Following the toolkit naming conventions, this file is named exp-05b-observation-2025-03-06.qmd.
Date & Time: 2025-03-06, ~8:00 PM
Location: Manhattan subway entrance, 8 PM
Observer: Seth
Consent: Public-space observation (no identifying details recorded).
1. Clarify the Unknown
Most Urgent Unknown: How do commuters balance safety, fatigue, and social interaction in evening transit routines?
Context: Post-workday, evening crowd, mix of commuters and locals.
2. Raw Observation Notes
Business formal woman with laptop bag, walking briskly, repeatedly checking phone, quickens pace after seeing time. Also scans surroundings and sticks to streetlights.
Couple on bench sharing takeout, unwinding after day. Not co-workers, more personal connection.
Musician playing near entrance, soft guitar music.
Group around food cart, laughing, snacking, socializing.
Woman in business attire sitting on bench, checking phone, visibly tired, clutching bag.
Group of young professionals, casually dressed with work bags, animated discussion.
Solo traveler (young woman with backpack), anxious, checking map, boards, phone, surroundings repeatedly.
Worker in uniform carrying cleaning supplies, fatigued.
Woman in red coat rushes out of subway, checks watch, accelerates.
Lady with tote bag fumbles with earphones, drops one, multitasking.
Young woman in business suit on phone, brisk pace.
Person juggling multiple bags and coffee, stops to rearrange before continuing.