Kamala's Research method cards & Reflections

Co-Design
Co-Design

Resources: 
Materials/toolkit needed like stationery, Construction plan (if creating a generative toolkit),clear description of the workshop, consent, extra support if vulnerable participants are involved, lab/room to conduct the workshop, facilitator (If required)
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and draft out a clear description of the workshop or develop a clear construction plan (if it is a toolkit). If targeted for a vulnerable audience,arrange for assistance. Include a note about voluntary participation and consent form. Decide the workshop schedule and arrange prerequisites like location, stationery/tool kits and incentives/rewards (if possible) to be used during the session. The next step is to recruit participants relevant to the context (as many as needed). Have a set of back up participants to make sure there are enough participants available for the session.
‍During: While actively participating in the workshop with the rest of the participants, record notes/non-verbal cue through observation. Be available to assist participants and clarify their question. At the end of the session, inform participants if there is going to be a next session. Share incentives with participants (if any).

After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, pictures as well as design created by the participants and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.
Use case:
Designing for care: a paper I wrote about possibilities of designing for women undergoing menopause. If given a choice, I would have conducted a participatory design session, with a group of at least 4 women between the age of 45 and 60 to understand what they go through during menopause. Further, like how I involved my mother virtually during the brainstorming of design idea, I would conduct another session, to co-create a solution with the participants.
Sense making data: 
By involving the participants that the design targets and anaylizing their design outcomes, designer can ensure that the end design is inclusive as well as caters to participant’s actual needs and not what just  the designer “thought” their needs to be.

1. Co-Design

A co-creation design technique that is used to design “With” people rather than designing for people.

“Co-design comprises  diverse approaches,  ranging  from research-oriented  approaches  (such  as applied  ethnography)  to  design-orientedapproaches  (such  as  the  use  of  generative  tools),  and—if  we focus  on  userinvolvement—ranging  from  approaches  in  which researchers  and  designers move towards users (such as usabilitytesting) to approaches in which users move towards researchers and designers(such as participatory design)”

Reference: Steen, Marc.(2013). Co-Design as a Process of Joint Inquiry and Imagination. Design Issues.29. 16-28. 10.1162/DESI_a_00207.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, Design Technique

Resources: 
Camera, video camera, recorder,notes, questions to be asked, tool kits, object probes, a second researcher (If required for observation).
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify the ethnographic method to be used. If the method is a form of inquiry, prepare questions/artifacts to probe the participant. Recruit participants relevant to the context (as many as needed). Have a set of back up participants to make sure there are enough participants available for the session. Prepare notes, by deciding on the note taking format so that it is easier for analysis.If needed, prepare a consent form.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially the non-verbal cues. Take ample photographs relevant to the context.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like maps and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
Throughout the waste management project various ethnographic methods were used, ranging from participatory mapping, while the contextual inquiry to participant/non-participant observation in order to understand participants and their context from different perspectives. For instance, during participatory mapping, while the participant enjoyed physically mapping out, participant observation showed her varying emotions i.e., while she was excited to draw out a recreational area like the Monroe lake, I observed a longing to be included when she described about the 2-mile fringe issue.
Sense making data: 
Being an anthropological technique, key data of focus is the nature of the people that will help make an emotional connection with them. For instance, understanding Cheryl’s emotions towards the 2-mile fringe helped me empathize with her which in turn allowed us to connect with her more and seek her assistance for more methods.

2. Ethnography

A design anthropology technique used for capturing participant’s Practice (recurring activities), Episodes (something that occurs out of the ordinary), Encounters(rarer than an episode), Roles people play and Interpersonal relationships.

“It’s literal meaning is"description of people"… It is a structured process for going into depth of the everyday lives and experiences of the people a design is for. The inten­tion is to enable the design team to identify with these people, to buildup an empathic understanding of their practices and routines and what they care about.”

Reference: GekeVan Dijk.Design ethnography: Taking inspiration from everyday life. In Stickdorn &Schneider. 2011. This is Service Thinking.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Ethnography
Ethnography
Research Through Design
Research Through Design

Resources: 
Object probes/artifacts, recorder, notes, camera
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify designs/ probes/ artifacts that can help initiate communication or provoke thoughts for the participants or the designer. If constructing probes/tool kits, conduct extra research to ensure that the resulting design is relatable for the participants involved (in the cultural context).If an object probe, prepare some open ended questions to lead the conversation in the right direction. Recruit participants relevant to the context (as many as needed). If deployment to a different geographical location is needed, prepare package accordingly and handle shipping of the probes.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the community and culture. Take ample photographs relevant to the context. If probes have been geographically shared, reach back to the participants to gather their responses periodically.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
In the beginning research phases of the waste management project, after secondary research we deployed tool kits to understand participant's view of packaging waste. Materiality of the tool kit was considered during design and the base parts of the tool kits were made of packaging waste. While initially being perceived as just creativity, deeper observation showed that the participants/fellow researchers understand that packaging material can be reused which in turn informed our next research phases (leading to the idea of re-usability).
‍Sense making data: 
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the object itself but its property such as form and materiality (Relevant to the context) that in turn will help improve and iterate on the insights generated during the initial research phase.

3. Research through design

The method of using material artifacts for probing and provoking thoughts through the artifacts.

“Research through design is a form of inquiry “where the end product is an artifact—where the thinking is,so to speak, embodied in the artifact, where the goal is not primarily communicable knowledge in the sense of verbal communication”

Reference: Frayling, C. Research in Art and Design. RoyalCollege of Art Research Papers, 1, 1 (1993), 1-5

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Card stocks, Area of focus and corresponding scenarios to be illustrated, stationery(carry depending on the participant’s artistic skills so that the amount doesn’t overwhelm or underwhelm the participant), some open ended questions (if necessary) to invoke discussion, notes, recorder
Procedure:
Before: A form of an open ended, exploratory, co-creative design technique, What If cards involves community members including non-designers (especially relevant to the design’s targeted audience/community). Some open ended questions as well as prior research about the community can initiate discussion. Followed by showing the illustrated what-if cards to co-design with the participant.
‍During: Record notes during the session and clarify doubts with the participant for better understanding. Care is to be taken to make the illustrations and not overwhelm the participant. Let the participant lead which in turn will uncover newer insights about the community and possible design solutions.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and redrawn design as well as other records generated like videos and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
In the beginning on the smart and connected communities project, What if cards were used to understand possibilities of connected communities, from a participant who has lived in diverse communities (Monet). With Monet, I conducted  What-If sessions to understand her thoughts on connected community,  especially in relevance to the communities she has lived in before. With prior research and open ended questions we generated the first round of what-if cards which was iterated to create better design solutions.
‍Sense making data: 
The focus here is on the data generated during the what if session as well as the redesigned ideas, all of which will inform about the design possibilities while designing for communities as well as help curate a research plan.

