or keep a steady supply within reach. {Wher-
ever this may be.} Most reported that they
“. . . Youth in the program group {abstinence do not keep a steady supply unless they were
until marriage education} were no more likely in a relationship, yet sometimes if a partner
than control group youth to have abstained was on birth control pill the condom was not
from sex and, among those who reported used. The participants often do not have a
having had sex, they had similar numbers of steady supply because they engage in sexual
sexual partners and had initiated sex at the intercourse sporadically and most of the time
same mean age.” it is unplanned.
The main goal for highlighting these findings Considering the high volume of diagnosed
in this document is to provide rationale for STD cases each year, most experts agree that
avoiding an abstinence until marriage mes- not enough people are using condoms as
sage. As stated in the Guttmacher institutes, often as they should be.
“In Their Own Right: Addressing the Sexual
and Reproductive Health Needs of American Research does show that once a couple has
Men” : The Challenge here is to craft mes- been together for an extended period of
sages, programs, and policies that do not try time, the condom is the first method of birth
to fight human nature-for example, by urging control / barrier protection to go. Men report
all unmarried men to abstain from sex-but mixed feelings about the condom, but these
that focus on help men recognize risky behav- range more from neutral to negative, rather
ior, make responsible decisions, and lessen the than from positive to negative. Ultimately, it
risks. seems that as a product the condom inhibits
the sexual experience from an emotive stand-
Monogamy with a Pre-Tested Partner point, rather than enhancing it.
This method works for a great deal of indi-
viduals; however, individuals that have the
interpersonal skills necessary to discuss sexual
histories and get STD screening BEFORE
becoming sexually intimate, are hard to find.
They exist, but are by no means the major-
ity. Most individuals that I have interviewed
for this project, if they have talked to their
partner at all about this subject, have done
so after having some form of sexual contact.
Although many individuals get screened for
STDs, these screenings are drastically out of
proportion to the number of partners with
whom the participants encountered sexually.
The matrix at the right addresses birth control ing out. This is referred to as withdrawal in the
methods that are based upon the purchase of a informational brochures I have collected from
product of some form. A variety of primarily family planning clinics, and it refers to having
behavioral birth control methods are also practiced sexual intercourse without a condom, and the male
and should be addressed. subsequently withdraws the penis before ejacula-
tion occurs. The success rate of this method varies
Abstaining from sexual activity could be consid- widely, and is noted by health professionals to be
ered a form of birth control. This choice is often quite risky. Not only are both subjects vulner-
associated with moral or religious ideals, but able to the possibility of STD transmission, but
innately it is very effective birth control. Through- physicians and brochure content will frankly state
out the project, whether interviewing in person or that enough sperm exists in pre-ejaculation to
indirectly through a survey, it has become quite fertilize a female egg, and thus result in pregnancy.
evident that in order to have any mutual under- The Mayo Clinic reports that 20 - 25 percent of
standing, one must be very specific about the use females that rely solely on this become pregnant
of sex and sexual intercourse. I have found that each year.
some people will refer to oral sex as “having sex”,
which, when used my others means having sexual Most males interviewed for this project seemed
intercourse. The point being addressed here is absolute about the idea that no sperm existed
that within the idea of abstinence there exists a until the point of ejaculation and gave no second
continuum of severity and to what extent, and
* Analysis
what behaviors from which an individual will thought to this practice’s failings because as of yet,
abstain. In most cases, this means abstaining from they had not experienced failure of the method.
sexual intercourse. However, if individuals who are This makes it somewhat difficult to truly relay the
abstaining from sexual intercourse are engaging in faults of this practice to an individual who has
oral sex or anal sex, these activities pose a risk of used it repeatedly and has heard storied from his
STD transmission. It has been noted that some friends repeatedly with no problems to report.
individuals engage in these activities to maintain Nonetheless, once they were informed of these
the idea of virginity in the traditional sense, and possibilities they seemed to listen, yet it was noted
are further unaware of the associated risks of that this particular bit of information had little
unprotected sexual activity of this form. bearing on future behavior.
The most common behavioral method of birth

control has been expressed as the phrase pull-
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The second matrix provided compares the various
information venues that an individual encounters.
One of the first considered is the parental outlet.
Due to the nature of the relationship and the innate
qualities it brings with it: the amount of time spent
with these people, they are the first and primary
role models and exemplary learning tools to which a
child is exposed.
The content of the interviews conducted for this

project state clearly that children and their par-
ents are not speaking about the topic of sex, sexual
health, or sexual practices due to an overwhelming
amount of participants who have never had a “sex
talk” with his parents. One group of participants,
when asked what would happen if a movie they were
watching with their parents included a sex scene
or some form of sexual innuendo, immediately and
passionately responded, “Just be quiet…maybe go
get some water from the kitchen, but just don’t say
anything.”
Most individuals get the bulk of their information

about sex and sexual health from television, their
peers, and the internet. None of these sources has
the training or knowledge to relay information to
distinct individuals in a case by case basis that is
most likely required to affectively answer most ques-
tions regarding this domain.
Doctors
It has also been noted that college males lack a
regular, scheduled appointment with a primary care
physician, let alone a dentist for the four years they
are at school. As one participant noted, “Going
to school disrupts any organization that it would
take for me to get to a doctor on a regular basis…I
haven’t been since my high school physical” This is
somewhat common, whereas females the same age
most often maintain regular visits with a gynecolo-
gist because it is deemed much more important to
do so. Plus, due to the cost of healthcare, unless
* Matrix
an individual is suffering symptoms, it seems more
economical to only visit the doctor when it is neces-
sary. Other participants noted that they would not
disclose their sexual behavior practices with their
physicians: “Nah…I like to keep it in the family,
I’m not going to tell my doc- he’s there to keep me
healthy, that’s his job. If I’ve got questions I’ll ask
my older cousin, he’s the one I go to for that kinda
stuff.” It seems that even if a participant made it
regularly to the doctor, the relationship suffers due
to the context and nature of the communication
during these visits.
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* Collect
Informational brochures were collected
from the local family planning clinics,
predominantly Planned Parenthood.
These brochures are produced by both
private and publicly funded organiza-
tions and are one of the predominant
methods of information delivery utilized
by family planning clinics. The Internet
supports most of these organizations
with the same data. Most of these
pamphlets appear to be outdated and the
messages they convey become lost when
we start ignoring the information and
motives and start mocking the delivery
style and aesthetic: whether explicitly or
implicitly.

* Reactions
I gave the pamphlets that were directly
targeting males to two fellow classmates that
fit the target demographic of my project. I
thought they might help garner some insight
and I wanted to understand what their reac-
tion would be to the material. It was hysteri-
cal laughter.
Humor is a great catalyst for information

delivery in this instance, because STDs,
unplanned pregnancy, and associated ideas
are very scary things to contemplate. By
injecting humor into the delivery, the indi-
vidual can relax and take in the information
without the associated anxiety.
The participants here were too distracted by

the photograph of the male on the cover and
the interior diagrams to really absorb any
information. Plus, the content presented
in the pamphlet is not rich in detail. The
pamphlet seems to serve more as a reminder,
rather than a primary source of portable
information. Like most of the websites
visited for this project, these brochures leave
individuals with more questions and more
confusion than they had before reading
them due to the over simplification of the
material. This is quite natural because we are
dealing with complex anatomy, physiology,
and biology. And further complicating mat-
ters is the very pertinent issue of time that
has never fully been captured in any of these
information delivery techniques. If we see
anything visual at all, it is usually a diagram
that has cartoon-like aesthetics, or medical
photos that are difficult to decipher. A bal-
ance needs to be struck between information
that has been watered down to the point
that it no longer becomes useful, and infor-
mation presented to pre-med students.

* Collection
The search for condoms began at Target and
Kroger, with the additional analysis of the pur- Out of the 20 people interviewed, as well as
chasing experience at each venue. others at two parties I have attended with a
A participant in one interview noted, “I go out to recorder in hand, most have conveyed a sense of
Target to buy condoms to try and avoid running unease when purchasing condoms. Some will
into people I know from school”. The Savannah say they do not mind buying them, yet will do
Target is located on the south side of town, away funny things: one individual noted that she will
from the epicenter of student life in the historic purchase them, but stack other purchases on
district. While Target is suitable for avoiding an top to conceal them as she walks through the
embarrassing situation of running into a profes- store. Almost everyone has talked about the
sor or classmate with condoms in one’s hands, it extreme discomfort of purchasing condoms in an
too provides other issues. aisle while in the presence of another shopper,
or worse, an elderly woman. When asked
about buying condoms, most everyone had a
similar story that began, “well, I was walking
away from the aisle with my condoms and
my KY, or whatever else, and of course I had
to walk right past this nice, little old lady.”
With males, most have noted that when

they purchase condoms, there is bound to
be a male in line either giving them a slight
head nodding, or an out and out verbaliza-
tion telling them something like: “hey man,
looks like you’re gonna have a good night”
or “yea, that’s smart you’re getting those, you
don’t want something you can’t get rid of ”.
The male participants that had encountered
this were not upset by these comments, but a
little embarrassed.
With females, it’s been noted that similar

comments have been made, but the reaction
is completely different. One female I spoke
to talked about buying condoms at Kroger
and specifically using the self-checkout lane
to try and avoid purchasing from a clerk.
When she scanned the item, a large buzzer
erupted, and the attendant had to come
and check her ID. The clerk made a remark
regarding what she would be doing later
on that night, “looks like someone’s gonna
have a good night”. While most males do
not seem to mind these comments, {at least
outwardly} this 21-year-old female expressed
that she was severely upset by this comment,
and specifically, the paralanguage made her
very uncomfortable. Females in general have
expressed that when they buy condoms they
feel that it is more awkward than it might be
for a male. To summarize, females often feel
they are being perceived as sexually pro-
miscuous when purchasing condoms. Also,
many couples have talked extensively about
arguing over who “has to go and buy them”.
They will often say it’s not really that big of a
deal, but at the same time, neither one wants
to go and purchase them. Most individuals
have mentioned the expense of condoms.
This was confirmed during the process of
purchasing condoms for this project.
Personal Experience
When I went to Kroger to buy condoms I
was very cognizant of the “little old lady”
syndrome. As I walked through the aisle I
felt very uncomfortable lingering over the
condom case. Throughout the experience, I
felt an intense need to explain to the clerk
that I was buying these items for a proj-

ect. It seemed odd that I felt such a dire need to provide
an “excuse” for purchasing these items. The purchasing
environment at Kroger involves asking someone from
the pharmacy or any surrounding clerk to unlock the
condom case. The pharmacist explained this is due to the
three C’s of retail that are always stolen unless locked up:
Cigarettes, Condoms, the third has been forgotten. Ask-
ing an attendant to unlock the case was not a major issue,
but once you must point out which condoms you wish to
purchase, it becomes more uncomfortable. Several male
participants explained that that this is most uncomfort-
able aspect for them: first the individual must highlight
which side of the case to unlock, which particular brand
and type of condom you would like. “Her Pleasure, the
Pleasure Pack, Magnum XL”; names such as these seem to
complicate matters for men as well. While these titles are
meant to be rather evocative, they seem to make the expe-
rience of verbalizing one’s preference to a random Kroger
employee at 3 in the afternoon quite embarrassing.
The Kroger attendant interviewed for the project ex-

plained that when especially young men and women come
in {i.e. 12, 13, or 14 years old} she will tell them, “You
know, you’re too young to be doing this”. While everyone
has different opinions about the appropriate age to begin
having sexual intercourse, and in this case, most indi-
viduals would concur that the age of twelve, thirteen, or
fourteen is too young. However, this adds one more level
of complexity to buying condoms. A 12-year-old engag-
ing in sex may be another area of problem exploration;
however, when a 12-year-old is at least going to purchase
and use condoms, this comment only works to discour-
age the practice of safe sex to an individual who is clearly
engaged in the act to begin with.
Checking out at the express lane was a way in which one

can attempt to avoid hanging out in line with a mom and
her three kids as one holds onto six packs of condoms.
{The amount purchased were for comparison of packaging
and various brand analysis.} When walking out of Kroger,
* Findings
the alarm was set off due to the security tags included
in the boxes. The security guard came over and asked to
see my receipt and upon seeing the bag full of condoms
and my extremely red face, he began to smirk. I quickly
explained that these purchases were for an educational
project, illustrating the need to excuse the purchase, which
should need no excuse. He then chuckled and said, “Well,
I wish I was involved in that kind of research.” At the
time, exiting the area was the only priority, but upon more
reflection, it became clear that this was just the type of
comment that had upset most of the females interviewed,
and in some sense, myself as well.
The next establishments visited in order to interviews, during which individuals would
address the process of purchasing condoms explain that they could never just purchase
were a gas station and an adult novelties condoms solely, they would have to include
store, commonly referred to as a porn shop. them in a random assortment of goods to
make the purchase as nonchalant as possible.
The Gas Station Once enough items were gathered, I ap-
This venue was analyzed because some par- proached the counter. From this view, I was
ticipants interviewed spoke about the human unable to find the condoms, and the clerk
element that often separates the customer noticed my apprehension and asked if he
from the condoms, which are located behind could help me find something.
the clerk’s counter. Upon entering, there I asked if they sold condoms, and he had me
were few people in the store, all males, yet it follow him to the side of the counter. Low
was not an uncomfortable atmosphere for a on the side of the wall was a small collection
female. The first impulse was to grab a drink of condoms, and I chose something swiftly
or some chips to precede asking the clerk for without lingering too long.
condoms. This paralleled the findings of the

