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Selected Business Article

Productivity hack: Secrets of getting more done at workhttp://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20140123-steal-these-productivity-tricks

Erica Layne Professor Klinkowstein

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20140123-steal-these-productivity-tricks

Related Pictures


Summarizing Points

How to stay alert and productive when you’re tired yet busy:

• Take 10-30 minute power naps• Know when you’re most productive• Empty your inbox• Establish priorities


Observational Social Circumstance

Students doing work in the library during the afternoon.


Ethnographic Research

Observation 1: Two women talking. Second floor of the library.


Ethnographic Research Observations

Observation 1• Time: 4:40pm- 4:46pm• 2 students- girls• Girl 1 eating snacks– Apple slices– Stops to talk

• Girl 2 has computer but stops using to talk– Holds in hands instead of on desk• IPhone is only object on desk



Observation 1• Girl 1 has iPhone and papers on desk, does not glance at them• Girl 1 does most of talking -> seems to be seeking advice from

friend• Both girls use mostly facial expressions to emphasize point



Observation 2: No picture available. Three Students: 2 women, 1 man. Second floor of library.



Observation 2• Time: 4:48pm – 4:54pm• 3 students- 2 girls, 1 boy• Girl 1 uses headphones; works off desk; materials in lap• Boy 1 has binder in lab -> writing– Refers to girl 2 for clarification



Observation 2• Girl 2 has large dry erase board on desk– Separate desk from girl 1 and boy 1– Flips through notes -> uses desk (unlike girl 1 and boy 1)

• Girl 1 and boy 1 do not use desk much– Desk has computers, phones, textbook

• Boy 1 distracted by movement of girl 1– Girl 1 pulls planner out of backpack

• Boy 1 and girl 1 decide to leave to get food



Observation 3: One woman working alone. Library lounge.



Observation 3• Time: 4:58pm- 5:03pm• 1 student- girl• On desk 2 textbooks, multiple packets, highlighters, coffee,

water, laptop• Has laptop open but does not refer to it -> shuffles through a

packet



Observation 3• Hand at mouth -> look of concentration/ focus• Reading -> no response to surrounding conversations• Refers between packet and textbook• Underlines in textbook• Environment: at a desk with no one else



Observation 4: One woman reading a novel. Library lounge.



Observation 4• Time: 5:05pm -5:08pm• 1 student- girl• Sitting on low back chair, glasses on low table• Feet propped on edge of table



Observation 4• Reading a novel -> away from others -> next to window• IPhone at side• Knees close to chest -> book resting on thigh/knees• No obvious reaction to surrounding noise



Observation 5: Two women work when a friend joins them. Student center dining hall.



Observation 5• Time: 5:14pm- 5:19pm• 2 students- 2 girls• Girl 1 writing and using a calculator• Third girl arrives -> complains about food



Observation 5• Girl 2 on laptop -> typing• Girl 1 and 2 focused until arrival of girl 3 with food– Girl 1 comments on smell of food (“it smells good.”)

• Girl 3 shuffles items on table -> jug of water, phone, etc.• Girl 1 and 2 have phones next to them -> do not refer to them



Observation 5• Girl 1 has food (grapes) and drink (smoothie) next to her ->

does not eat or drink• Girl 3 starts conversation -> girl 1 and 2 join -> focus begins

to dwindle



Observation 6: Two men discussing Spanish. Student center dining hall.



Observation 6• Time: 5:20pm – 5:25pm• 2 students- 2 boys• Boy 1 has binder out, boy 2 has textbook out• Discussing Spanish work -> referring to specific lines– Expressing confusion, concerns, etc.



Observation 6• Boy 1 has 2 phones near him -> arm by them but does not use

them• Boy 2 asks questions (talks little), boy 1 answers and provides

evidence (talks more)• Boy 1 distracted by phone when a text comes in -> does not

check message• Boy 2 pulls out a folder and notes


Ethnographic Research Findings

• Students less likely to remain focused in groups.• Phones easily accessible.• Students are always using some sort of desk or table.• Students who are not doing work are likely to distract those

who are.• More focused students have all necessary materials on desk.• Students able to ignore external noise.


Additional Research

12 Tips For Staying Productive At Work Through The Bleak Winter MonthsJacquelyn Smith

Since it is especially hard to remain productive during the winter make sure you take breaks where you go outside, exercise, and eat healthy.


http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2014/01/07/12-tips-for-staying-productive-at-work-through-the-bleak-winter-months/



Additional Research

How to Stay Productive When No one Else IsBarbara Mannino

Have an object that clearly shows you are busy and turn yourself away from potential distractions.


http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/12/30/how-to-stay-productive-when-no-one-else-is/

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/12/30/how-to-stay-productive-when-no-one-else-is/

Additional Research

The Power of Music, Tapped in a CubicleAmisha Padnani

• People who listened to music improved their mood, completed tasks quicker, and came up with better ideas.

• Takes only 15-30 minutes to regain concentration.


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/jobs/how-music-can-improve-worker-productivity-workstation.html

Proposal for an Innovative Business

Creates on-demand study pods for private study sessions.



On-demand study pods, which are sound proof, can connect to the user’s portable music device.



Opacity may be altered for complete privacy.


Existing Taglines

McDonald’s: I’m Lovin’ It M&M’s: Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands


Existing Taglines

Staples: That was easy


Image Research


New Tagline

Leave Time for Fun


Manipulated Background Image for Tagline


Final Tagline Study


Workings and Output

Workings OutputNeed quiet study space Goes to somewhere to study,

like libraryUses on-demand study pod Creates quiet study spaceOpacity Control Increases privacyConnects to portable music device

Customized, relaxing study environment


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