4. “What If” scenarios/cards

A futuring method, What If cards are cards with an “evocative” sketch on it with a huge title followed by a “What If” question to invoke discussion and participation of non-designers to map out and talk about hints of the possibilities.

“ Aims at including outsiders or non-designers in working with the sketch in order to give directions to subsequent design activities…The postcard sized cards had a catchy headline, a sketch and two lines of text beginning with a descriptive account of an existing challenge followed by a “what-if” question”

Reference: Foverskov, M., and Dam, K.  (2010), “The Evocative Sketch,” in J.  Halse, E. Brandt, B. Clark, and T. Binder (eds.), Rehearsing the Future,Copenhagen: Danish Design School Press, 44–49.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, Design Technique

What If cards
What If cards
Participant Observation
Participant Observation

Resources: 
Notes,recorder, camera, fellow researcher (if required) so that all keen details are observed
Procedure:
Before: Usually combined with other research techniques, participant observation particularly focuses on non-verbal cues and emotions that the participant does not verbally express. Understand the context of research and have a fellow researcher who can conduct inquiry/facilitate session while the other can observe participants.
‍During: Pay attention to detail, every observation is valuable. As this is an obtrusive technique, participants might not exhibit true character because of their knowledge that they are being observed, so take extra caution to keenly observe participant context/ emotions/ practices and any other non-verbal cues while being an active part of the research process. Record extensive notes including photographs and voice recording.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like  voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
In the latter stages of research phases of the waste management project, we conducted contextual inquiry with a manger (John)of a trash management company (Express). During contextual inquiry with Sawyer, although both of us had questions prepared, one of us led the conversation while the other observed the non-verbal cues of John(Express).
‍Sense making data: 
This design anthropology technique is used to understand the participant well beyond what the participant says. So the focus here is on the participant's non verbal expressions and behavior. However, insights can be correlated with what the the participant said and did.

5. Participant observation

A Design Anthropology technique that involves researcher observing participants by being an active part of the research activity.

“Participant observation:walking along and video filming the caretaker on his rounds and conducting semi-structured shop floor interviews with shop owners and staff, in-home observations, and semi-structured interviews with residents”

Reference: Halse J. 2013.Ethnographies of the possible. in Gunn, W., Otto, T. & Smith, R.C. (eds).Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice. London: Bloomsbury. pp. 180–196

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Notes,camera, participant consent (if required)
Procedure:
Before: Usually combined with other research techniques, participant observation particularly focuses on non-verbal cues and emotions that the participant does not verbally express. Understand the context of research and prepare consent (if required). Identify the participant (s) or the demographic to be observed.
‍During:  Pay attention to detail, every observation is valuable. As this is an unobtrusive technique, take caution to not look creepy and from intruding in the participant's privacy. Record extensive notes including photographs and voice recording. Since recording is solely based on observation, avoid making judgmental assumptions during note taking.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures and record/annotate your insights.

Use case:
In the latter stages of research phases of the waste management project, we wanted to conduct interviews with Republic but they never responded. Although Republic did not respond back, I woke up every morning, for a week, to take a peek (through my window) at the Republic garbage truck as well as the driver, to see how they collect the trash generated. Although It was a short routine, I could understand the trash collection practice of Republic as well as the kind of truck they use for trash collection(Front loading) & the number of truck drivers in a truck.
‍Sense making data: 
This design anthropology technique is used to understand the participant but by the researcher being a passive viewer. As a result, focus is only on observational data that should preferably include emotions, expressions, non-verbal cues and practices.

6. Non-participant observation

A Design Anthropology technique that involves researcher observing the participant but not being in active involvement.It is an unobtrusive method.

“Non-participant observation is a relatively unobtrusive qualitative research strategy forgathering data about some aspect of the social world without interacting directly with its participants”

Reference: Williams, J..(2008). Nonparticipant observation.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Non-Participant Observation
Non-Participant Observation
Exploratory Interview
Exploratory Interview

Resources: 
Open ended interview questions rather themes, notes, recorder
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify themes to focus on. Recruit participant(s) who is relevant to the design context and conduct some background research to draft open ended questions. Curate a list of open ended questions to lead the conversation.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details. Voice record the conversation (specifically important as the participant shares a lot of details verbally). Use themes and open ended questions to keep conversation on track.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes as well as other records generated like voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
Before drafting scenarios for What If cards for communities, I had an open-ended interview session with Monet, keeping in mind only the context of connected communities as well as few details about the communities she has lived in. The very fact that I had minimal knowledge about the communities that she has lived in (that I gained from research), like Mongolia and Tajikistan, made the whole interview interesting. The insights that I gathered from the interview. The interview not only involved discussing problems, but it also involved Monet suggesting solutions. Thus, iteration and co-design happened during the interview process.
‍Sense making data: 
As an exploratory research technique, focus needs to be on new information being provided by the participant that can initiate further research.

7. Open ended/exploratory interview

A Design Anthropology method where the focus is on the theme of research but allows participants to lead by asking open ended questions and questions like “Why”s and “How”s to lead the conversation.

“people may share motivations that you didn’t expect and mention behaviors and concerns that you knew nothing about. When you ask people to explain things to you, they often reveal surprising mental models, problem-solving strategies, hopes, fears, and much more.”

Reference: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/open-ended-questions/

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Set of specific questions to provide a basic structure, open ended questions, notes, recorder
Procedure:
Resembles open ended interview with the only difference being the question set, where some questions are specific to form a structure while the rest of them are open ended.
Before: Understand the context and identify themes to focus on. Recruit participant(s) who is relevant to the design context and conduct some background research to draft open ended questions. Curate a list of structured, specific as well as open ended questions to lead the conversation.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the community and culture. Voice record the conversation (specifically important as the participant shares a lot of details verbally). Use the specific question set to keep conversation on track.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes as well as other records generated like voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
In the mid research phases of the waste management project, we used walking probe to understand the community level waste management technique with the help of a local community member (Carrie). While we had the notes prepared, to ensure that all key details are recorded, the probing questions were minimal, to include design context while most of them were open ended to let Carrie lead the conversation. This way, while the focus remained on waste management techniques within the community, we uncovered new insights from Carrie's statements.
‍Sense making data: 
As an exploratory research technique, focus needs to be on new information being provided by the participant that can initiate further research, but care needs to be taken to ensure that the data being analyzed still fits the key design context.