Comparing the experience with purchas- these.
ing at venues such as Target and Kroger, the
convenient store seems like an optimal envi- When speaking to the clerk, she spoke
ronment for buying condoms, because they with great ease about the products sold and
are at a low level, lending a form of privacy. demographic served. She was in fact, quite
In other retail environments, it begins to feel blasé about the entire conversation.
as if everyone can easily view the condom
purchase, and especially in Kroger, one be- At the first contextual inquiry, the following
comes the focal point because of the physical conversation occurred:
layout of the condom display and the aisle. Participant: “Have you been to the new
Marc Jacobs store?”
Yet another major difference found here was Interviewer: “No, why do you ask?”
the clerk was very personable and at ease Participant: “They’ve got condoms there.
conducting the purchase. After explaining My roommates bought me one as a joke and
the project and its parameters, he told me I can’t wait to use it!”
that he had certain regulars that bought the
condoms I chose. It was a noted question This was notable for several reasons. Most
whether the regulars purchased condoms individuals, up to this point, had expressed
here because it was convenient and close to their general lack of enthusiasm about the
their residences, or was this a more comfort- condom, and this individual has expressed
able place to purchase for them as well? excitement about the chance to use it. This
was also interesting because the element of
Adult Novelties Store fashion and trend was intrinsic to this pur-
This venue was innately interesting. This was chase, and this aspect could be used as a very
a new experience, and two other individuals powerful catalyst in the purchase experience
came to analyze the purchasing environment of condoms elsewhere.
as well. The idea of going to the store was
intimidating, but this is most likely due to After perusing the Marc Jacobs store for
the lack of exposure to this types of envi- several minutes, it became necessary to
ronments. Condoms were purchased here ask the representative if they, in fact, sold
as well as an issue of Playboy, Penthouse, condoms. They were found amongst a tower
and Hustler. The idea of purchasing porn of other little Marc Jacobs trinkets such as
magazines is tied into the idea of the target band-aid cases, etc. The packaging was less
demographic, and it seemed that it might sophisticated than one might have antici-
be an important experience to note. During pated, but instead was very playful, which
most interviews, participants had brought seemed like a decent alternative.
up the idea of porn and it became a topic of
discussion, and this seemed to validate track- It was still imperative to pair the condom
ing the experiencing of purchasing it as well. purchase with the purchase of other goods,
Due to the explicit nature of the majority of so ultimately 20$ was spent on 2 condoms
products in the store, the condom and porn {1.50 ea.} and a book.
purchase felt less risqué in comparison to
It should be addressed that most of the
* Reactions condoms at Kroger and Target cost approxi-
mately 7-8$ for a package of 12.
The adult store was more expensive, costing
6$ for 3. This was because, as the attendant
explained, they didn’t buy in large quantities
like Wal-Mart and Target, and most people
buy condoms from them at 2 a.m., an added
convenience.
This condom was purchased at the local gas

station. The format did not appear any-
where else, such as major retail locations.
This particular packaging design makes great
strides towards a more efficient and usable
opening system. It has been recently noted
that men are advised not to keep condoms in
their wallets or pockets because the condom
will be damaged. Individuals are And this is the specific reason why,
also advised not to keep them in most participants explained, they
their cars because of extreme tem- did not use a condom. The circum-
peratures “Keep in a cool, dry place. stance revolved around having a
Avoid extreme temperatures and casual, impromptu sexual encounter
exposure to direct sunlight,” are the outside of their bedroom, and thus
manufacturer’s instructions. did not have a condom on hand.
This was a rather common scenario
It seems obvious the problems that from the participants interviewed:
this constraint creates in regards to they went out, met a girl at a part
general logistics. If a male cannot {or became drastically closer to a
keep a condom in his pant pock- casual friend they had known for
ets, wallet, or car... where exactly a period of time}, became drunk,
does he keep this item? Most of went somewhere and had sexual
the males I spoke to kept their intercourse. Then when asked about
condoms in their nightstands or not using a condom, the immediate
dresser drawers at their apartments. response was, “it was okay, because
she’s on the pill”. This phrase was heard over and over again. And while
most of the participants knew about STDs, their discreet knowledge was
shaky, and after the interview most participants would say phrases such as,
“ You really freaked me out” or “I didn’t have sex last Friday because of you
and your project!”
This packaging seems to solve the problem of not being able to keep
condoms in your pocket. Because the case is a blister style package with
a plastic base, it appears that one could now carry this in a pocket or wal-
let. While this solution is noted as a notable improvement, participants
expressed that the container reminded them of a fast food sauce container.
One participant noted, “Now I feel like I’m carrying ranch sauce in my
back pocket.”
* Reactions
Females + Male Condoms
One particular marketing anomaly found was Trojan’s Elexa, a male con-
dom marketed to females. To clarify, this has caused some slight confusion
because a product called a female condom also exists. Many individuals
are unaware of this product, and therefore many participants expressed
they have never purchased nor used this product. When purchasing male
condoms, female condoms were also searched for, though they were unable
to be found.
Most of the females I spoke to expressed more of a discomfort when buy-

ing condoms, and many male participants talked about their girlfriends re-
fusing to buy them. Trojan’s condom brand that is marketed to females was
purchased in order to note whether or not there was any difference. After
purchasing, opening the package, and having a female classmate open the
individual packaging, we were unable to highlight any significant differ-
ence. The graphic design included a black and purple color motif, yet the
formal elements did not necessarily speak to the more feminine consumer.
Nothing about the purchase felt different. Nothing about opening it felt
different. Nothing about the condom was different than any of the others
that I purchased.
Another finding noted as the participant opened the individually wrapped

condoms: everyone in the surrounding area was immediately grossed out.
Granted, we were in the middle of a classroom, but still notable. Opening
the condom package takes more motor skills than one might expect, and
because it is slimy, the user must be coordinated when handling the de-
vice. Everyone immediately took notice to the smell. The Elexa condom
says on its packaging “low latex odor”, yet the female shown opening the
packet complained about the smell. Personally, I did not notice as strong
of an odor as was found when opening other brands purchased, so this
seemed like an improvement. Also, individuals expressed a strong urge to
wash their hands as soon as they were done handling the condom.

* Findings
Before exploring the domain of condoms and the a male is peering into the condom case with
purchase experience, several participants had noted the woman at Kroger, it becomes an issue of
something called the Trojan Magnum XL, and whether or not he uses a “regular” condom, or a
how it complicated the purchasing process even “magnum”? The males I was interviewing stated
further. This complication seemed somewhat obvi- that first of all, they don’t really know what size
ous due to the stereotypical male ego associations they are or whether they need this specific size.
and cultural jokes made about the size of the male {A small number said they used this brand in re-
genital. sponse to a need. In response to pain that result-
ed from the use of smaller condoms} Secondly,
Thinking about the male ego and the number of many participants were very vocal about feeling
cultural jokes and associations about size, the fears embarrassed because they didn’t use the XL ver-
and self-image associated with this as well- it sions and were generally uncomfortable with the
seems as if the advent of “condom size” is either size specific aspect. Others called it “bullshit”.
Trojan’s greatest marketing ploy ever, or a true “That’s bullshit- a condom is a condom.”- this
response to customer need. statement was prevalent when speaking about
the idea of condom size.
There are a variety of opinions on this matter. The
Planned Parenthood experts have expressed that a Condom sizing is probably lending itself to
condom will fit over a persons head. If one wanted another problem noted in the April 07 issue of
to-for some unknown reason- he or she could Cosmopolitan magazine.
stretch a condom over the head like a swim cap
and it should not break. So, their belief is that the “A survey by the Family Planning Association in
advent of sizing is a gimmick. the U.K. found that condom failure often occurs
because the prophylactic is too big (and winds up
In most of the interviews, the topic of the Mag- slipping off ) or too small (and winds up tearing).
nums would usually come up directly after men- So, take his ego out of the equation and make
tioning the purchase of condoms. So now, when sure his rubber fits like a, er, glove.”
Instruction Manuals
Found on the interior of the box of
some, and in small folded brochures of
others, you will find instructions for use.
It is most common to find Ikea-style in-
structions with no text and simple, linear
graphics. The amount of communicated
clarity varies between each brand, but
the thing is, the most important items
to know about proper condom use is not
necessarily regarding how to put it on.
There are definitely some key issues, yet
the illustrations rarely touch upon the
very crucial tasks to either do or omit:
I.e. Condom users are advised to never
open a package with their teeth or with
scissors, and once the condom is on
the user should pinch the reservoir in
order to expel the air from the chamber.
Otherwise, this can lead to the condom
rupturing after ejaculation.
Other ideas associated with condom use

are not necessarily regarding putting
it on properly, but “using” it properly:
several documents note that currently
many people will begin having sexual
intercourse without a condom, and then
put the condom on before ejaculation.
A large amount of people interviewed
has confirmed that they use this method
as well when using a condom. This is
problematic for several reasons. This
type of use negates the condom’s ability
to reduce the risk of STD contraction as
well as pregnancy.
The statistic information included in

these packages does not seem intended
for the user. The charts are filled with
numbers and statistics that might make
more sense if the user had a better idea
of what the title of each column really
meant.
The visual graphics are usually as paired

down as possible with some means of
orientation such as the male’s torso line.
The photo showing the instructions on
the inside of the box illustrates a less
successful example of this. For someone
who understands how to put on a con-
dom, it is still confusing by citing these
three vignettes as examples.
The six-step process is illustrated quite

clearly, but it is worth questioning
whether six steps is a moderately high
number for a task that should be simple
and easy to execute. SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07
* Brainstorm
*
* Brainstorming
The brainstorming for the project consisted of Again, it is clear that most of our parents are un-
generating as many concepts and ideas as possible comfortable talking to us about the topic, and it’s
via men’s magazines, online reports and docu- not something that most people will speak openly
ments, initial interviews, and statistics. about in a restaurant or other public setting. Yet
Initially, the project was focused on targeting ironically, if you look almost anywhere in adver-
young adolescents because this is where most tising, music, movies, magazines, and all other
experts believe sex education should begin. The manifestations of media, you see “sex” {mostly
Mayo Clinic actually states that no age is too implicit, but explicit forms exist, as well} every-
young to begin talking to children about sexual where. Almost everyone has heard the old adage:
anatomy and behavior, while keeping in mind that sex sells. Most have heard this so much in fact
each age demands a different level of information that it is almost ignored, particularly because the
delivery due to emotional and cognitive develop- phenomenon of clichés; however, media themes
ment thresholds. still embrace this idea, possibly more than ever
before. It seems that sex is selling all over the
The immense amount of red tape surrounding place. The problem becomes framed as this: here
the sex education atmosphere in schools soon is something that no one is verbalizing anywhere,
became apparent. For example, Advocates for but visualizing absolutely everywhere. We are
Youth states, “No highly effective sex education uneducated, yet highly interested in the subject,
or HIV prevention education program is eligible and this leads to ignorant action that results in
for federal funding because mandates prohibit a variety of detriments, and this is only one tiny
educating youth about the benefits of condoms facet of the problem at hand.
and contraception.” This cumbersome atmosphere
often requires too much censoring of information
and lies in the center of heightened political cor-
rectness, which leads to a very slow implementa-
tion of change.
Thoughts of every advertised consumer product,

and what some campaigns are able to “get away
with” if it is well executed led to the idea of utilizing
the creative flexibility of advertising to do more
than simply move products, but deliver candid
information. Another item that seemed to perme-
ate all realms of the initial exploration was the
dichotomous message we are receiving at all times
about sex. In one instance, there is a superficial
layer of conservatism when it comes to a societal
perspective on sex. Although it is hard to map
where exactly these messages are coming from, it is
clear that the United States pales in comparison to
the European Union’s relaxed attitude towards the
culture of sexuality, and it is relevant to note that
the Union suffers dramatically less cases of STDs
and unwanted pregnancy.

