The Integration of Entertainment and Communication Technologies within Home Environments

Abstract

Content analysis was used to determine if the integration of entertainment and communications technology in the home environment has changed over the fast seven decades. Observations for this study were taken from illustrations of home interiors in House and Garden magazine from 1918 through 1987. An integration score was developed based on how well the styles of the technology and the furnishings matched, on seating arrangements relative to the technology, and whether the technology was concealed. The research indicated that integration of technology into home interiors significantly improved (p<.05) over the 70-year period. Changes in integration scores were caused by style changes, the diminishing size of the technological equipment, and increased level of technology use in the home. The process of integrating was easiest for small items. The ability of designers to successfully integrate technology into the home may imply reduced levels of stress on the lives of occupants.

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Susan Zavotka

Susan Zavotka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Resource Management at Ohio State University.