8. Semi structured interview

Neither fully exploratory nor fully structured, this Design Anthropology technique has the researcher having a small interview plan in hand, but questions are still open ended with few of them more specific to keep the participant on track with the theme & plan.

“Conducted conversationally with one respondent at a time, the Semi-structured interview employs a blend of closed- and open-ended questions, often accompanied by follow-up why or how questions. The dialogue can meander around the topics on the agenda—rather than adhering slavishly to verbatim questions”

Reference: Adams, William. (2015). Conducting Semi-Structured Interviews. 10.1002/9781119171386.ch19.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Semi-Structured Interview
Semi-Structured Interview
Participatory Design
Participatory Design

Resources: 
Materials needed like stationery, clear description of the workshop, consent, extra support if vulnerable participants are involved, lab/room to conduct the workshop, facilitator(If required)
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and draft out a clear description of the workshop. If targeted for a vulnerable audience,arrange for assistance. Include a note about voluntary participation and consent form. Decide the workshop schedule and arrange prerequisites like location, stationery/tool kits and incentives/rewards (if possible) to be used during the session. The next step is to recruit participants relevant to the context (as many as needed). Have a set of back up participants to make sure there are enough participants available for the session.
‍During: While actively participating in the workshop with the rest of the participants, record notes/non-verbal cue through observation. Be available to assist participants and clarify their question. At the end of the session, inform participants if there is going to be a next session. Share incentives with participants (if any).

After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, pictures as well as design created by the participants and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.
Use case:
Using participatory design workshop when designing robots for care i.e., precisely a discussion that I had with Sawyer about conducting a workshop to design customization for a socially assistive robot, by letting users customize the sensor locations in the bot. By involving participants who are actual users of the bot, the workshop will allow designers to understand the participant's actual needs and each of their approach to design.
‍Sense making data: 
By involving the participants that the design targets and anaylizing their design outcomes, designer can ensure that the end design is inclusive as well as caters to participant’s actual needs and not what just  the designer “thought” their needs to be.

9. Participatory design

A Co-Creative design technique that allows the involves designing with people, there by ensuring that the community that the design is targeted to, has a hand in the design process as well as to ensure that the design caters to the “Actual” needs of the community.

“Participatory Design started from the simple standpoint that those affected by a design should have a say in the design process...values that strategically guided participatory design is the idea affirming the importance of making participants’ tacit knowledge come into play in the design process—not just their formal and explicit competencies but those practical and diverse skills that are fundamental to the making of things as objects or artifacts”

Reference: Erling Bjögvinsson, Pelle Ehn,Per-Anders Hillgren. Design Things and Design Thinking: ContemporaryParticipatory Design Challenges. DesignIssues: Volume 28, Number 3 Summer 2012.P 101-116.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, Design Technique

Resources: 
Materials/toolkit needed like stationery, consent, extra support if vulnerable participants are involved, lab/room to conduct the workshop,facilitator (If required)
Procedure:
Future workshop is not just designing with participants out of the blue but engages participants by letting them analyze the current design, critique the same, speculate a solution as well as think about implementing the same.
Before: Understand the context and draft out a clear description of the workshop. Include a note about voluntary participation and consent form. Decide the workshop schedule and arrange prerequisites like location, stationery/tool kits and incentives/rewards (if possible) to be used during the session. Look for facilitator (if needed) to facilitate each of the workshop.
‍During: While actively participating in the workshop with the rest of the participants, record notes/non-verbal cue through observation. Be available to assist participants and clarify their question. At the end of the session, inform participants if there is going to be a next session. Share incentives with participants .
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, pictures as well as design created by the participants and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
While designing to reduce food wastage, My team’s design (of a game) to spread awareness about misfits clearly does not directly impact/help Bloomington community farmers. Interviews & photo ethnography with farmers were our prime data sources while the design focuses on teaching users about misfits and allowing them to have fun playing the game. Further, the reward is a discount coupon to purchase misfits online, again not directly from the farmers. If I could revisit, I would conduct a future workshop to understand how farmers provide the critiques as well as speculate on possible design solutions, so that it benefits them.
‍Sense making data: 
By involving a group of people to critique the existing design, participants discover issues that are different for each of them. Fantasy and implementation allow participants to think beyond reality. By anaylizing their design outcomes, designer can ensure that the end design is inclusive.

10. Future workshop

A Co-Creative technique where researcher along with participants goes through critique, Fantasy and implementation phase. Critique is the phase of criticizing the existing process/product, In fantasy phase people discuss about the ideal future possibilities and implementation  is to phase is to brainstorm the ways of implementing ideas i.e., bridge the gap between visions and reality.

“A Future Workshop is typically held in three phases...In the Critique phase the purpose is to give voice to current problems and structure them so that a constructive outcome can be expected. In the Fantasy phase the purpose is to generate visions about an ideal future. The Implementation phase proposes to evaluate the visions and to set up a plan of action.”

Reference: Greenbaum, Joan& Madsen, Kim. (2017). Small Changes: Starting a Participatory DesignProcess by Giving Participants a Voice. 10.1201/9780203744338-14.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, Design Technique

Future Workshop
Future Workshop
Participatory Mapping
Participatory Mapping

Resources: 
Stationery specially paper and markers for participant to draw the map, recorder, camera,facilitator (if required)
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify and recruit participant who has ample knowledge of the community, so that the mapping data is relevant to the community context. Curate semi structured interview questions to carry out the session in the right direction while allowing the participant to lead through. Prepare a set of stationery that does not intimidate the participant.
‍During: Record extensive notes while following through the participant's map. Allow the participant to go his/her own way of geographical distribution, thereby ensuring their comfort during participation. Probe to make sure each point in the map, specifically about community practices is clarified.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and maps and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant. If needed, make a fair copy of the map for clarity.

Use case:
The initial research of designing for waste management in Bloomington community involved participatory mapping, where we engaged in a mapping session with Cheryl, who has been living in the Bloomington community for over 25 years. By asking her to map out her community especially focusing on her community practices, we uncovered data and insights as she drew along and thought out loud, about the community that we (as short term residents) were never aware of.
‍Sense making data: 
The most important area of focus is the map generated as well as the data shared about the community during the process including the community practices. While non-verbal cues are to be recorded, key data is about the spatial distribution and practices of the community and not about the participant.

11. Participatory mapping

A Co-Creative research technique where the researcher engages with the participant to geographically map out the participant’s community/environment.

“Investigators using a participatory research approach engage community members in the collection and generation of information, using methods that place the locus control over data generation with the participants themselves.”

