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Tech Break Ups are an early stage research method that enables researchers to gain insights into ways in which people are attached to technology through improvised "break-ups." Informants verbally reflect on and formally end their relationships with technology that they previously used. The method was used in a study to understand peoples' relationship to technologies that enable creative work and reasons and moments for change in the relationship. This paper provides an overview of the method and its execution. The study reveals three primary factors of detachment for technologies that support creative work: changing self-identity, creative process, and creative ability. This case study suggests that the Tech Break Up Method can provide insights into product attachment to inform the design of new technology while simultaneously providing informants with an immediate positive experience through direct emotional expression to technology.
Elizabeth M. Gerber (Thu,) studied this question.