I have been a Google Glass explorer now for about four months, and it has been interesting to see the type of questions people have when it comes to this new form of technology. How does it work? How did you get to be a part of the program? What are the some of the thing you have noticed or witnessed with Google Glass?
I’ve had a chance to use Glass in a number of situations, especially most recently when I was home for Thanksgiving. Actually, the original Dr. Freberg (aka Mom) just became a Google Glass Explorer as well! I had a chance to film her while she was teaching at Cal Poly, and you can view the video here:
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/80567944[/vimeo]
While there are many positive things you can do with Glass, there are some things we need to be aware of as well. With this in mind, we are seeing more cases where Glass is not wanted. Most recently. we have seen a customer wear Google Glass while at a diner in Seattle, and the restaurant asking the explorer not to wear Glass in the facility.
So, this raises the question – what should the Google Glass etiquette be? We have talked a lot about social media etiquette, but we need to consider what we can and can’t do with Glass as well. This is part of the role and duty of the Google Glass Explorers is to discover these practices and share them with others.
Here are some tips for Glass etiquette I have used personally, but could be implemented elsewhere:
- Be aware of your surroundings and others: It is key to be aware of where you are publicly and what others may think you are doing with Glass. There are of course places you don’t want to use Glass for security reasons and other sensitive places and situations. Consider where you are and realize that not everything has to be documented on Glass.
- Not everyone is going to like Glass: No matter what you do, there are people who will not appreciate seeing or experiencing Glass. They will call you names and downplay Glass, but this is something you need to expect. Like social media, you have to apply some of the same rules you use to engage audiences and apply them to the Glass context. This is normal, but we have to realize this and prepare to engage these individuals just in case.
- Use Glass when appropriate: Be aware you do have a camera on your head and you are able to share, record, and use other tasks with it. Technology is great, but it is also good to take a moment to enjoy life without the technology.
- Share and educate others: Some of the concerns people have about Glass is the fact they are either not aware of the technology or have heard things that it can do that may be on the extreme. As an Explorer, take the time to show people how it works, what it can and can’t do, and what you are doing with Glass. It is all about starting the conversation to create awareness.
- Think before you voice command: Consider what you are posting and how you are sharing this. Would this be something you would do if you had a smartphone and what are the implications of this post or video for the future?
Overall, I have had no cases where I have faced some of the situations we have seen in the news involving Google Glass. It’s been a great tool to explore and share with others, but I think it all comes down to sensing the environment and the people in the situation. Using common courtesy and proper etiquette is key – besides, we are not only representing our own personal brand, but essentially serving as brand ambassadors for the Glass program.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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