Interviews
Participant 1: 26. Male. Sexually Active.
* Interviews +STD
Participant 2: 21. Male. Sexually Active
Participant 11: 20. Male. Not Sexually Ac-
tive
Participant 15: 21. Male Sexually Active
Participant 18: 21. Female. Sexually Active
Planned Parenthood Staff
Interviews with experts such as Gynecolo-
gists or Psychologists were completed over
several sessions on the phone. As more
interviews developed with the target demo-
graphic, these findings would be presented
to the experts at hand for their analysis and the group would try to save face regarding
input. a certain situation, and his friends would
Interviews were conducted in several dif- not let him get away with it. In other cases,
ferent ways. Both individual and group three males would be interviewed, and dur-
interviews were completed, during which ing a subsequent interview with only one
I would record, and ask questions in a participant from the same group, he would
generally relaxed atmosphere over food and then expose a very crucial piece of data that
drinks. These interviews were conducted in a participant did not admit about himself.
the participants homes, often times with the
same female classmate joining the interviews At one point, three individuals were en-
in order to have an individual outside of the countered randomly at the local Barnes and
domain to highlight anything that had been Noble, who were pouring over some maga-
overlooked both during the interviews and zines. At first, it was merely noted what
throughout the project’s development. The they were reading in order to get a better
participants were asked about their level of idea of the interests and subject matter the
comfort with the subject matter before the target demographic is immersed in, but then
interview began, and whether they would be a simple offer of twenty dollars led to these
able to speak freely in front of two females. individuals speaking extensively for an hour
The participants were assured of their ano- and a half in the middle of the store.
nymity, and most ultimately did not hold
anything back after this. At the beginning of the project, it was
a noted worry that individuals might be
Other interviews were conducted with uncomfortable speaking about their explicit
couples. In one instance, the male and sexual behaviors and their adjoining opin-
female were interviewed together, and later ions about sexuality, etc.
on in the week, the male was interviewed Not only is the topic of sex extremely per-
separately. Participants were also interviewed sonal, but it also requires the admission of
as closely to the context as possible. Most embarrassing behavior. However, it has been
notably, one participant was interviewed found that if the interviewer can comfort-
immediately after having unprotected sexual ably talk about the subject within a relaxed
intercourse. {This was a coincidence, as the environment, most individuals will expose
interview had been scheduled.} Others were personal sexual experiences to no end. Fur-
interviewed while at a party, as random rela- thermore, because the participant is invest-
tionships were developing. These techniques ing a great deal of trust in the interviewer
garnered very rich data and will ultimately by relaying information that is potentially
have great bearing on the final design. damaging to themselves and / or their close
Initially, the idea of group interviews seemed friends, it was imperative that if a question
risky due to the possibility that individuals was redirected towards myself, I would an-
would be unable to speak freely or sincerely swer it as honestly and in as much detail as I
on their experiences; however these inter- was expecting from the participant.
views were some of the most interesting for
several reasons. When three males would be Most of the interviews were estimated to
in a room and each were posed a question, take approximately 45 minutes. Because all
if one would answer and his friends knew of the participants are busy college students
he was over or under exaggerating, they they would express worry about the ses-
would call him out on the fault. This usually sion being “so long”. It was quite funny
seemed to happen when one male out of
Contextual Inquiry:
* Inquiries
Sex Ed for At Risk Youth
Males on Fridays
Females on Wednesdays
Sex Ed Class
Coastal Harbor Treatment Center.
At Risk Youth.
Session 1: Females
The Coastal Harbor Treatment Center has

a partnership with Planned Parenthood that
has resulted in sex education classes that are
taught to the temporary residences living
at the facility, specifically girls and boys 14-
18 years of age. These students are at risk
youths, meaning their specific experiences,
knowledge base, and general disposition are
not among the necessary average of this age
group. However, the experience of sitting in
a classroom with these individuals is invalu-
able due to the expressive nature of this
group, and is a further study of the class-
room context that sex education lives within.
{Further explanation follows.} The sessions
are divided between two days: one devoted
to boys and the other to girls.
It was of great interest to see how information is
presented to young adolescents and in what ways
these individuals react to the information as well
as to speaking about the topic itself and their
personal health within a controlled environment. “I don’t need to see
Because these teens are “at risk,” this means they a picture...I know
are most likely at the facility due to an infringe-
ment of the law [Thus court ordered treatment
what AIDS looks
has been ordered.] and are most likely from less like!”
privileged home environments. Most of these -Participant from Sex Ed Group
students have very intense personalities that
results in a very vocal classroom with an excel-
lent opportunity to learn from what these girls
and boys had to say and how they reacted to the
looks like.
subject matter.
When the instructor began explaining what
pre-ejaculate was, and how it cleaned the urethra
This particular class hour was focused on female
before ejaculation, one student made the anal-
anatomy, and the level of knowledge was so low
ogy, “Oh, kinda like the street sweeper? ...Or a
that the majority of the time was spent just trying
janitor?” The males seemed to volunteer a lot of
to clarify the specifics of vocabulary and trying
specific information that they knew in regards
to clear up all of the erroneous information these
to vocabulary. This was something found during
students had been told from a variety of sources.
the session with the females as well. Most stu-
There were several girls who were notably un-
dents and teens, as well as college students, know
comfortably talking about female anatomy.
key buzzwords or vocabulary terms, but very few
individuals know the correct meaning for each,
This experience was truly shocking because it
and even fewer have a correct idea of how each
made very clear how little time and energy we are
works with the overall concepts of pregnancy,
investing in the basic sexual education of young
menstruation, or transmission of an STD. They
adults. These girls were very interested in the
know what it looks like once it has been con-
material and were very quick to learn. They knew
tracted and someone has taken a photograph of
an abundant of pop culture information regard-
the external effects, but no one has a realistic idea
ing sex, yet when it came to pragmatic, biologi-
of the process that comes before this. This can be
cal, or even preventative knowledge they became
said of the birth control pill as well, especially in
very confused. This was mostly due to each girl’s
males. They know what it does- it prevents a girl
information coming from off the wall sources, i.e.
from getting pregnant. Ask most males how it
peers, Internet sites.
works and one will very often hear, “I don’t know
really, the girl takes a pill each day and...?” After
Session 2: Males
attending this class I began to wonder what is an
The second session devoted to male students was
appropriate initiation point for the information.
attended at the Coastal Harbor Treatment Cen-
When the instructor would bring up one topic,
ter with the Planned Parenthood staff member.
it would take at least three steps backwards in
The males were discussing anatomy as well. A
explaining vocabulary and ideas associated with
week prior, during the female session, the girls
the topic, and then the words used to define the
only had time to discuss the female reproductive
topic, and then the words used in that defini-
system due to the amount of confusion and ques-
tion... The information is all related and inter-
tions on the topic. Today was slightly different
twined, and one reasonable solution is to use
because the males were very vocal about their
a concept map for instruction aids rather than
little interest in discussing their own anatomy.
static diagrams.
They did express a sincere interest in learning
about the female anatomy. In fact, most of them
Quote: “We don’t need to know about our own...
were very distracted when the instructor was talk-
we see it everyday.”
ing about male anatomy, and once she began to
Quote: “ He showed us a picture of genital her-
speak about the female reproductive system, a few
pes...I don’t ever want to see that again!”
students actually got out of their seats and moved
Quote: “I don’t need to see a picture of AIDS...I
closer to the front. Once the class began, the
know what it looks like”
boys began asking the instructor if she was going
to show them any disgusting photos because the
last class they were involved in, the instructor had
shown them a photograph of what genital herpes SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07
The next inquiry involved shopping at the mall to stop at the Gap, it all came back to “looking
with participants from the target demographic. professional.” These two gents in particular are
This inquiry focused more on what males in their graduating soon and they were more concerned
early 20s enjoy purchasing, what encompasses with appearing as if they have got it together
their personal style, and other aspects of this. and expressed that they wanted their clothes
to show this about themselves. They were also
Initially, Hollister was visited in order to find a concerned with fit. We perused Hollister for a
male in his early 20s who would allow documen- belt, as well as Macy’s, and when they were ready
tation of his shopping practices. A male fitting to call it quits I asked why not the Gap? This
the demographic was offered ten dollars if I was asked only because it is a major retail store
could audio record and ask him about his shop- within the mall that had yet to be frequented.
ping practices. He said he wasn’t comfortable They expressed that they weren’t “into the Gap”
with me audio recording and generally seemed The pants were always huge. These two also
perplexed as to why I would want to shop with mentioned the Express Men’s label lending more
him. Thus, this was a missed hit. of a “sharp, designer” feel to clothing, which they
liked.
Next, the inquiry was conducted at the mall with
two males, both 22. These individuals actu- They also expressed over and over again that they
ally called because they were on a mission and only come to the mall when they need some-
planned on dropping by an adult store to buy thing specific, or if they have seen an advertised
a vibrator for one participant’s girlfriend and sale...but it has to be a good one. It also came up
thought I could use this for my research. After that one participant had recently bought a very
overhearing their conversation about going to nice Ralph Lauren suit on sale from the depart-
the mall, I asked if I could tag along with them ment store, but had recently machine washed
view their shopping habits and personal aesthetic and dried it at home...thus, ruining his very nice
interests. These two came to the mall specifically suit. This was something noted as interesting.
because one needed a belt. Other than that, Ex-
press Men was having a sale and the only reason
they know about this is that shirts that usually
cost 50$ can be purchased for less than 20$ and
these are “good presentation shirts”. These two
seemed to be preoccupied with the idea of pro-
fessionalism. Maybe preoccupied is the wrong
word to use, but when asked why they liked to
shop at the Express, or why they didn’t want
* Probes
What does an STD look like?
What does “safe sex” look like?
What do you associate with each of these phrases?
Participants were asked to cut images from a diverse group of

magazines: National Geographic, Hustler, Travel, GQ, Martha
Stewart Living, Playboy, Dwell, Auto Weekly, etc.
Next, they were asked to vocalize or write why they chose the
specific images.
They were subsequently interviewed.

Photos were taken of their living spaces.
I. E. Their bedrooms, refrigerators, trash.
* 1st Session
Cultural Probe: 3 Males. Sexually Active.
strong stigmas in order to rationalize and

After talking to many sexually active males order the concepts. These stigmas result in
who had repeatedly had casual sex with-
abstract images and associations that govern
out the use of a condom-and still felt no the way in which individuals assess risk.
perceived risk of STDs, it became largely a Granted, most males are not thinking, “if
question of what people really thought about trichomoniasis were a woman, what would
when the word HIV was said. What colors she look like?” But in a way, they are. Most
are associated with gonorrhea, if chlamydia males have expressed that they have en-
manifested itself as a woman or a man, what gaged in casual sex with someone that they
would she or he look like? What would his knew for a brief time, but had not discussed
or her name be? It seems that our culture anything remotely related to sexual history
has framed ideas such as STDs and Safe Sex

* Snooping
Bedrooms. Kitchens. Bathrooms.
It must be stressed that the project’s philoso-
phy comes nowhere from the basis of judgment.
Whether or not someone chooses to engage in
sexual behavior with a certain number of individu-
als is expressly their choice, and this project seeks
not to condemn nor judge certain behaviors as right
or wrong. What the project goals focus upon is
get these individuals to wear condoms and have a
greater awareness of the prevalence of STDs, and
thus engage in the safest sexual practices possible.
Other input from several participants included the

idea that everything about the condom killed the
mood. That sex is supposed to be about passion,
spontaneity, and excitement and that a condom
is about being “safe, practical, and involved plan-
ning”. Some participants noted that by the time
they brought the idea of the condom up, located one,
and tried to put one on {often times they had been
drinking}- they had trouble due to the loss of an
erection.
The next research technique used is a cultural probe.

