Foursquare User Types

Based on my research observing and interviewing Foursquare users, I created a list of user types. Most users appear to be a mixture of some or all types, however.

1) The Cartographer
• Enjoys adding or editing venues and adding tips and tags to define a place

2) The Explorer
• Uses it to find exciting new places and to learn best offerings at nearby venues

3) The Socializer
• Monitors friends’ whereabouts and coordinates get-togethers with friends

4) The Connector
• Checkins provide a way to meet new like-minded people or business contacts

5) The Gamer
• Strives to acquire mayorships and badges to lead in the application’s neverending game

6) The Advocate
• Uses it to express information about an issue

7) The Professional
• Attempts to further their business goals or to learn more for career purposes

8) The Narcissist
• Uses a public medium to create locations or publish information of interest mostly to him/herself

9) The Curious
• Just here to see what’s going on

How Foursquare Is Used

I've completed gathering data for my Foursquare study, so now I'm trying to find some interesting conclusions.

From this research, I have put together a list of various activities that users are doing on Foursquare.

(The list is in alphabetical order as I did not want to imply any sort of hierarchy or frequency.)

1. Achieve sense of vindication or justice
2. Advise or warn others
3. Communicate or coordinate with friends
4. Compare socially (to friends and/or to community)
5. Compete against friends and/or strangers
6. Connect with new people
7. Entertain or distract self
8. Express thoughts or experiences
9. Find deals
10. Find location by type (e.g. a suitable restaurant)
11. Find specific location
12. Find specific location details
13. Inform decision-making / Receive recommendations
14. Learn about people or places
15. Maintain relationships
16. Mine data for business
17. Project status / Perform identity
18. Promote business or self
19. Receive recognition
20. Record personal history
21. Satisfy curiosity
22. Speak out or advocate (e.g. for an issue)
23. Understand the application (for novelty or business)

This list is not complete, so please feel free to add any others.