Readings

Question 1

Continued Use Trajectories

Answer 1

The interconnected nature of contemporary technologies means that continued use can depend on tech product’s capacities to interact

Continued use can vary based on how well the technology integrates with other systems.

Question 2

Entropy; Entropy work

Answer 2

The tendency for an assemblage of connections to fall apart; Ability of the consumer to hold the connection together to sustain continued use

Entropy work can involve various efforts by the user to maintain functionality.

Question 3

Shouldering

Answer 3

When a consumer must perform unexpected entropy work

Shouldering indicates additional effort required from users to maintain technology.

Question 4

Offloading

Answer 4

When entropy work is completed by the tech assemblage

Offloading reduces the burden on consumers to maintain technology.

Question 5

Supporting Trajectories

Answer 5

Tech assemblages that persist in a low entropy state characterized by stable continued use

Supporting trajectories indicate that components work well together to maintain functionality.

Question 6

Taxing Trajectories

Answer 6

Components immediately fail to territorialize with stable properties, leading to strained continued use where products are quickly discarded

Taxing trajectories often result in quick discarding of technology.

Question 7

Decaying Trajectories

Answer 7

Initial high use of a technology that gradually declines due to factors like loss of interest or usefulness, often ending in abandonment unless re-engagement happens.

Decaying trajectories can lead to frustration and eventual abandonment of technology.

Question 8

Oscillating Trajectories

Answer 8

Inconsistent use of a technology, where consumers cycle between stable and strained use until it becomes too difficult or no longer useful, leading to eventual abandonment.

Oscillating trajectories can result in technology being replaced when it no longer seems useful.