This is when a researcher gives a participant an
artifact that is incomplete, and asks that individual
to complete the artifact, and then provide reason and
insight regarding the choices made during comple-
tion. In this case, the participants were given two
empty bags: one marked “safe sex”, and the other
“STDs”. They were also given a large amount of
magazines dealing with the widest possible spec-
trum of content. Participants were asked to peruse
through a wide variety of magazines and tear out
images that communicated “Safe Sex” to them. They
were also asked to do this in response to the idea
of STDs. They were given magazines like but not
limited to: GQ, Men’s Health, National Geographic,
AdBusters, Martha Stewart Living, Playboy, Esquire,
Travel, Dwell, Cosmopolitan.
The participants were also given markers and asked

to write on the images, providing meaning for their
selections.
or STD screening. When asked about the
possibility of an STD they would say with- While they were clipping we talked about STDs,
out hesitation, “she’s not that kind of girl...” sex in high school, how their parents avoided talking
However, there is really not “a type of girl” about sex, how differently their parents treat them
that gets an STD. They happen to everyone now that they are college students, the last time
and we have no honest clue how to really they had sex without using a condom. All possible
understand this. Furthermore, in one in- and relevant facets of the domain were fair game for
stance, two participants shared that they had discussion.
sexual intercourse with the same girl within Then, pictures were taken of their rooms, closets,
the same month, yet they were not worried refrigerators, magazines, movie, and CD collections.
about STDs because she {again} “wasn’t that This was done in order to get a stronger idea of the
type of girl.” At least one of these two par- persona I was studying as well as the possible link
ticipants had not used a condom with this this information had to the associations they were
particular female. His reason being, “she’s making visually while completing the exercise. Two
on the pill.” And while this is an effective magazine clipping sessions were completed, with a
method when used properly, it has no impact total of 5 participants involved.
on STD transmission.
The following photos are the result of
exploring the living domains of the partici-
pants interviewed, and those who completed
the cultural probe.
The first apartment housed three male

students. Their bedrooms had very typical
contents and they seemed like the average
male occupied rooms one might find.
The first room photographed was eerily

clean and neat. It met skepticism at first,
with thoughts that possibly the participant
cleaned because he knew someone was com-
ing to take pictures of his stuff. However
even if he did do this, it reveals something
about his character. There is apprehension
about reading too much into these individu-
als and their living spaces because psycho-
analysis is not in the realm of expertise, and
not necessarily the point here. The most
analysis and conclusion is that the individual
dwelling in this room is either very success-
ful at eliminating clutter before if begins to
accumulate, or he has leveraged his storage
* Findings space very wisely.
The next two participants seemed to have

Analysis. Brands. Books. CDs. Movies. Hobbies.
much more in common as far as rooms are
concerned. Both seemed to have a hub of
transitional mass centered on the bed. This
was either clean or dirty laundry combined
with other items that would, at night, be
pushed off onto the floor. It seems that this
probably happens because the surface of
the bed is raised and makes a more suitable
“desktop” than the floor, due to proximity.
After opening a few very key storage centers,

items that most would expect to discover
were in the nightstand: eclectic assortments
of things paired with KY lubricant. Surpris-
ingly though, there were no condoms found.
* 2nd Session
Cultural Probe: Visual Associations
This was a very interesting find. The second cultural

probe was conducted exactly as the first. In this case,
the two participant’s third roommate is slightly older
than the target demographic: approximately 29-years-
old. He also brought a group of friends, 3 females, all
in their mid to late twenties. They were immediately
intrigued in the topic we were discussing and quickly
became involved in the conversation. What was inter-
esting is once the conversation returned to the initial
participants the subsequent group carried on talking
about the topic amongst themselves for quite some
time. The same thing occurred when a second group
of individuals arrived.
The second apartment visited was much
more collegiate in the sense of Animal
House. I found out, via Facebook, that this
apartment has been nicknamed “Capitol
Hill”. This may be a reference to its floor
plan, due to the fact that the ground level is
a very unassuming living room, kitchen, and
bedroom topped off by a second story living
room that one must ascend an intensely
steep staircase in order to reach.
The kitchen was very clean: no dishes were

in the sink, the dishwasher was running, and
I could smell some sort of cleaning agent.
The living room was moderately clean, with
random assortments of clutter around the
periphery.
The ground level bedroom was home to a

participant who was untidy. This apartment
was the site of the first contextual inquiry
conducted the weekend before. At this time,
it was unclear whether this was a male or a
female’s room. Everything about it seemed
male: the sheets exhibited a texture that is
revealed after they have not been washed
in a while, the collectibles were mostly shot
glasses and other alcohol related parapher-
nalia, and there was a Michigan University
trash can. There were printed pictures of
Owen Wilson scattered all over the floor
from different movies, and it seemed to leave
the possibility of this being a room belong-
ing to a female open for discussion. Ulti-
mately, it was found out to be the room of a
29-year-old male.
Again, in order to get upstairs, one must

ascend a very steep, wrought iron, spiraling
staircase. Because of the motor skills that
it takes to trek up this set of stairs without
injuring yourself, the two halves of the apart-
ment have a very sharp cognitive separation.
* Findings Once upstairs, it is easy to forget that the
lower level is still part of the apartment.
Once upstairs it feels like St. Patrick’s Day.
It must be admitted, they have bottled some
festivity and spewed it into this room in
the form of banners, posters, alcohol bottle
collections, pictures, and lighted lawn orna-
ments.
The main room was very clean, and so were
the two adjoining rooms. They both exhib-
ited shot glass and liquor bottle collections
as well as a serious amount of movie posters.
The bathroom was the most interesting

room of the apartment. Laughter is one
immediate response, probably from sheer
shock, because no one expects to walk into a bath-
room filled with such an immense amount of porno-
graphic images. Plus, these images manifested from
centerfold / attachments that are grandiose in scale
and the room had been successfully wallpapered with
at least a two year subscription’s. The males, particu-
larly one participant, tried to assure me that they ig-
nore the images. However, it makes one wonder why
it is up, if it is only being ignored? I asked them if
they “used” it, and they quickly said no. Maybe, by this
time, they have become desensitized and the routine
normalcy of each of the images has taken away the
creative spontaneity needed to “use” images like these.
Although, the idea that these images are ignored is
still subject to major skepticism.
* 3rd Session
consumption of some form or another. Our
culture’s equivalent of going into the woods and
coming back after a certain number of days and
being considered a true member of adult society.
Pictures of women on the walls is a recurring
theme. Although most men will say that they
enjoy these images, there is usually only one
roommate of the three that will get crazy and do
A third and final apartment was visited in order
the wallpapering.
to conduct a final group interview and take
pictures of the living spaces. By now there was a
There also seems to be a difference in the way
slight pattern developing worth noting in regards
that male roommates decorate their apart-
to the collections and adornments that these
ments in comparison to females. Females tend
participants used to decorate their homes.
to decorate for themselves, and for their private
enjoyment. I.e. “I love this picture frame, I want
It seemed that every apartment showcased some
to put it on this nice bookcase that I have near
form of collection, and if it wasn’t a deliberate
my trinket from...”
collection it was a grouped display of related
It seems that most males have something that is
items.
decorating their walls with the ultimate goal of
collective appreciation. I.e. “I think that picture
A liquor bottle collection was most prevalent.
of Jon Belushi wearing the College sweater is hi-
These adorned both public and private living
larious. I’ll hang it on my wall, and when people
spaces. It never occurred until just now to ask
come over they acknowledge it by a glance and
why they decided to keep and display each bottle;
a chuckle, or they bring it up in casual conver-
however, it can be assume it is a matter of proud
sation.” These pieces are used as conversation
pieces or generally as social lubricants.

I: Why is there such a difference?
P2: Because it still- guys can’t get pregnant. And
girls can. And that’s the main thing that sepa-
rates because with us- saying no- there’s no…um
what’s it called- there’s no consequences. With
them saying no- there could be very big conse-
quences. That’s probably the reason why they
wouldn’t trust us.
P3: Like I can’t stand, like I do it- and actually

Friday, I could have hooked up with a girl. But I
didn’t, Because of this {project}, because of you
talking about it- I didn’t have sex with her.
I: Really?
P3: Yes. …because I didn’t have a condom. I
usually find myself asking the girl if she has a
* Outcome condom. I asked her if she had one, and she was
like no. And I was like, “fuck!”. And I was pretty
drunk that night too…
I: Does it ever occur to you to go to

Planned Parenthood?
P: I don’t even know where it is?
I: If you hooked up with someone tonight, would

you use a condom?
P: If we were at my house, yea.
{It was noted that the participant’s condoms are

in his nightstand drawer, and females usually do
not have condoms at their apartments}
P4: So listen, so listen…I was so scared out of my

mind that I banged a chick with an STD, went
home, had to wake a week and a half for the
results. I was so scared that I told MY MOM and
MY DAD! You can quote this. Told my mom and
my dad, and all I did for three weeks was like
“herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea…AIDS”
I: What made you think you had an STD?
P4: Nothin’, I’m just a paranoid fuck. So I got it

back after two weeks…clean as hell baby! Worth-
less…worthless test.
I: So, if you were going to check out a “I’ve had one night stands, but
doctor right now, where would you go? let’s put it this way…it’s never
been with someone that I
P: honestly, I would go, close to MLK,
haven’t known for like…months.
there’s a SCAD clinic. I actually went
And, so in a sense that I could
there before. I asked the lady, it was
say that I know them a little bit
before I had health insurance, then I
better that way. I’m kinda like if a
had health insurance for a year, and
condom’s around then I’ll use it,
then I just got dropped like in Decem-
but if it’s not then I won’t use it.”
ber. And I said, I don’t have health
insurance, can I be seen today, I just
“I would say most of the time
need an STD test. I had actually gone
when I don’t have a condom
to to it.
I definitely don’t go full on at
it. Like you may have sex for a
while, but then you definitely
I: How long ago was this? don’t…I don’t finish at all.”
P: over a year ago. That’s when I was
most concerned with catching some- “So, every time that I have had
thing, then I forgot about it, and then it sex with a girl without a con-
actually happened. dom, it’s always and any guy
will say this, afterwards it’s like
“fuck fuck fuck fuck!” I’m done,
I’m done! What I do know about
I: When you said you were more con- STDs, the only thing that I care
cerned about catching something? about STDs is AIDS and Herpes.
Like gonorrhea, that shit goes
P: But she was just out of her mind
away…everything goes away but
and would just make shit up all the
AIDS and herpes.”
time…so I never knew. So I was like let’s
just go to see. But the lady refused “I always try them out, and they
me. Because, I needed to make an all feel exactly the same…they all
appointment, and I needed to pay 75$ have these gimmicks like: stud-
up front, and there was only one day ded, or it’s ribbed, or twisted
that the doctor that I could see would pleasure where its got an inflat-
come in. She just made it so inconve- able balloon at the end…looks
nient, and was a bitch about it that I like an elephant, but it all feels
was like, well fuck you and I’m never the same. I have never felt a dif-
coming back here. ference and I’ve never been with
someone who’s felt a difference.
* Quotes “Because any time I’ve ever
From Participants heard anyone complain about a
condom-it’s usually a girl.”
P6: I know it’s your project...but we’re
the carriers. It doesn’t mean that we
get it...
I: It means that if you are “carrying” an
STD, you have an STD.
P6: No...not it does not.
I: If you are carrying it, it means you