Reference: Maman et.al.(2009). Using Participatory Mapping to Inform a Community-Randomized Trial ofHIV Counseling and Testing. Field Methods - FIELD METHOD. 21. 368-387.10.1177/1525822X09341718.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, User Research

Resources: 
Stationery specially paper and markers for participant to draw the map, recorder, camera,facilitator (if required)
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify and recruit participant who has ample knowledge of the community, so that the mapping data is relevant to the community context. Curate semi structured interview questions to carry out the session in the right direction while allowing the participant to lead through. Prepare a set of stationery that does not intimidate the participant.
‍During: Record extensive notes while following through the participant's map. Allow the participant to go his/her own way of geographical distribution, thereby ensuring their comfort during participation. Probe to make sure each point in the map, specifically about community practices is clarified.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and maps and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant. If needed, make a fair copy of the map for clarity.

Use case:
The initial research of designing for waste management in Bloomington community involved participatory mapping, where we engaged in a mapping session with Cheryl, who has been living in the Bloomington community for over 25 years. By asking her to map out her her place of recreation which was Monroe lake, we understood how she navigates from her home to the lake, her map of the areas surrounding the lake etc. As she drew along and thought out loud, we gathered data about the community that we (as short term residents) were never aware of.
‍Sense making data: 
The most important area of focus is the map generated as well as the data shared about the community during the process including the community practices. While non-verbal cues are to be recorded, key data is about the spatial distribution and practices of the community and not about the participant.

12. Cognitive mapping

Another Co-Creative research technique where the researcher asks participants to map out their mental model of existing as well as virtual space.

“Cognitive mapping is a participatory research methodology that documents, in visual form, a construct of the local environment in which people live and work”

Reference: Stadler,J., Dugmore, C., Venables, E., MacPhail, C., & Delany-Moretlwe, S. (2013).Cognitive mapping: using local knowledge for planning health research. BMCmedical research methodology, 13, 96. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-13-96 

Nature & context: Co-Creative, User Research

Cognitive Mapping
Cognitive Mapping
Behavioral Mapping
Behavioral Mapping

Resources: 
Notes, camera, recorder (for place centered behavioral maps), Notes, camera, recorder, participant consent (for individual centered behavioral maps).
Procedure:
Before: For individual centered mapping, understand the research context and choose the participant who is to be observed. If required, prepare a consent form for the individual who is going to be observed. For place centered mapping, choose the location relevant to the design context. Prepare conveyance to get to the location and pick a spot that allows to observe the location over time.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, in relevance to the type of behavioral mapping. Take ample photographs relevant to the context. If individual centered mapping, focus and observe the individual, following a shadowing technique. If place centered mapping, observe the location chosen over time and record the practices observed.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos/maps and record/annotate your insights.

Use case:
Individual centered mapping: For researching on consumer’s attitudes towards misfits, we used photo ethnography and interviews. However, I believe if I had used behavioral mapping, to follow a consumer across farmer’s market, I would have captured better, the consumer’s approach towards buying misfits. Place centered mapping: As apart of the waste management project, during our session at the low-income housing area, we assumed that a person tends to follow what the rest of the community follows, in terms of waste disposal. If I were to validate the same,I would use this method to understand the distribution of trash cans within that locality as well as the people’s interactions with trash and trash cans.
‍Sense making data: 
The data to be focused on is the observation notes (either location or individual). Since data completely depends on the researcher's area of focus, care needs to be taken to avoid bias.

13. Behavioral mapping

Individual centered behavioral mapping is observing an individual and recording details as the individual travel from place to place. The focus is on that particular individual. Place centered behavioral mapping is observing the people around and making notes location specific. The focus here is on that particular location.

“Behavioral mapping is are search tool used to observe and record behaviors in a particular setting at a particular time. Behavioral mapping can be either place-based or individual-based, depending on whether the focus of observation is to identify locational or temporal patterns of behaviors.”

Reference: Ng, Cheuk. (2016).Behavioral Mapping and Tracking. 10.1002/9781119162124.ch3.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Stationery specially paper and markers for participant to draw the map, recorder, camera,facilitator (if required)
Procedure:
Before: Gather and segregate data sources that are to be referred to understand opportunity points for the community. Data sources that has to be included are participatory and cognitive maps generated by the community members. Understand the geography of the community to ensure that the opportunities are mapped to the right location.
‍During: Identify concerns raised by the community members like lack of access to facilities, lack of inclusiveness etc. Geographically map out the opportunities as a solution for the concerns raised.
After: Since the mission is to use the opportunity map towards the well being of the community, conduct a review session with the members of the community to ensure that the generated opportunities are what they actually desire.

Use case:
The initial research of designing for waste management in Bloomington community involved participatory mapping, where we engaged in a mapping session with Cheryl. While the activity involved mapping out the community practices, Cheryl discussed about the issue of "2-mile" fringe, where members of the Bloomington community, outside the 2-mile fringe are deprived of facilities that the rest of Bloomington community can access. Consecutively, we also had another participant during a different mapping session describe a similar scenario. I believe using an opportunity map to map out these issues could have given us effective solutions to be deployed within the community.
‍Sense making data: 
The most important area of focus is the map generated as well as the opportunity points that will help in the well being of the community.

14. Opportunities mapping

A mapping technique used to geographically identify (within communities) the areas where opportunities are available as well as lacking in order to promote economic well-being.

“Opportunity mapping uses various data sources to show segregation patterns and to help us see how these patterns affect individuals’ abilities to access amenities and services that help promote economic well-being”

Reference: Brian Stromberg. 2016. OpportunityMapping. (May 2016). https://www.nhc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Opportunity-Mapping.pdf

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research, Data Analysis

Opportunities Mapping
Opportunities Mapping
Autoethnography
Autoethnography

Resources: 
Journal to self-reflect, research notes, artifacts (if any collected)
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and segregate research data, be it pictures, notes, voice notes, videos, artifacts etc. Remember to consider specific cultural practices and write the reflections from self perspective, on a personal level. Care to be taken to avoid judgments and bias.
‍During: Reflect on observations and insights gathered during the initial phases of research. Compare and contrast and try to relate to how observations (specifically cultural) is similar or different from self's practices.
After: Keep iterating on the reflections by including the new findings/insights. Make sure that the predispositions are verified and the reflections include facts and not assumptions.

