"Before embarking on this project, our group carefully selected the location based on specific criteria:

 

1. Accessibility: The location should be in close proximity to our school for easy access.

2. Observation: It should offer an indoor environment where we can observe for extended periods, typically around three hours.

3. Seating: Adequate seating should be available to accommodate our group as we conduct our observations.

4. Size: A smaller space was preferred to ensure a more focused study.

 

With these considerations in mind, we decided on Starbucks, located next to Union Square. Initially, I was somewhat apprehensive as I hadn't been part of the initial discussion and assumed Starbucks would be a well-known and mundane choice. However, I understood the importance of respecting the group's decision.

 

As I contemplated my approach, I questioned whether I would find anything noteworthy while simply taking notes about people's activities. However, as I engaged in the process, I discovered that even simple actions, movements, and conversations within everyday life can be intriguing, sparking curiosity about the stories hidden behind these behaviors.

 

Over the course of several visits, I employed various methods, such as photography with my iPhone and observation using my iPad, to capture details of each customer's behavior. This process led me to contemplate user experiences, the use of space, and how individuals adapt it for various purposes, including using chairs as makeshift beds or repurposing tables to hold clothing.

 

Taking photos discreetly without making people uncomfortable was a challenge. At the same time, it was interesting to observe people who were unaware that they were being watched. I found myself transforming into an observer, viewing the world with both subjective and objective perspectives, documenting people's actions and forming subjective ideas and fantasies about their next moves.

 

Over time, a pattern emerged - a sort of 'universal pattern' within Starbucks. Regular customers followed a familiar sequence of entering, ordering, finding a seat, eating and drinking, possibly visiting the bathroom, and leaving. Newcomers, on the other hand, displayed a different pattern that included glancing around for seating, locating the order area, and then proceeding to order.

 

Despite the seemingly uniform routine of sitting, eating, and staring at screens, there were subtle differences, such as clothing, common items, and beverage choices. Notably, Starbucks is a space where people exhibit diverse behaviors, including interactions with strangers.

 

During my visits, I felt the need to observe in greater detail, reminiscent of Michel Foucault's notion of 'discipline' in 'The Practice of Everyday Life.' Starbucks, in itself, seemed to embody a form of 'power' through its organization of details and the shaping of behaviors. The establishment subtly dictates where tables should be placed, where trash bins and condiments are located, and even the arrangement of chairs. 

 

This experience made me ponder the relationship between capitalism and our behaviors, considering whether our actions are molded by the spaces we inhabit or if we shape those spaces ourselves. Starbucks, for instance, provides comfort and convenience, but it is worth contemplating whether we influence its setup or it influences our behaviors. It's a mutual influence.

 

Throughout this project, I uncovered the intricate nature of seemingly simple actions and behaviors. The more I contemplated these actions, the more complex they appeared. I recognized that each action carries a story, and it's possible to discern the emotions, intentions, and meanings behind them.

 

While this experience heightened my awareness of details in everyday life, it also left me feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the wealth of information around us. However, it was a valuable experience that shifted my perspective. 

 

In the future, I aspire to collect and analyze information in various spaces to inform strategic designs that enhance convenience and efficiency. This project also prompts me to explore the dynamics of power and influence in the realm of capitalism.

 

One of my regrets is that I did not approach anyone during the observations, leaving room for the reader's imagination. However, in future projects, I plan to engage more directly with individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences."