Ethnography

Ethnography is a research method which stresses time ‘in the field’, getting to grips with a subject by getting involved with it where it happens, and interpreting culture through the eyes of those that live it.

I use these methods to arrive at a pragmatic ethnographic research strategy:

Participant Observation

Time "in the field" helps generate a grounded understanding of the challenges facing a particular project. I communicate this understanding through narratives that aim to distribute 'field time' to designers and decision makers.

Interview

I use an informal style that considers the interview as an achievable instance of 'field time'. Our results are delivered as ethnographic narratives.

Participatory design

Participants are encourage to own the exchange through exercises and stimulus that provide a framework for participatory design.

Visual ethnography

Photography is a powerful medium for documenting and interpreting the field and can be used to provide a 'role' for the ethnographer.