Use case:
While doing the project to reduce food wastage, almost all of our focus was on reducing the food wastage in America. This was because all of my team members were from an Asian culture and we had similar food practices. There were moments during my research, when I was wondering how are practices different in the US compared to Asia. However, now that I think about it, I could have used Auto ethnography to reflect on my own practices, what I observed through research and my predispositions to understand the right cause (probably!)
‍Sense making data: 
Reflection on action, through auto ethnography is about revisiting what has been observed, understood through research and reflect on researcher's own thoughts specifically focusing on cultural differences. So the data to focus on here is the resulting reflections that might give rise to new insights.

15. Autoethnography

A reflective anthropology technique, auto ethnography is where the researcher uses self-reflection to explore and think through personal experiences and connect the same with the context of research, specifically cultural.

“Auto ethnography is an emerging qualitative research method that allows the author to write in a highly personalized style, drawing on his or her experience to extend understanding about a societal phenomenon. The intent of auto ethnography is to acknowledge the inextricable link between the personal and the cultural and to make room for nontraditional forms of inquiry and expression.”

Reference: Wall, Sarah.(2006). An Autoethnography on Learning About Autoethnography. InternationalJournal of Qualitative Methods. 5. 10.1177/160940690600500205.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Safety measures, permission (if research takes place in a government/privately owned property),notes, camera
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and the outcomes of design decisions, that will have an impact on non-human stakeholders. Considering the outcome can help create designs that are inclusive of the multi species and not just human users. Identify the range of species that need to be observed and understood for the design to not affect them.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the non-human stakeholders and the environment. the Take ample photographs relevant to the context. Take caution if location/species observed are dangerous.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos and record/annotate your insights.

Use case:
When redesigning the robot bee, I initially never thought of how a small (machine)bee might be mistook for an insect & in turn be consumed by birds, that might be dangerous. If given a chance, I would conduct multi species ethnography to understand the bird’s feeding cycle as well as the taste/odor that the bird is sensitive to, so that I can infuse that in the robot bees to prevent the bird from ingesting them.
‍Sense making data: 
As an anthropological research technique that focuses on understand multi species livelihood, focus should be on data generated about species ecology, their habitat, their eating habits etc. Data about the environment should also be recorded, as nature forms the base for design that considers non-human species.

16. Multi species ethnography

A Design Anthropology technique, ensuring non-human species are considered during design, by using ethnographic approaches to understand their livelihood/habitat.

“multi species ethnography centers on how a multitude of organisms’ livelihoods shape and are shaped by political, economic, and cultural forces.”

Reference: S. Eben Kirksey andStefanHelmerich (2010). The emergence of multispecies ethnography. CulturalAnthropology. V.25, Issue 4.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Multi species Ethnography
Multi species Ethnography
Photoethnography
Photoethnography

Resources: 
Camera & corresponding equipment required for clear photography, notes
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify participants/locations where photo ethnography is to be conducted. Since photographs would serve as a data source, ensure equipment like camera, tripod etc. are in order. If needed get a consent form ready, if capturing pictures of participants.
‍During: Capture pictures giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the design/research context. If required, seek participant permission. Capture as many photos as possible. Remember that nothing captured is insignificant, nuances might get captured in the pictures that can be observed later.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after the session, of each photograph and create notes/annotations to mark the reason why each photograph was taken. Considering too many pictures being taken, immediate recording of each photo's context makes it easier to remember and use each photo during further research and data analysis.

Use case:
While designing to reduce food wastage, Photo ethnography was done as a part of the project to spread awareness about misfits. Pictures of farmers captured at the farmer’s market showed emotions of farmers and how welcoming they were to share details about misfits. For instance, while not explicitly spoken off during an interview, we could see a farmer couple's agitation (in a photograph) and that seemed to be because they had no customers, also observed was that they were selling misfits.
‍Sense making data: 
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the photograph and what is being captured in the photo, in relevance to the design context. Photographs alone cannot lead to insights or interpretations as researcher judgments might cloud the insights generated. During interpretation and analysis, care needs to taken to avoid bias and judgments.

17. Photography based ethnography

A Design Anthropology technique that uses photography as an ethnographic medium, to record observations.

“Any photograph may have ethnographic interest, significance or meanings at a particular time or for a specific reason…Therefore ethnographers seek to understand the individual, local and broader cultural discourses in which photographs are made meaningful.”

Reference: Pink, S. (2007). Doingvisual ethnography. London, : SAGE Publications, Ltd, 49-76. doi:10.4135/9780857025029

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Video camera & corresponding equipment required for clear videography
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify participants/locations where video ethnography is to be conducted. Since videos would serve as a data source, ensure equipment like video camera, tripod etc. are in order. Understand how to use video camera as well as recording voice. If needed get a consent form ready, if capturing videos of participants.
‍During: Capture videos giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the design/research context. If required, seek participant permission. Utilize the fact that video captures motion and make use of it to the fullest during the session. Remember that nothing captured is insignificant, nuances might get captured in the videos that can be observed later.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after the session, of the video and create notes/annotations to mark the reason why each each clip was taken. Considering too many videos being taken, immediate recording of each video's context makes it easier to remember and use the clips during further research and data analysis.

Use case:
While designing to reduce food wastage, video recorded as a part of the project to spread awareness about misfits. The video was recorded during the interview with farmers. Merging the interviews of various farmers together and showcasing it to the class made the entire class understand what the farmers go through when they have no consumers purchasing misfits and when they have to give away/waste 25% of their harvest.
‍Sense making data: 
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the video and what is being captured in the video, in relevance to the design context. Capturing a motion video will act as an alternative to voice/text notes put together. But researcher's judgments and subjectivity should be kept under check while editing the video, in order to avoid misinterpretations.

18. Video based ethnography

A Design Anthropology technique that uses videos/motion pictures as an ethnographic medium, to record observations, especially capturing movement.  

“using video images and technologies not simply to record 'data', but as media through which ethnographic knowledge is created.”

Reference: Reference: Pink, S.(2007). Doing visual ethnography. London, : SAGEPublications, Ltd, 77-93. doi: 10.4135/9780857025029

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Videoethnography
Videoethnography
Walking Probe
Walking Probe

Resources: 
Notes,recorder, camera, Questions to ask while walking, water/snack/comfortable clothing,conveyance to get to the participant’s preferred location
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify participants and location of participant's choice to conduct the walking probe session. Arrange conveyance to get to the location. Curate a semi structured interview to maintain the research context during the session, however let the participant lead the conversation.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the location (community)and their practices. Take ample photographs relevant to the context. Being a verbal probe, get the conversation moving and clarify questions regarding the locality with the participants, if any.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
In the mid research phases of the waste management project, we used walking probe to understand the community level waste management technique with the help of local community members. In order to understand and correlate waste management in areas differing in social status, we did 2 walking probes with Cheryl and Carrie, with the former living in a high-income area while the latter living around a low-income area. Choosing two areas of different socioeconomic standards revealed stark differences between the community's waste management practices.
‍Sense making data: 
Focus needs to be on the location where the walking probe is conducted as well as the details shared by the participant during the session. Observation of the surrounding while walking along and interviewing gives a better idea of the location and culture. The exertion caused by walking could result in better thought process.

