What Is a Visitor and Resident Map?

This mapping technique is used to track and assess an individuals engagement with technology. By dividing forms of technological interactions between the modes Visitor and Resident, we are able to understand how we are interacting with different online services. The Visitor mode refers to the use of an online service where the individual has a defined goal or task, selecting the service based on its ability to fulfil their requirements. Resident relates to an individual's online presence where they are connecting to or interacting with others. In comparison to Visitor, this mode has a high social presence that is traceable.   

 

What Does This Show?

My V&R Map above depicts a range of online services and whether I use them in Visitor or Resident mode. By also assorting these services in Personal and Professional sections I am further able to assess how I engage with different services, as well as which modes I most often use depending on the task at hand. As you can see, a number of social media services are in my Personal and Resident section, meaning that I use these to connect with others the most. However, on the opposite side of the map, I use services such as Linkedin and Online Banking purely for professional use, and not to connect with others socially. 

 

Why is this Important?

Using a V&R Map to track how you engage with technology can be very useful. By creating a visual model of how you are interacting with technology you can allow yourself to reflect upon your online presence and identity. Recognising the main trends in your online behaviour can also help you to assess how you use technology and why. Although this may not seem important, being in a technological age, most of our lives are surrounded by technology, at home, at work, at school, even on holiday, rooms are equipped with wifi. Understanding our place within such a vast network can help us understand our how we fit into the technological world. With this understanding comes power. Instead of being caught up in a torrent of new apps, sites or digital tools, we can assess the reasons for using a service, and if unhappy with how we are interacting with technology we can change our behaviour.   

 

 

For more information about Visitor and Resident maps click on the link below to go to David White's website, who created this process.