have it.
P6: Does it? Alright, well fuck. Well,
those idiot are sleeping with us. SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07
The safe sex board manifested in images bathed in light, a lot of pas-
tels, and imagery that reference home and motherly figures. {There
are a few exceptions to this...note: woman in lingerie. I questioned
the participant about this and he said that she looked very “clean.”}
Brands such as Eileen Fisher, Aveeno, and Clinique were all

involved in this visualization of Safe Sex. A male mermaid that a
participant noted to look like “Ariel’s dad” was included because “if
you tried anything with his daughter he would kill you!”
A Tampax ad was pulled because the participant wrote, “I don’t

screw on her period.” He related this to being safe because if you’re
* Safe Sex
not having sex during this time, you’re not risking pregnancy nor
STD transmission.
Martha Stewart sits next to a car resembling a Buick. Enough said.
Other images included were romantic settings with two individuals

frolicking on a beach. The participant {female} told me that these
were scenes she pictured with two very intimate people who were
monogamous and safe.
There were other direct references to being healthy and safe: a fork
full of antioxidant rich vegetables, helmets, protective sunglasses,
pills, someone weighing himself or herself on a scale.
The STD board had a considerably darker gestalt than its predeces-
sor. Besides the vignettes of celebrity sex tape stills, the most evoca-
tive image on this board is Burt Reynolds naked body.
Participants collected images with certain themes: items and per-

sonas from the 80’s, a Ferrari from the 80s, Motley Crue, and other
pictures of men from old rock bands. This was mainly due to the
participant’s knowledge of Tommy Lee and hepatitis, and just a
general association of AIDS and STDs with the decade of the 80s
due to the heightened awareness of the disease during this time.
Other manifestations were along the lines of biological imagery:
perhaps what bacteria looks like in a Petri dish, foods that could be
mistaken for growths. Raw meat, animal flesh, and a chicken carcass
are manifestations of the association with rotten and “spoiled” {as
someone clipped out the word} things, tissues, etc.
The main finding from this board is the fact that the easiest images
* STDs
to conjure up when thinking of the prospect of STDs is their affects
on individuals who already have them. So, we have no “mental mod-
el” of what it means to be at risk, or engage in the risk, or even what
is looks like at the moment of contracting an STD. It is imperative
to explore this idea further.
Professor Kolko also noted that, “we can easily think about what it’s
like to live with a new baby in the case that we get someone preg-
nant, {or if a female becomes pregnant} but it’s hard for us to think
of what life is like living with an STD.”

During the exploration phase of this project
I came to know many characters. After talk-
ing to a large group of males, a certain famil-
* Personas iarity emerged in the form of popular movie

archetypes. These second identities were
brainstormed with the involved participants
and after coming to a general consensus the
following personas were created.
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I collected 16 surveys asking about the
* Scenarios specific circumstances that led to having sex
without a condom. The goal here is to craft
scenarios based on realistic events.
RESPONSE ONE In her bed.
A. Are you male or female? 5. Where were you just before you had sex?
a. Male On her couch.
B. What is your age? 6. Had you been drinking alcohol?
a. 23 Yes, unfortunately a lot which makes for a
C. Are you religious? horrible overall sexual experience.
a. No 7. Did you have direct access to a condom?
D. How many people have you had sexual inter- Nope
course with? 8. Who were you with?
a. Four A long time friend
9. How long had you known this person
prior?
The following questions are in regards to the 10 years
time in which you last had sex without using a 10. Where did you meet this person?
condom? Junior High
11. Describe this person’s persona. What
1. Describe the last time you had sex without do they look like? What clothing brands do
using a condom? How recent? What was the they wear?
circumstance? Blonde hair, brown eyes, attractive, easy to
I was literally sideswiped. Lured in. She told me talk to, very flexible in any situation, ha!
after, that, “Next time you come in town I prom- High-end clothes.
ise I wont seduce you”. This was two months 12. Did you discuss using a condom before
ago. We had small talk all night, yet I did notice having sex? Why / Why not?
we where closer than normal, but none of it No, it just “happened”
had to do with me, it was all her. She sat next 13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histo-
to me, stood next to me and most importantly ries before having sex? Why / Why not?
kept handing me drinks, and I kept drinking No, but after she asked about my ex-girl-
them (root of the poor decision). I thought “how friend and if this was going to complicate
nice, she is my friend”. It was after the party things, (she is good friends with her)
had ended and she was still around. Boom, she 14. How often do you have sex with this
started making out with me. I noticed nothing particular person?
sexual up to this point. I responded with hesita- Only the once.
tion thinking, “Oh, Wow, we just crossed our 15.Do you normally use protection or
friendship boundaries.” This might get weird, but contraception of some form? If so, which do
I kept it up and encouraged her for more. It got you use?
frisky, and I seriously needed a place to sleep that Yes, Trojan.
night, because someone was in my bed. I kept 16. Were you anxious after this particular
telling myself, “no sex”, but my man down stairs event? Worried about an unwanted preg-
would rule the night. nancy or an STD? Why or why not?
2. What was the reason for not using a condom? Yes, very uneasy, because I knew our great
friendship was now going to be awkward. I
played ignorance on the STD and unwanted
* Response 1
pregnancy. “That won’t happen to me.”
17. Did you get tested for an STD after this
event took place? Why or why not?
No, but have checked many places to get
checked. The wait list was almost one
month and a local place. I want peace of
Ignorance, didn’t have one, drunk.
mind. I still haven’t gone, but filling this out
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/
motivates me to go forth and get checked.
Why not?
18. Have you had sex with a different person
Yes, I will never have sex without one again, yet
since this time?
I still haven’t gone out to buy one. First of all I
No.
don’t have sex often so why buy them?, but now
I realize I should buy some for those moments
when lust happens. I still haven’t bought them
though, I feel dirty, like, “Now I am buying these,
that means I have to use them” Almost a bad
curse. I feel dirty, which is quite contradictory.
4. Where were you having sex?
RESPONSE TWO
A. Male
B. 21
C. No
D. 3
The following questions are in regards to the

time in which you last had sex without using
a condom.
1. It was probably a month or two ago. It

was in a shower with my girlfriend of (now)
7 months.
2. We were in the shower and it would have
been a hassle.
3. Yes, I do. Not ready for babies yet.
4. Shower
5. Just in the living room, watching TV
6. Nope
7. If I’d gotten out of the shower, walked to
the dresser, then yes, I guess so.
8. Girlfriend (7months)
9. 8 months
10. @ a cafe in Chicago, through friends on
* Response 2 Facebook.
11. She’s about 5’4, likes dresses, short black
hair, brown eyes, pear-shaped
12. Not that time, it was sort of impromptu.
13. We have before. We’ve also been tested
before to make sure we’re both clean.
14. Several times a week.
15. Usually a non-lubricated Trojan condom
(she’s allergic to their lubricant, so we use
WET water-based lubricant)
16. A little but not too much. She had just
finished her period and I knew she wouldn’t
ovulate for a few more weeks. Also, I pulled
out.
17. No, I trust her.
18. Nope, I try to stay as monogamous as I
can.
RESPONSE THREE
A. Are you male or female? Male
B. What is your age? 22
C. Are you religious? Yes
D. How many people have you had sexual intercourse
with? 3
The following questions are in regards to the time in
which you last had sex without using a condom?
1. Describe the last time you had sex without using a
condom? How recent? What was the circumstance? 3
weeks
ago, no real reason
2. What was the reason for not using a condom?
Didn’t
have to
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/Why
not? Sometimes, I guess it depends on the person, or
whether I’m feeling brave or not
4. Where were you having sex? On a bed
5. Where were you just before you had sex? Living
room
i guess
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? Yes, that time
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? No
8. Who were you with? A friend
9. How long had you known this person prior? Year or
so
10. Where did you meet this person? Through a friend
11. Describe this person’s persona. What do they look
like? What clothing brands do they wear? Man, thats a
lot, just a cool person in general, I don’t care what
anyone wears, so i don’t really look
12. Did you discuss using a condom before having sex?
Why / Why not? Yes, didn’t need it
13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histories
before having sex? Why / Why not? No, don’t know
why
14. How often do you have sex with this particular
person? Very rarely
15.Do you normally use protection or contraception of
some form? If so, which do you use? I don’t mind
condoms, so it all depends
* Response 3
16. Were you anxious after this particular event?
Worried about an unwanted pregnancy or an STD?
Why or
why not? No, don’t need to worry
17. Did you get tested for an STD after this event
took place? Why or why not? No, really don’t think i
need it
18. Have you had sex with a different person since
this time? No
There you go Lynde, hope that helps you out, that is

the weirdest survey i have ever taken. Talk to you
later
Don’t quote me on this. heh.

A. Are you male or female? Female
C. Are you religious? Not really
D. How many people have you had sexual
intercourse with? 1

a condom?
1. Describe the last time you had sex without

using a condom? How recent? What was
the circumstance? Probably about two weeks
ago, with my fiance here at home.
2. What was the reason for not using a con-
dom? Didn’t feel like it
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis?
Why/Why not? We typically use a condom,
but just as a back up. I’m on birth control so
it’s just a safety backup.
4. Where were you having sex? My bedroom
5. Where were you just before you had sex?
The living room
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? No
7. Did you have direct access to a condom?
Yes
8. Who were you with? My fiance
prior? 6 years
10. Where did you meet this person? He
worked for my parents
do they look like? What clothing brands
do they wear? He’s really tall, has blue eyes,
sandy brown hair, a reddish brown gotee
type thing, 3 tattoos on the calf of his left
leg, and he doesn’t wear brand name clothing
12. Did you discuss using a condom before
having sex? Why / Why not? No, because
we’ve been in a relationship for over 4 years
and we’re fairly secure with the birth control,
* Response 4
and neither of us have any STD’s
13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual his-
tories before having sex? Why / Why not?
Well, originally we did. 2 years ago.
14. How often do you have sex with this
particular person? 11 - 15 times a month
15.Do you normally use protection or con-
traception of some form? If so, which do you
use? The pill and usually a condom
16. Were you anxious after this particular
event? Worried about an unwanted preg-
nancy or an STD? Why or why not? Nope,
we were safe
17. Did you get tested for an STD after
this event took place? Why or why not? No
because I knew I didn’t need to
since this time? No
RESPONSE FIVE
A. female
B. 21 years 11 months
C. Yes, I am Methodist and practice but I don’t at-
tend every week due to school and working late
D. 5
1. March 23rd. It was the night before my boyfriend

left for 10 weeks in Afganistan. We were just laing
in bed cuddling and talking.
2. I dont like condoms and either does he.
3. No, they dont work and are less safe than other
means of protection, plus they can cause irration and
allergic reactions.
4. My boyfriend house in bed.
5. I had made us dinner that night, and we watched
two movies, and finished packing his bag prior to
going to bed for the night.
6. No, I dont drink alcohol and he drinks it very
rarely.
7. I believe he has some in his house but no I dont
own any.
8. My boyfriend
9. Over a year
10. We actually meet on line but didnt meet in per-
son for a while after we first started talking.
11. He is structure but simple. Shaves hes head
because it is easiest to take care of for work and the
military. He dresses in jeans and t-shirt all the time,
also tends to wear his military issued boots because
he wears them to work and is use to wearing them.
Although he will wear hes docs or tennis shoes once
in awhile. Besides plain t-shirts, he does wear the
solid or two tone shirts from oldnavy, but no writing
on them. Wears glasses. Average height.
12. No, he knows I don’t like them and so he never
asks me, but if I wanted to I can just ask him to wear
one.
13. Yes, we did discuss history before we started
dating and sometimes it is a topic that comes up
when we run into old dates/people we have been in
relationships with out in public.
* Response 5
14. 4-5 times a month on average
15. I use Tri-Lo birth control. I have never had any
problems with it and I actually used it to regulate my
period when I went through a phase of losing alot of
weight. It wasnt even meant for actual birth control
when I first got it.
16. No, I have never had a pregnancy scare, but
I also make sure to take it every day like you are
suppose to and I also take it around the same time,
between 7-8 am
17.No, I get tested for STD’s when I go for my
yearly exam. I have no need to get tested because we
are in a committed relationship.
18. No.