19. Walking probes

A Design Anthropology and a verbal probing technique, done as a walk along session with the participant while interviewing the participant about that location that is of significance to the participant.

“Walking probes involve visiting a location that has meaning to an informant and discussing the place and the built environment that the informant associates with the locale.”

Reference: De Leon, J. P., & Cohen, J. H.(2005). Object and Walking Probes in Ethnographic Interviewing. Field Methods,17(2), 200–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X05274733

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Resources: 
Questions to be asked during the session, notes, recorder, camera, conveyance (to get to the participant’s location), preferably a fellow researcher so that there is an observer while the other researcher actively asks questions.
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify the right participant(s) who has ample knowledge of the research context. Finding an expert in the domain (of the design space) and getting them to agree to do sessions, in their own place is not always easy, so start recruitment early. Arrange for a fellow researcher, so that during the session, one can actively probe the participant while the other can observe. Prepare a semi structured interview to keep the conversation on track.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the participant's context, daily activities & tools. Take ample photographs relevant to the context. Get the conversation moving and clarify questions regarding the key terms that participant uses, if any.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant.

Use case:
In the latter research phases of the waste management project, we used contextual inquiry to understand how “Express” the trash management company handles trash in the Bloomington community. Interestingly, the person managing the business was handing it part time and working as a full-time realtor. This was in turn shown in his office where his major tools were mobile phone and a computer because he remotely manages business. (We also observed him checking his phone and computer quite often, showing how considerate he is of his customers) All of which might not have been observed if it was a regular interview.
‍Sense making data: 
By being in the context of the participant, focus needs to be on data generated about the participant's tools, practices, routines etc. and observations made in his/her own context. Although non-participant observation can help record non-verbal cues, that data is not of prime focus.

20. Contextual inquiry

A Design Anthropology conducted during later stages of research, where the researcher goes to the location of the participants and interviews the participants while observing them in their own context (work/home/living space).

“Contextual inquiry is a technique that helps you understand the real environment people live in and work in, and it reveals their needs within that environment. It reveals what people really do and how they define what is actually valuable to them.”

Reference: Kuniavsky, Mike.(2003). Observing the User Experience: A Practitioner's Guide to User Research.Chapter 8. (pp.159-182).

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research

Contextual Inquiry
Contextual Inquiry
Affinity Diagramming
Affinity Diagramming

Resources: 
Sticky notes, all research notes, data items (generated from research notes), whiteboard/wall/table to categorize the sticky notes, marker
Procedure:
Before: Segregate data generated through all research methods. Create data points on sticky notes, each of which are of value or convey an insight in relevance to the research context. Ensure that the points mentioned has clear details on the sources of data, that will help later, while categorizing, to understand the context of data.
‍During: arrange the data bits into categories, with each category signifying a deeper meaning and connection rather than being straight forward. Merge categories into next top level categories, each of the category being an insight that can be related to the data within the sub category. By following this top down approach, generate a top level set of 2/3 categories each of which are final set of insights to help support concept generation.
After: Re read the insights generated and see if categories are deeper enough. The more you look at data, the deeper you think, the better the insights generated.

Use case:
After research phase of the waste management project, we used affinity  diagramming in the project to uncover deeper insights. While  in the beginning we followed a straightforward categorizing approach, every higher level required deep thinking and revisiting research data that helped uncover  insights that are not directly observed. Although it was time consuming, the insights that were generated at the top level proved to be a great point to generate concepts that would help the community.
‍Sense making data: 
As a data analysis technique, focus is on every data note and corresponding categories generated. By going through and categorizing large quantities of data, insight generation becomes easier. While categorizing is to group the data bits together, care needs to be taken to make sure categories are based on a deeper understanding of data and not straightforward.

21. Affinity diagraming

A data analysis technique where the researcher(s) jot down the data gathered in bits, on sticky notes and categorize them, generating insights from each category. Affinity diagramming is an inductive bottom up approach.

“Affinity diagrams and consolidated work models show how individual examples of work practice are instances of overarching patterns that define the whole population, and they provide concrete representations of those patterns.”

Reference: Holtzblatt, Karen, and Hugh Beyer. Contextual Design: A Customer-centeredApproach to Systems Design.San Francisco, CA: Morgan Kaufmann, 1998. Ch. 9. (154-163)

Nature & context: Data Analysis

Resources: 
Artifacts, notes, camera, well lit room to conduct analysis of artifacts
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify artifacts that can help provoke thoughts as well as understand the cultural practices. Segregate artifacts and decide on the property that needs to be looked at like its aesthetics, materiality etc. Ensure that the artifact collection is not random and collected together to signify a community and its culture.
‍During: Analyze the artifact well beyond just its appearance. While aesthetics is one of the properties to be looked at, importance is to be given to how the artifact is used across the community to understand their practices and culture.
After: Unlike verbal probes, artifact analysis completely depends on how the researcher looks at it. In order to verify that the analysis is relevant and not based on assumptions, review the same with other research data collected about the community or conduct a participatory session with community members to verify the authenticity of analysis.

Use case:
While I have not done artifact analysis explicitly and hence unsure if my use case is relevant, As a part of  understanding designer’s workspace and tools, we interviewed a knitter. One  of her tools was an antique “Yarn making machine” that she even had a name  for, that was made in the 1800s. Clearly, the one artifact was enough to  understand how much the designer values the art of knitting. Where there are opportunities  to buy yarns in the store, the designer’s choice to keep making the yarn  shows how valuable and meaningful that artifact is to her.
‍Sense making data: 
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the object itself but its properties such as form and materiality (Relevant to the context) as well as usage with respect to the community's culture that in turn will help improve and iterate on the insights generated during the initial research phase.

22. Artifact analysis

A Design Anthropology technique where the researcher gathers artifacts and analyze the same that shows observable evidence of characteristics and cultural contexts.

“A systematic examination of the material, aesthetic, and interactive qualities of objects contribute to an understanding of their physical, social, and cultural contexts.”

