Field deployment research embodies a promising way for understanding how technology is utilised in the wild. It gained relevance in both HCI and CSCW, and allows, for instance, to investigate how technology is socially embedded in real world contexts. However, such enterprises are considered complex in nature due to continuously changing conditions such as practices surrounding technology. In situ research has yet to gain momentum, leaving researchers with little theoretical guidance. In response, the present paper envisions the application of classic grounded theory in longitudinal field deployment studies for ambient displays. We argue that the methodology is a valuable choice in coping with the challenges surrounding in situ evaluations and simultaneously ensures methodological rigour. This paper contributes a practical systematisation of the methodology’s two core concepts, namely constant comparison and theoretical sampling. It sheds light on their exemplary application in investigating quantitative interaction data in the early stages of our ongoing research. With that, we hope to encourage future research and to provide a first stepping stone towards developing methodological guidance for evaluations of ambient displays in the wild.    «

Field deployment research embodies a promising way for understanding how technology is utilised in the wild. It gained relevance in both HCI and CSCW, and allows, for instance, to investigate how technology is socially embedded in real world contexts. However, such enterprises are considered complex in nature due to continuously changing conditions such as practices surrounding technology. In situ research has yet to gain momentum, leaving researchers with little theoretical guidance. In respons...    »