C. Are you religious? Sort of

with? 4


condom? How recent? What was the circumstance? it was
just kind of random it was september of 05
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/Why

not? yea, dont wanna get preg.
4. Where were you having sex? his room
5. Where were you just before you had sex? talking in the
living room
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? no
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? no
8. Who were you with? friend
9. How long had you known this person prior? 4 years
10. Where did you meet this person? we worked together

like? What clothing brands do they wear?
12. Did you discuss using a condom before having sex?

Why / Why not? no it just happened
* Response 6
13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histories before
having sex? Why / Why not? no
14. How often do you have sex with this particular per-
son? dont anymore

some form? If so, which do you use? yes condoms
16. Were you anxious after this particular event? Worried

about an unwanted pregnancy or an STD? Why or why
not? no i dont really know i wasnt worried
17. Did you get tested for an STD after this event took
place? Why or why not? yes i got put on birth control
18. Have you had sex with a different person since this
time? No
RESPONSE SEVEN goin to classes
A. Are you male or female? Female 6. Had you been drinking alcohol? no
B. What is your age? 21 7. Did you have direct access to a condom?
C. Are you religious? baptism under a yes
AME church (African Methodist Episcopal) but 8. Who were you with? my boyfriend, Jaime
really i dont belong to any church, my religion, 9. How long had you known this person
well i giess im christan i guess prior? 3 years
D. How many people have you had sexual inter- 10. Where did you meet this person? at
course with? 6 school, my frist year in college, umm specifi-
cally in SCAD cafe with Fiona
The following questions are in regards to the do they look like? What clothing brands do
time in which you last had sex without using a they wear? Ha, he handsome, true island boy
condom? look, very clean, built, strong, hold- his- own
kinda of man, clothing, he likes name brand,
1. Describe the last time you had sex without Sean John mostly, and Roca Wear, stuff liek
using a condom? How recent? What was the that
circumstance? Last time i had sex without a 12. Did you discuss using a condom before
condom was around Dec. 24-26, and the cir- having sex? Why / Why not? Yes, so that
cumstances were that there was none, i was fine i can feel safe and comfortable and se-
afterwards. I dont feel different but i know i cure with my own body and secure for my
have to see a doctor for my long over due female partner’s health and body as well
check-up. 13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual
2. What was the reason for not using a condom? histories before having sex? Why / Why
I been with my boyfriend for 3 years and we both not? Yes, he told me hes been with only his
trust each other and love each other (u know the past girlfriend of 10 years and like one other
whole story), i also have other prrotection, i been person, if i remebered thjat correctly
on the birth control pill since i been with him, 14. How often do you have sex with this
since 3 years. particular person? when i was with him,
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/ mostly everyday or every other day, maybe 1
Why not? In the beginning of our relationship or 2 times a day, 7 days of the week.
we did, but No, since i only been with my boy- 15.Do you normally use protection or con-
friend, we have i guess gotten to a comfortable traception of some form? If so, which do you
part of our relationship where were safe with each use? yes Birth control, Orthro-Tri-Cycle
other and we dont fool around with anyone else 16. Were you anxious after this particular
4. Where were you having sex? first time at hios event? Worried about an unwanted preg-
palce, most of the time at my place nancy or an STD? Why or why not? Yes,
5. Where were you just before you had sex? this of course, im a woman who is at risk of
question is weird.... running my daily errans and basically every disease, pregnancy, and STD,
i quickly mad a female appointment, took
a pregnancy test and began taking birth
control
* Response 7
event took place? Why or why not? umm
yes, when i went to my female check-up for
the year
since this time? yes, Thanksgiving, didnt
have protection,r eally drunk, and early
March 2007, had protection, also drunk and
hig, nothing happen, he didnt cum cause
he was really high, havent been tested, sooo
kinds scared after answerin allt hese ques-
tion, must go and crawl under a rock now, if
u need any more answer then facebook me.
love ya hope all is well

RESPONSE EIGHT 9. How long had you known this person prior?
- ive known him for 3 years, dated for 1.5
B. What is your age? 22 10. Where did you meet this person?
C. Are you religious? Sort of - At a poker game.
D. How many people have you had sexual inter-
course with? 3 11. Describe this person’s persona. What do they
look like? What clothing brands do they wear?
- He’s short and sweet. Green eyes brown hair.
The following questions are in regards to the time He wears diesel, ben sherman, brooklyn indus-
in which you last had sex without using a condom? tries and anything that fits him well.
1. Describe the last time you had sex without using 12. Did you discuss using a condom before hav-
a condom? How recent? What was the circum- ing sex? Why / Why not?
stance? - Not this time, we had this conversation a long
- About 3 weeks ago. time a go.
2. What was the reason for not using a condom? 13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histories
- I’m allergic to latex. before having sex? Why / Why not?
- Yes. I think it is important before having sex,
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/ especially unprotected sex to know about your
Why not? partner’s sexual history.
- No. I am allergic to latex and highly sensitive to
lubricants. 14. How often do you have sex with this par-
ticular person?
4. Where were you having sex? - Long distance relationship so maybe eight
- On a bed. times ever three months.
5. Where were you just before you had sex? 15.Do you normally use protection or contra-
- having lunch. ception of some form? If so, which do you use?
- I am on BC.
6. Had you been drinking alcohol?
- no 16. Were you anxious after this particular event?
Worried about an unwanted pregnancy or an
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? STD? Why or why not?
- no. - No.
8. Who were you with? 17. Did you get tested for an STD after this
- my boyfriend event took place? Why or why not?
- Sould have but did not. Have been tested be-
fore. Visited gynocologist 3 months afterwards
and said all was well.
* Response 8 18. Have you had sex with a different person

since this time?
- Nope.
RESPONSE NINE

using a condom? It used to be a common
occurence in a past relationship
How recent? That was 3 years ago
What was the circumstance?
dom? The girl demanded it not be used
Yes Why/Why not? Protection from preg-
nancy
4. Where were you having sex? Maanheim,
Germany and Bloomington, IL
Many times after a night out
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? Most
times
7. Did you have direct access to a
condom?Yes
8. Who were you with? Girlfriend
prior? 6 months
10. Where did you meet this person? At my
parents house
do they look like? German, 5’11” Blonde
slender What clothing brands do they wear?
Typical german fashion
having sex? Yes, we did in the beginning
Why / Why not?
13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual
histories before having sex? Yes Why / Why
not? There is no way I would not have sex
without a condom without knowing history
particular person? We saw each other for a
about a week every 2 months or so
traception of some form? Yes If so, which do
you use? condom
* Response 9
event? No Worried about an unwanted
pregnancy or an STD? No Why or why not?
Because she had a clean history, 1 prior both
virgins, the same as me. and she was on
contraception medication.
17. Did you get tested for an STD after
this event took place? No Why or why not?
Didn’t feel the need
since this time? Yes

RESPONSE TEN 9. How long had you known this person
A. Are you male or female? prior?
female 6 years
B. What is your age? 10. Where did you meet this person?
21 school- through other friends.
C. Are you religious? 11. Describe this person’s persona. What do
no they look like? What clothing brands do they
D. How many people have you had sexual inter- wear?
course with? singer/songwriter causla jeans and t-shirt an
2 artist.
The following questions are in regards to the time having sex? Why / Why not?
in which you last had sex without using a condom? We always used condoms when having sex-
but once we were in the moment we both
1. Describe the last time you had sex without using realized we were out and di not want to stop.
a condom? How recent? What was the circum- 13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histo-
stance? ries before having sex? Why / Why not?
I was 17 at the time. I was with a steady boyfriend; yes- we had known one another 6 years prior
he had only had sex with one person previous to and had been exclusive with one another for 4
me and she was a virgin. months before this incident.
2. What was the reason for not using a condom? 14. How often do you have sex with this
we each did not have one. particular person?
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/ several times a week for 7 months.
Why not? 15.Do you normally use protection or con-
Yes. It is risky- people aren’t always honest about traception of some form? If so, which do you
their sexual history or getting tested. Also- i read use?
at some point somewhere around 85% of hetro- I am on depo provera and we used condoms.
sexual men cheat on their partners. 16. Were you anxious after this particular
4. Where were you having sex? event? Worried about an unwanted pregnancy
at my house in my bedroom. or an STD? Why or why not?
5. Where were you just before you had sex? no. I wasn’t worried about pregnancy because
at my house in the living room. I was on birth control. At the time I though
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? he had only been with one other person and
no. she was a virigin so I really wasn’t concerned
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? with STDs either.
no- we had sex with one earlier in the night and 17. Did you get tested for an STD after this
both were out. event took place? Why or why not?
8. Who were you with? yes- because many people are dishonest. I
my boyfriend. think everyone from all circumstances should
at least be tested at their yearly exam.
since this time?
* Response 10
yes.
RESPONSE ELEVEN 10. Where did you meet this person?
a bar
A. Are you male or female? male 11. Describe this person’s persona. What do
B. What is your age? 22 they look like? What clothing brands
C. Are you religious? Yes do they wear?
D. How many people have you had sexual inter- She’s a sorority girl...wears mostly designer
course with? 2 labels
The following questions are in regards to the time in 12. Did you discuss using a condom before hav-
which you last had sex ing sex? Why / Why not?
without using a condom?
Not this particular time.
1. Describe the last time you had sex without using a 13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histories
condom? How recent? What before having sex? Why / Why
was the circumstance? not?
This morning with my girlfriend. Circumstances.... Yeah we talked about it when we first got to-
who doesn’t wanna have sex gether. Curiosity mostly
first thing in the morning? 14. How often do you have sex with this par-
2. What was the reason for not using a condom? ticular person?
She’s on the pill, and I’m a badass.
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? Why/ Frequently
Why not? 15.Do you normally use protection or contra-
No, she’s on the pill ception of some form? If so, which do
4. Where were you having sex? you use?
Shower
5. Where were you just before you had sex? The pill
Bed 16. Were you anxious after this particular event?
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? Worried about an unwanted
Not that early in the morning. I usually try and wait pregnancy or an STD? Why or why not?
until noon
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? I sometimes worry about pregnancy, because I
would have to go Scott Peterson on
I was wearing two on my feet to keep from getting her ass.
athlete’s foot in the shower.
You can never be too safe. 17. Did you get tested for an STD after this
8. Who were you with? event took place? Why or why not?
Me, my girlfriend
9. How long had you known this person prior? I have been tested prior to being with her...and
2 years she was supposedly a
virgin...so let’s hope that’s true.
* Response 11
since this time? Nope
Pardon the sarcasm....got to amuse myself
somehow.
Hope the project is going well.