Reference: Martin, Bella, and Bruce M. Hanington. Universal Methods ofDesign 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, andDesign Effective Solutions. Beverly, MA: Rockport Publishers, 2012. 14

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research, Data Analysis

Artifact Analysis
Artifact Analysis
Cultural Probes
Cultural Probes

Resources: 
Materials for the probe, construction plan, if geographically distributed shipping the probe to the participant’s location, clear instructions for participants as to how to use the probe
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify probes/ artifacts that can help initiate communication or provoke thoughts for the participants. If constructing probes, conduct extra research to ensure that the resulting design is relatable for the participants involved (in the cultural context). Prepare some open ended questions to lead the conversation in the right direction. Recruit participants relevant to the context (as many as needed). If deployment to a different geographical location is needed, prepare package accordingly and handle shipping of the probes.
‍During: Record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the community and culture. Take ample photographs relevant to the context. If probes have been geographically shared, reach back to the participants to gather their responses periodically.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant(s).

Use case:
My team (all Asians)  during the beginning phase of designing for food wastage, decided to focus on  America because we had a predisposition that in Asian culture, food is given extra value. However, If given a choice, I would use a cultural probe, like  photographs, of big family, small portion size, excess food thrown away etc, circulate the photographs geographically to people we know from Asian culture as well as to few American participants to see how each of them perceive it.  Doing so, would have supported our predisposition or might have proven it wrong.
‍Sense making data: 
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the object itself but its property such as form and materiality (Relevant to the context) that in turn will help improve and iterate on the insights generated during the initial research phase.

23. Cultural probes

A Design Anthropology technique that uses materials i.e., object probes especially relevant to the community to understand people’s culture and how they view their space.

“The cultural probes—these packages of maps, postcards, and other materials—were designed to provoke inspirational responses from elderly people in diverse communities... The probes were part of a strategy of pursuing experimental design in a responsive way.”

Reference: Gaver, B., Dunne,T., & Pacenti, E. (1999). Cultural probes.

Nature & context: Design Anthropology, User Research, Design Technique

Resources: 
Materials for tool kits, toolkit construction plan, stationery, notes, recorder, camera, instructions for participants
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and identify designs that can help initiate communication or provoke thoughts for the participants. If constructing tool kits, conduct extra research to ensure that the resulting design is relatable for the participants involved (in the cultural context). Prepare some open ended questions to lead the conversation in the right direction. Recruit participants relevant to the context (as many as needed).
‍During: Deploy tool kits to participant(s) and record extensive notes giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the community and culture. Take ample photographs relevant to the context.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures as well as other records generated like videos and voice notes and record/annotate your insights. Send out a thank you note to the participant(s).

Use case:
In the beginning research phases of the waste management project, after secondary research we deployed tool kits to understand participant's view of packaging waste. We used all the 5 tool kits to understand the source to the end of packaging waste. By choosing diverse set of participants and constructing tool kits specific to each set, we understood people’s intentions towards packaging waste. For instance, the emotional toolkit was designed to understand how participants felt about discarding plastics and card boards and how aware they were about the social and environmental impacts of this waste.
‍Sense making data: 
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the object itself but its property such as While non-verbal cues are to be recorded, key data is about how the participant interacts with the tool kit and their practices and not about the participant.

24. Toolkits

A Co-Creative technique that involves participants to initiate discussion, thoughts and ideas. Different tool kits like emotional/ sensitizing/ experience/ story line/ cognitive tool kits allow participants to express their thoughts through artifacts/workbooks that the toolkit is comprised of.

“An important part of generative techniques are toolkits for expression. These toolkits are carefully developed by the research team to support the participants in a pre-determined activity such as recalling memories, making interpretations and connections,seeing and explaining feelings, or imagining future experiences”

Reference: Elizabeth Sanders& Pieter Jan Strappers. Convivial Toolbox: Generative Research for theFront End of Design. Ch. 3: How It Works: Generative Tools and Techniques.65-95.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, User Research

Toolkits
Toolkits
Design Fiction
Design Fiction

Resources: 
Exemplars, stationery, notes
Procedure:  
‍Design fiction is a form of speculative design, only difference being in the narrative. It combines design, facts and science fiction to enable dreaming of what could be possible in the near future.
Before: Unlike speculative design that focuses on social issues, design fiction can be used as a futuring method to narrate the design of any product/service. Most important for design fiction is research that informs design as well as exemplars to inspire design decisions.
‍During: Build a narrative that allows readers to experience and visualize the near future possibilities. Giving attention to details during the description of design, makes the design as realistic as possible.
After: Use research through design technique to infer people's thought process.

Use case:
Class homework involving multi-species ethnography: During exemplar analysis to design for non-human species, it was observed that most of the design were biophilic. As a result, we used Design fiction to write about a dreamy city that is green everywhere, with buildings geographically constructed to use maximum sunlight, covered by self-growing creepers and drones flying around that act as sprinklers to maintain the greens.
‍Advantages & Disadvantages: 
Design fiction allows designers to envision designs for the near future. However, during the design process, there are chances of forgetting ground reality and speculating beyond the possible. Which in turn makes the product less appealing in the market as it gets difficult to implement the design.

25. Design fiction

A futuring and research through design technique, that allows design to ask questions. Design fiction is the process of designing/narrating a fictitious product/concept that combines design, facts and science fiction. It is another method to dream of what could be possible in the near future.

“Design fiction as I am discussing it here is a conflation of design, science fact, and science fiction. It is an amalgamation of practices that together bends the expectations as to what each does on its own and ties them together into something new. It is a way of materializing ideas and speculations without the pragmatic curtailing that often happens when dead weights are fastened to the imagination.”

Reference: Julian Bleecker.(2009). Design Fiction: A Short Essay on Design, Science, Fact, and Fiction.Near Future Laboratory.

Nature & context: Futuring, Design Technique

Resources: 
Exemplars,Materials needed to craft the design, stationery, recorder, camera, notes
Procedure:  
‍Key difference between Critical and speculative design is that the former, while a design just to challenge the current practices & is aesthetically provocative, the latter goes a step beyond, to use design to speculate an ideal reality.
Before: Understand the context and identify areas of focus specially social issues that need to be discussed and changed. Conduct extensive research to support the idea and the design process. Gather exemplars to inspire design decisions. Understand target audience in order for the design to be effective and provocative enough.
‍During: Keeping in mind the idea of speculative design, of being able to let participants an alternative reality that fights the current social issues, develop a design using speculation but deeply bound to the ground reality.
After: Analyse discussion pointers and Use research through design technique to infer people's thought process.

