Some of the broader implications of the characteristics of the problem, as derived from the analysis are:
Simultaneity of functions: the interaction requires the human participants to perform a multitude of cognitive, perceptual and motor functions simultaneously, in no particular order.
Implications: the solution should ease this load and must seamlessly integrate into the interaction (i.e. be non-intrusive, should exploit peripheral awareness)
The cognitive load is very heavy; there is also stress from the very nature of social interaction
Implications: the solution cannot add to this load; it must be very easy to learn so as not to make tasks more difficult
The date involves multi-modal interaction (verbal information, body language cues, olfactory & visual impressions etc)
Imlications: should be able to capture & integrate various types of data
Human plays multiple roles: both of evaluating the date and being evaluated (and assisting in the evaluation)
Implications: the solution should assist both roles
The series of sub-tasks can seem more important than ultimate task of evaluation for compatiblity (in part due to cognitive overload)
Implications: the solution should also assist the user in performing compatibility decisions after the event
Subjective nature of compatibility makes automatically matching people impossible
Implications: the solution should be a cognitive aid, not a portal that determines compatibility; i.e., it is not a replacement for the inter-personal interaction
Current system given very different experience to men and women
Implications: must support both user categories
Disabilities: there is no mention of this category of users in the literature or user survey, and the existing system does not provide affordance for these users.
Implications: depending on the demand for accessibility, the solution can accomodate these users
Social interaction is very fragile, especially in the context of the date
Implications: The use of system by an attendee should not impose on his/her date or make them uncomfortable; feedback must be discreet
The environment is somewhat chaotic
Implications: any feedback provided by the solution must be easily perceptible without (much) interfering with the conversation. Can we change the environment?
There are other options for dating:
Implications: the user has little motivation for using the system unless it improves the speed dating experience.