RESPONSE TWELVE
A. Are you male or female? male

C. Are you religious? no
with? 3


condom? Oral Sex
How recent? 6 months ago
What was the circumstance? Having sex with my girl-
friend, but we never used a condom for Oral Sex
2. What was the reason for not using a condom? We had
both been tested for STDs and were clean.
3. Do you use a condom on a regular basis? yes
Why/Why not? don’t want any shorties yet, and especially
don’t want any STDs
4. Where were you having sex? dorm room
5. Where were you just before you had sex? same
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? yes
8. Who were you with? my girlfriend
9. How long had you known this person prior? two and a
half years
10. Where did you meet this person? an art class at college
like? 5’8”, brown hair, punk in attitude, preppy in dress, in
medium shape (not extremely fit, but not out of shape)
What clothing brands do they wear? mostly preppy, ba-
nana republic, limited,
12. Did you discuss using a condom before having sex? yes
Why / Why not? because we both used a condom always
(except for oral sex)
13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histories before
having sex? yes. we were dating and wanted to get every-
thing out in the open
Why / Why not? we both wondered about each other’s
* Response 12
past in general. so we spilled all the beans.
14. How often do you have sex with this particular person?
never again.
some form? yes
If so, which do you use? protection.
16. Were you anxious after this particular event? no
Worried about an unwanted pregnancy or an STD? no
and no.
Why or why not?we had both been tested and it was oral
sex
17. Did you get tested for an STD after this event took
place? no
Why or why not? it is expensive, I’m pretty sure I’m clean
(as sure as anyone can be), and I haven’t had any symp-
toms.
18. Have you had sex with a different person since this
time? No
RESPONSE THIRTEEN

using a condom? How recent? What was the
circumstance
she had it in her dresser drawer, at her place.
dom?
I did use one/it broke, not latex, something else
not as strong...
Why/Why not?
I dont get the chance...
4. Where were you having sex?
her place
at the Jinx
6. Had you been drinking alcohol?
Yes
she had it, not me
8. Who were you with?
9. How long had you known this person prior?
a couple of years
10. Where did you meet this person?
school
11. Describe this person’s persona. What do
they look like? What clothing brands do they
wear?
having sex? Why / Why not?
yes, because it is safer,,, only once we initiated
before having sex? Why / Why not?
no, akward...
14. How often do you have sex with this par-
ticular person?
once
15.Do you normally use protection or contra-
ception of some form? If so, which do you use?
yes, condoms, and the girls usually have pills.
* Response 13
sometimes not, which is scarrier
event? Worried about an unwanted pregnancy
or an STD? Why or why not?
no,
event took place? Why or why not?
no, saw no reason, it is just a pain in the but to
go get tested, takes the fun out of it, dont like
going to doctors for issues of this sort, girls is
easier, they have doctors for issues like this,,,
(your dad)
since this time?
No

RESPONSE FOURTEEN
A. Are you male or female? female

C. Are you religious? yes
D. How many people have you had sexual
intercourse with? 7

a condom?

using a condom? How recent? What was
the circumstance? 2 months ago, with my
boyfriend, I’m on birth control
dom? we don’t like them, and i’m on the pill
Why/Why not? no
4. Where were you having sex? bed
at a movie
yes
8. Who were you with? my boyfriend
prior? about a year
10. Where did you meet this person? at a
club
do they look like? What clothing brands
do they wear? he’s 6’4”, big guy, maybe 300
lbs?, goatee, black hair, he wears comfortable
clothes
having sex? Why / Why not? when i started
using birth control, we decided together that
it wasn’t necessary anymore
13. Did you discuss each other’s sexual histo-
* Response 14
ries before having sex? Why / Why not? yes
particular person? yes
traception of some form? If so, which do you
use? birth control
event? Worried about an unwanted preg-
nancy or an STD? Why or why not? no
event took place? Why or why not? yes, be-
cause the hospital did it when I had surgery
since this time? no
RESPONSE FIFTEEN
A. Are you male or female? Yes

C. Are you religious? Yes
course with? 1
The following questions are in regards to the time

in which you last had sex without using a condom?
1. Describe the last time you had sex without using

a condom? How recent? What was the circum-
stance? 6 years ago, young and stupid were basically
the circumstances
again...dumb, didn’t plan it...
Why not? No, there’s no much sex going on... ha!!
4. Where were you having sex? My house
5. Where were you just before you had sex? Movies,
dinner, a party
6. Had you been drinking alcohol? No
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? No
8. Who were you with? My boyfriend
9. How long had you known this person prior? 3
years
10. Where did you meet this person? School
11. Describe this person’s persona. What do they
look like? What clothing brands do they wear?
Tall, built, dark...mexican. Brands... prepy latin boy
clothes mostly, nautica, massimo, benneton, zara,
banana, gap, lacoste, ralph lauren.
12. Did you discuss using a condom before having
sex? Why / Why not? No. I didn’t like him having
one because I felt he was planning for something
to happen, and it was always “the last time”... again,
dumb, weak mostly.
before having sex? Why / Why not? Yes. We both
knew it was eachother’s first and only partner.
* Response 15
person? I don’t
15.Do you normally use protection or contraception
of some form? If so, which do you use? No
Worried about an unwanted pregnancy or an STD?
Why or why not? I was terrified, not about STDs
but about pregnancy and just the idea of it, being so
religious and all.
took place? Why or why not? Yes, becuase I took a
lifeguard course and it was required. but otherwise
I wouldn’t have, becuase I was sure he didn’t have
anything.
this time? No

RESPONSE SIXTEEN
A. Are you male or female?---Male

B. What is your age?----22
C. Are you religious?----Nope
course with?----11
The following questions are in regards to the time

in which you last had sex without using a condom?
1. Describe the last time you had sex without using

a condom? How recent? What was the circum-
stance?
----few days ago with my girlfriend, she was
drunk and just did not care, we put a condom on
halfway through the event

she was drunk and I was not thinking
Why not?---normall, normally put one on after a
minute or so
4. Where were you having sex? gf ’s bed
5. Where were you just before you had sex? down-
town
6. Had you been drinking alcohol?yes
7. Did you have direct access to a condom? yes
8. Who were you with? gf
9. How long had you known this person prior?14
months
10. Where did you meet this person?lacoste
11. Describe this person’s persona. What do they
look like? What clothing brands do they wear? she
is modest, not skinny but not overweight, careful
about the way she presents herself, cares alot what
people think of her
12. Did you discuss using a condom before having
sex? Why / Why not?sometimes, normally have
one nearby
before having sex? Why / Why not? kind of, I was
* Response 16 very open about mine and she was not open about
hers
person? once/twice a week
15.Do you normally use protection or contracep-
tion of some form? If so, which do you use?-----
birth control and condoms
Worried about an unwanted pregnancy or an
STD? Why or why not? not really, frequency
breeds apathy
took place? Why or why not? nope same reason as
above
this time?nope
At around 12:00 a.m. they head to the bar.
The bar is packed and there are lots of ladies.
The guys usually drink Bud Light, PBR,
or whatever’s cheapest, but the influence of
ladies leads towards Rolling Rock.
The other boys begin mingling with people

at the bar.
Pat begins dancing with a girl he’s known

for a short while. He knows she has liked
him for some time and he’s having a good
time.
Lloyd starts trying to talk to a girl that he

thinks is good looking.
Mitch is hanging out with a girl he knows

from class.
Scenario: Lloyd, Patrick, Colin, and Mitch
go out tonight. 2 hours later, Colin and his girlfriend decide
to head out, which means they must take the
Three of the guys live together, and Lloyd car. Mitch, Lloyd, and Pat are now respon-
lives on his own. sible for finding a way back to their homes.
Lloyd gets word that a large group of Everyone at the bar continues to drink.
friends are headed to the local bar tonight.
He calls his friend Mitch to let them know Pat leaves with the girl he’s been dancing
that there are going to be a ton of girls at with and invites her into his apartment.
this particular bar tonight. They go to his apartment, and he invites her
to come inside. They go to his room, and
It’s about 9:00 p.m. he asks her if she wants to watch a movie.
They put a movie on and without speaking
Lloyd gets ready, takes a shower at all about sexual history or about using a
condom-they have unprotected sex. All he
At around 10:30 p.m. Lloyd goes over to knows is that she’s on the pill and he’s not
Mitch’s apartment to hang out and drink worried about the possibility of a pregnancy.
some beer before they go out to the bars..
They watch ESPN, Cartoon Network, and Colin and his girlfriend go back to her
Comedy Central. apartment and have sex without a condom
because they ran out last week and haven’t
been back to the store yet. They’re not wor-
* Scenario ried about STDs, but the next morning they

become paranoid about the possibility of a
pregnancy.
Mitch ends up making out with the girl that

he met in one of the bedrooms at the bar;
he tries to go further. They walk back to her
house and have unprotected sex. Neither one
of them discussed sexual histories; Mitch
didn’t have a condom on him so he decided
that pulling out was a suitable option.
Lloyd ends up walking home drunk at 3 in

the morning.

The modeling session highlighted a number of
breakdowns.
*Parents are rarely talking to their kids about sex.

*When / if they do, it is brief and it’s during time
that is “set aside”. It’s “the talk” and no one wants
to listen to “the talk”.
*Our culture is uncomfortable verbally talking

about sex, yet it dominates our culture. The irony
and dichotomy of this message is confusing the hell
out of everyone.
*Rarely are sexually active people getting screened

for STDs. And those that are, do not get screened
nearly enough.
*Sporadic “hook-ups” don’t happen frequently

enough for single men to keep a consistent supply
of condoms. It seems that men with girlfriends
* Models are the only demagraphic with a steady supply. {the

expiration date seems to be a big concern}
*Getting Drunk is a big issue. Everyone has

brought this up, and mentioned that it “impairs
judgment”. Whether or not it truly does, everyone
uses this as some form of reasoning or excuse to
have unprotected sex.
*Condoms are expensive, inconvenient to get ahold

of, and the purchasing experience is awful.
* Some men have linked carrying condoms to some

form of subconcious pressure.
*Random hook-ups or casual sex in general, lacks

any form of planning-therefore, rarely does anyone
pick up condoms before they begin engaging in
sexual contact.
*2 people will have casual sex. Then “think” about

talking about sexual history, whether or not they
have an STD or have been tested. Rarely does this
talk ever occurr afterwards. It never seems to occur
beforehand, unless in older participants 26-30.
*Rarely do casual sex partners discuss anything

related to these topics. And this is the demagraphic
most at risk, and most responsible for spreading
STDs.
*Almost everyone has expressed dissatisfaction with

the condom as a product.
*Sex Ed in school successfully informs kids what

people look like after they have an STD, and suc-
cessfully create scared students. Horny kids that are
scared of contracting an STD or getting pregnant
will still have sex.
The data modeling session included pouring over one place to another.
the interviews and contextual inquiry facts, and * Trustworthy: final design must convince the user
really trying to draw conclusions from the infor- that the product and information provided are
mation generated by participant anecdotes, ideas, trustworthy sources.
quotes, and feelings about the subject matter. * Effective Information: Information that can be
accessed / or relayed as seamlessly as possible.
A rough draft of Needs, Wants, and Desires was * Pragmatism: final design must exhibit utter
crafted in order to produce a list of possible design pragmatism in its approach due to the behavioral
opportunities. obstacles the domain entails.
Needs Wants
* Barrier Method: final design must include some * Connection to Support: final design could en-
form of barrier method to prevent the spread of hance knowledge, advise, or provide assistance to
STDs. The {male / female} condom is the main case by case questions.
option at this point.
* Intersection of Interpersonal Sphere: apply the
* Inexpensive: final design must be economically knowledge before the opportunity for casual,
achievable to the masses. unprotected sex occurs. Therefore, the design and
information are preventative, rather than a form of
* Accessible: final design must be easily obtained, treatment.
eliminating the need for the user to go out of his
or her way to access it. This aspect focuses on tar- * Personality: final design should have some form
geting a context that is congruent to the persona’s of brand identity that lends a relaxed personality,
lifestyle. in order to balance the weighty issues at hand.
* Portable: final design must be able to survive in

the pocket or wallet, able to be transferred from

Desires
* The method will enhance the experience rather than interfere with it.
* Frame the sexual experience positively through smart behavior; not to be confused with promot-
ing nor condemning casual sexual encounters. Mainly stating that if the opportunity strikes, and one
finds themselves in a certain position, handle the circumstance with as much intelligence as possible.
* Provoke more thought and self-reflection about sexual behavior. This is ultimately in hopes to allow
users to make more cognitively deliberate actions.

