Obsevation Case

As I walked into the student union, the stylistic wall of the coffee shop, the Starbucks, attracted me. One side of the wall has a glass top, and the lower part of the wall, made of wood, is painted brown. People can actually see through the glass wall and get to know the activities inside of the coffee shop. As I entered the coffee shop, I was greeted by two big green plants near the entrance. The Starbucks does not really have a door, making it easier for people to walk in and out. There is a huge food and drink counter at the right side of the shop. Behind the counter, there is a long table full of different electronic devices along the wall. Between the counter and the table, there is a fridge just for ice. The colors and shapes of the food, donuts, bread, and muffin, served in this area appealed my eyes instantly. After I moved my eyes from the drink and the food in the counter, I noticed a big menu on the wall.

Beside the food and drink area, there is an area filled with tables, chairs, and sofas. The big leather sofa is sitting along the glass wall and the four smaller sofas are crouching at the corners. Even the tables are of different shapes, round and rectagular ones. Six bamboo baskets and a shelf , filled with coffee-related goods, stand quietly next to this area.

I looked around and noticed that the non-glass walls were all beautifully decorated with paintings. The lights from the ceiling, mixed with the music from the speakers, add an artistic appeal to this shop.

The Starbucks was busy in the early morning. Many people were waiting to be served. They looked high-spirited. Some were chatting with friends while others were just looking around. People of different age and ethnicities came here to buy coffee or just sit there. It is interesting to note that most people who bought coffee were in a hurry to leave while those staying in the Starbucks were less likely to buy drink or food. People who sat in the sofa area were on different tasks: working individually or in groups on their class projects, just pondering with a serious look, or hanging out with their significant others and talking in an intimate manner, or just eating with an empty look and sleeping silently in the corner. Most people in this area talked aloud and they were not really bothered by the music from the speakers.

Technology played a big part on their activities in the coffee shop. Almost all of them left their cell phones on the table. Some worked on their personal laptops while some were listening to their ipods when reading.

The cashiers were busy inquiring what the customers needed and remained polite to every one of the customers. Even if they asked the same question over and over again, they always had the warm smile on their face. Sometimes, they talked to each other but never really slowed down their pace.

It is interesting to note that people staying at the sofa area tend to leave at the same time. Around