Possible
Solutions
* Web environment that allows individu-
als anonymous, uncensored access to smart,
personable information. This could possibly
be tied into a product or brand experience to
deliver a succinct message.
* A Web 2.0 dedicated to an anonymous

atmosphere of the sexually active, which can
relay as much knowledge to each other as
* Concept
possible. By including medical profession-
als, one could make the site an open tutorial
for treating certain STDs, and providing a
learning tool via personal experiences.
* Redesigning the packaging of the condom.
* Redesigning the point of purchase for the

condom.
* Redesign the condom itself.
* Creating a toolkit for parents to use in

order to spark more holistic discussions
regarding sex, sexuality, and sexual behavior.
* Designing a method of some form to link

the chasm between knowledge and behav-
ior. Design ways to make information more
provocative, and live closer to an individual’s
idea of risk assessment and associated be-
haviors.
* Design the scenario of use for at home

STD testing, whose technology is currently
under intense development. Take the scien-
tific process and design it to be user friendly
on a physical and emotional level.
* Design some form of advertising that

merges condom and alcohol manufacturers.
The final product could live as closely as pos-
sible to the context that precedes the event
of casual, unprotected sex.
Brand Analysis
The idea of a marketing campaign was chosen as After realizing that once individuals in a
the design opportunity to develop. This was because room have a catalyst to utilize in order to
it lends the greatest opportunity to speak to an indi- spark discussion about sexuality, this triggers
vidual in the critical time that he or she is develop- dynamic and prolonged conversation. The
ing a relationship that is most apt to lead to sexual flexibility and personality of a brand persona
interaction. is the optimal catalyst for both pragmatic and
evocative information delivery, especially when
It became clear that most individuals understand, it is attached to the very product that many
on a basic level, the risk they are taking by having participants state is a major facet of sexual
sex without a condom. However, the cultural as- interactions: alcohol.
sociations and what is considered okay and not okay
to bring up prior to engaging in the act, hinders the Various beer and alcohol brands were re-
progression of speaking openly about sexual history searched in order to find the most congruent
and condom use when it is needed.
personality to speak to young college students, as After visiting the websites of brands produced
well as a brand identity that is smart, funny, and by companies such as Anheuser Busch, Miller
has the capability to deliver frank and edgy state- Brewing Company, Guinness, and lesser known
ments required to deliver a provocative nature. breweries, it was decided that Rolling Rock was
the brand identity that had the most potential
A graphic design student was heavily involved in delivering this message with both class and
in this phase of the project due to the man- humor, and further paralleled the lifestyle and
ner in which the project was going to manifest culture of a college student.
itself. Attaching information and a condom to Rolling Rock’s advertising themes and style
a beer bottle was the initial premise. The task were analyzed by reviewing the online pres-
soon became how to do this in a manner that ence, watching a collection of old and new ad
was sophisticated, sharp, entertaining, and would campaigns on YouTube.com, and by purchasing
ultimately imprint in a user’s mind. a beer at a bar and other packaging styles at a
liquor store.
Generation
The next step involved writing down the themes about his penis. When these two ideas were cross
found throughout the research and an intense referenced, we began thinking about ludicrous
amount of free association. The idea was to titles that would reframe the condom, and hope-
bring poignant information to the consumer, but fully reframe its associations in the mind’s eye.
disguised as much as possible by humor, irony,
and cultural ideas.
The Rolling Rock campaign included a farce

called the man thong. During interviews, it was
very common for a male participant to replace
a literary analogy of some form when speaking SmartSex Lynde Kintner Interaction Studio Spring 07
* Development
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The design sought to maintain as little cost to 1. Because giving her something means you’ve ru-
the manufacturer as possible, and the manifes- ined your chances with her friend.
tation was an attachment to the bottle. This 2. Because pulling out sucks.
makes no demand on the manufacturer to
reprint bottles or packaging designs. Further- 3. Because a condom is cheaper than child support.
more, the attachment must be separate from
4. Because you might be related.
the six-pack and 12-pack containers due to the
temperature constraints. These items are being 5. Because how about you think about someone else
shipped in refrigerated trucks, and the condom besides yourself for once, asshole!
would deteriorate due to the temperature and
6. Because you’re not a human Petri dish.
nature of the transportation. This also keeps
the idea very versatile in regards to application 7. Because your dad didn’t.
with other beer brands, and also inhibits the
propagation of Rolling Rock as the “condom 8. Because she’s sleeping with you.
beer.” Because their regular packaging has not 9. Because if you think a condom interrupts the
been disturbed, their brand is not vulnerable to mood, think about what a 3 yr old could do.
malignant manipulation or stigmatization.
10. Because without one you’ll finish in 30 seconds.
Reason #’s 11. Because you’re hooking up in a bar.
12. Because the diaphragm went out in the 80s.

Male participants were asked to submit
reasons to wear a condom in laymen’s terms. 13. Because if he can’t remember a condom, how’s
These are some of the responses collected he going to remember your name.
from a variety of males ages 20-23.
14. Because going to prom for a second time will
suck.
15. Because you can’t afford to treat 2 STDs.
16. Because she might have slept with me.
17. Because you know you are both lying.

The “Man Shield” was the most optimal verbal 18. Because if you can’t remember to take your vita-
solution. The theme of the advertising was mins, how are you going to remember to take your
Valtrex.
first focused around the idea of a syndrome, yet
another play on pop culture and the number 19. Because peeing feels better when it doesn’t burn.
of ludicrous syndromes that are advertised on
television. The idea of the syndrome was to vic- 20. Because spending money on antibiotics means
less money for beer.
timize the male genital in order to get males to
think about the risks involved, the postulate be- 21. Because let’s face it: You make bad choices.
ing that if one personifies the penis, of greatest
anatomical value to most males, they will act on 22. Because you don’t like each other enough to get
married.
its behalf instead of their own. Symptoms of
the syndrome were then produced: i.e. Do you 23. Because puss coming out of your penis is never
find yourself getting fresh with a female friend a “funny story”.
without the use of a man shield?
24. Because getting tested shouldn’t be a first date.
We presented this concept to a variety of males 25. Because there are STDs they haven’t named yet.
with mixed reviews. Once they understood
the idea, most thought it was funny, yet the 26. Because 2 words: Shotgun Wedding.
idea was too cumbersome, and therefore lost 27. Because beer goggles don’t apply to STDs.
any and all power. Plus, the idea is to attach
information that would make an individual use 28. Because a rash is never a turn on.
a condom, and this lost that specific focus.
29. Because an STD smells worse than a condom.
The next exercise was to talk to males and ask 30. Because genitals are ugly enough as it is.
them, “If you were going to convince your
friend to wear a condom, what would you tell 31. Because speed bumps should only apply to
roads.
him?” This developed into a large amount of
reasons to wear a condom that all derive from 32. Because she could have been with stupid.
humor and irony, and are delivered in laymen’s
terms. Because most of these statements are 33. Because she’s not asking you to put one on.
generated from males ages 20-23, they are the
most culturally relevant to the target demo-
graphic, and should have optimal impact.
Product testing was conducted at a local bar that is
known to attract the target demographic: college
males 21-24. The bartenders were given 30 product
tags earlier in the night, and when the crowd swelled
around midnight the first twelve pack was handed
out. The bartender offered random individuals a free
Rolling Rock with the attachment placed on the beer
bottle. They did not speak about why they were be-
ing given away or what the tag was.
Myself and a few classmates watched for a minute

and wrote down initial reactions. Then, I began ap-
proaching individuals to survey them about the prod-
uct, their thoughts, and reactions to the idea. Once
a large enough group of new individuals entered the
bar, another round was given away. There were three
sessions in total that began around midnight and
ended around 1:45 a.m.
The original idea was to have the beer tag as well as

an informational website and full on ad campaign.
* Testing The findings this night drastically altered this plan.
The foremost finding was that very few individu-

als said they would be interested, let alone visit the
website. The one individual who spoke excitedly
about visiting, expressed that he would mainly be
going to look up other numbered reasons to use a
condom. Other than that, most people expressed
that they would not remember to go to the site, and
did not feel that they lacked that much information
about the subject.
Thus, the idea of the website was scrapped and the

top 3 facts that participants noted as being extremely
important were included on the back.
Participants also noted the idea of overkill. Most

guys spoke about not advertising the promotion in a
widespread manner such as print ads and other sup-
porting forms of marketing because it might become
self-conscious when ordering a Rolling Rock. If the
campaign uses the subtlety of being doled out in the
bar and under the radar word of mouth, the cam-
paign might retain more edge and maintain interest.
Findings
Because of the nature of the bar environment
and the level of drunkenness later in the evening,
the survey was very short, simple, and the final
question is a frank way of asking the participant
if they answered in earnest. Originally the survey
was going to be included with the tag and asked
to be completed on one’s own; however, I felt that
it was too important to speak with the individuals
face to face and get more detailed reactions and
opinions about the project, that cannot be encap-
sulated in such a short survey.
Quotations
“It makes you want to
keep it.”
“The more you get, the

more interested you are in
seeing more.”
“I’m gonna hold onto it...

frame it. It’s hilarious!”
“It’s hysterical...but scary.”
“It was hilarious...I’m gon-

na keep mine. I thought it
was real, I’m puting this up
on Facebook.”
“There’s just enough

information.”
“It’s kinda like a joke, so

it’s funny, but it definitely
makes you keep thinking
about it.”
“It’s kinda like a joke, so

it’s funny, but it definitely
makes you keep thinking
about it.”
But will
you use it?
“Hell yea, big time.”
“Definitely...If I got the

chance to, for sure.”
“Because it’s in my pocket

now, yea of course I would
use it.”

* Final
A user, Greg, goes out to get a drink.
* Scenario
Greg finds and walks into a bar.
Greg orders a Rolling Rock and is surprised to find

something attached to the bottle when he receives it.
He takes a quick drink, and reads the contents of “What? I’m intrigued.”
the tag.
He reads the information on the back. The facts Hmm...a condom. I can put this in my pocket. I
are a little shocking. “I didn’t know this.” doubt I’ll need it tonight, but who knows.
He then reads the #2 reason why he should wear He strikes up a conversation with a girl at the bar, and
a condom and laughs out loud. they discuss the contents of the tag. He puts the tag in
his pocket, he’s putting it on his fridge.

In summary, the final design works to ad-
dress the following issues found during the
research and synthesis project cycles:
Logistics:
The acquisition of condoms is a challenge
to most individuals. The organization and
planning required are only half of the prob-
lem. The other half deals with the cultural
pressures that one encounters when purchas-
ing condoms, which make the experience
altogether unpleasant. The expiration and
temperamental packaging coupled with the
sporadic occurrence of casual sex produce
a major obstacle between the user and a
condom. By physically placing a condom
in the user’s hand by way of a product the
individual was apt to buy in the first place,
makes this transaction fully parallel to the
user’s lifestyle.
* Conclusion Information
The conclusion made after the interviews
were completed is that individuals are fully
capable of informing themselves about
STDs by a simple search online. Certain
participants, who cited an STD phobia,
spoke at length about web resources and
the abundance of information. The prob-
lem is not having an outlet for information,
but having a trusted, and frank source of
information that has been edited for reten-
tion. The top three items were selected after
speaking at length with the participants, and
noting which topics of discussion were the
most shocking to them, and those which
they had no prior exposure to.
Humor
Most individuals will not seek out informa-
tion on STDs, especially if they are engaging
in risky behavior because it is a frightening
topic to confront. Furthermore, most indi-
viduals do not have an appropriate catalyst
to utilize to spark discussion in a social
setting. By allowing humor to navigate the
delivery of culturally relevant reasoning, the
catalyst is not only created, but the topic
now becomes less scary and cumbersome.
Alcohol
Finally using it to a direct advantage. Most
interview participants noted alcohol’s nega-
tive affect on their judgment. Findings also
pointed out the power of alcohol to lead to
interpersonal bravery and detailed discus-
sions that might never have occurred if alco-
hol had not been an influence. Therefore, by
presenting the topic of sexuality and sexual
behavior in tandem with the alcohol that
individuals are consuming, this has a direct
impact on conversation and its subject mat-
ter. The idea is to spark discussion, because
the verbalization allows individuals to not
only confront the link between knowledge
and their behavior, but it also allows reflec-
tion.
Proximity to Context
Most participants understood the benefits
of a condom; however, very little used the
product in accordance with the knowl-
edge they held regarding its necessity and
the prevalence of STDs. The participants
innately secluded themselves from any
perceived risk, and there are several hy-
potheses for this. One in particular is
that we have learned these ideas in a static
classroom setting, which naturally separates
the student from the subject being taught.
Furthermore, we understand more about
the context and long term affects of STDs
than the context and manner in which they
are distinctly transmitted from one person
to another. Finally, the jovial atmosphere of
any bar or club makes it easy to forget that
real risks exist. Because the product exists
in such close proximity to the domain of
casual sexual acts, it resounds long enough in
the user’s mind to have an affect on behav-
ior. Ultimately, the combination of frank,
factual information, with humorous cultural
reasoning targets both the logical and illogi-
cal aspects of an individual that govern the
choices that they make regarding personal
sexual behavior.
Thank You.

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