Use case:
Class homework involving connected communities: As a part of the waste management project, an exemplar analysis was done that revealed ways to recycle and reuse. I used speculative design to showcase a community that runs reusables and recyclables. The design was a magic hub in the corner of the community that allows community members to feed in trash and take out various forms of recyclables like compost, reusable plastic etc.
‍Advantages & Disadvantages: 
Speculative designs allow designers to envision designs for the near future. However, during the design process, there are chances of forgetting ground reality and speculating beyond the possible. Which in turn makes the product less appealing in the market as it gets difficult to implement the design.

26. Speculative design

A futuring and research through design technique, that allows design to ask questions. Speculative design is the one that allows to fantasize and go beyond the wall of present day reality. While the ultimate design is still grounded to reality, it is inspirational and allows people to dream.

“Large-scale speculative design contests “official reality”; it is a form of dissent expressed through alternative design proposals. It aims to be inspirational, infectious, and catalytic, zooming out and stepping back to address values and ethics. It strives to overcome the invisible wall separating dreams and imagination from everyday life, blurring distinctions between the “real” real and the “unreal”real.”

Reference: Dunne and Raby.Speculative Everything. Ch. 9. Speculative Everything. 159-189.

Nature & context: Futuring, Design Technique

Speculative Design
Speculative Design
Critical Design
Critical Design

Resources: 
Exemplars, materials needed to craft the design, stationery, recorder, camera, video camera (if the design is to be deployed at a participant's location for an extended period), notes.
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and idea/assumptions that need to be questioned. Conduct extensive research to support the idea and the design process. Gather exemplars to inspire design decisions. Understand target audience in order for the design to be effective and provocative enough.
‍During: Keeping in mind the purpose of critical design, of invoking thoughts and challenging the current practices, as well as considering the research data, create a design that is provocative enough.
After: Closely analyze the data gathered (including clips, responses from people etc.) and Use research through design technique to infer people's thought process.

Use case:
Food wastage being very close to my heart, I want to create a critical design and deploy it in locations where participants take excess food and throw it away.One of my ideas (Definitely not supported by data, I was just “speculating”) is to create a trash can that resembles a malnourished kid with his/her mouth open as the trash can’s opening. While it sounds sick, I want people to think about how many children die out of hunger and malnutrition while people are paying to waste food.
‍Advantages & Disadvantages: 
Critical design by being provocative, sparks discussion of topics sensitive which otherwise might not be spoken of. However as a  result of being provocative, might psychologically disturb participants too.

27. Critical design

A futuring and research through design technique, that allows design to ask questions. Critical design is the one that leverages provocative designs to invoke participant’s thoughts and discussions.

“Critical designs probe our beliefs and values, challenge our assumptions and encourage us to imagine how what we call ‘reality’ could be different.”

Reference: Anthony Dunne andFiona Raby. 2013. Speculative Everything: Design, Fiction, and Social Dreaming.The MIT Press. Chapter 9. 159-189.

Nature & context: Futuring, Co-Creative, Design Technique

Resources: 
Customer journey maps, expectations maps, stakeholder maps, service blueprints, tools for modeling and simulating the service, notes, recorder, camera
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and conduct ethnographic research to gather the expectations of all stake holders involved namely the customer as well as the organization i.e., the service provider. Curate the list of design attributes as well as performance standards & metrics. Based on research and initial insights, map out customer journey maps and simultaneously curate the service blue print. Follow this by generating design concepts.
‍During: Based on the concept generated, develop specific design details for the service followed by simulating and modelling the same to give the feel of the service. This is followed by implementation of the service, the final deliverable..
After: Service management is key even after implementation. The steps after implementing service design involves assessing performance and satisfaction and work toward improving the performance, iteratively.

Use case:
While working for Microsoft, I designed a customization for “Outlook” that was called “Mail made easy”. The intention behind this, in my opinion, resembles service design.A customer support engineer’s daily routine includes sending out periodic emails to customers checking in about the status of their technical issue.While some of them are specific, most of the emails are generic except for may be the customer name. As a support engineer myself, I wanted to ease the process of regular drafting of generic emails for the engineer while also helping them maintain a unanimous, humble template that represents the company well to the customers.And the resulting service managed to achieve that.
‍Advantages & Disadvantages: 
A holistic design  approach that gives equal value to each stakeholder and not just user centric. satisfying all stakeholders involved. But since it evolves with its usage, a service requires extensive maintenance.

28. Service design

A Co-Creative Design Technique that focuses on creation of a holistic service that is of benefit to both the users as well as the clients (organization), Focuses on transactions more than experience.

“Service Design helps to innovate(create new) or improve(existing) services to make them more useful, usable, desirable for clients and efficient as well as effective for organizations. It is a new holistic, multi-disciplinary, integrative field.”

Reference: Stefan, M. (2005). Service Design: Practical access to an evolving field (M.A.Thesis: Köln International School of Design).

Nature & context: Co-Creative, Design Technique

Service Design
Service Design
Customer Journey Maps
Customer Journey Maps

Resources: 
Interaction touch points, curated customer pain points, a template to be followed while crafting the map, initial set of insights
Procedure:
Before: Understand the interaction sequence as well as the customer needs, correlating that with the insights to understand points of improvement within the service. Clear identification of Interaction touch points and customer pain points. A layout, that exhaustively captures customer's journey including thoughts, emotions and opportunities.
‍During: Create phases in relevance to the interaction sequence and insights gathered. Map out touch points & thoughts (both positive and negative). Use visuals like emoticons, levels in the map, to signify highs and lows of customer's experience.
After: Use the journey and co-relate touch point, pain points and emotions to generate design decisions/changes for the service.

Use case:
Lucid being a service provider, our redesign of onboarding experience of Lucidchart involved analyzing research data and drafting a user journey map that maps out the story of the user from signing up to the creation of his/her first diagram. Using the research data, we extensively mapped out interaction touch points, pain points and user emotions/thoughts. Doing so helped us to identify areas within the service that needs improvement.
‍Sense making data: 
Customer journey maps, as its name suggests, are used to narrate the journey of the customer while interacting with the service. Thus, the points of focus should be on the points within the service where customer experiences negative emotions (pain points) as well as the touch points within the interaction sequence where the pain points occur.

29. Customer journey maps

A map generated as a part of the service design process that captures service user’s touch points (points of interaction with the services) along with their pain points, feelings and emotions.

“A customer journey map provides a vivid but structured visualization of a service user’s experience. The touch points where users interact with the service are often used in order to construct a “journey”–an engaging story based upon their experience. This story details their service interactions and accompanying emotions in a highly accessible manner.”

Reference: Stickdorn, M.,& Schneider, J. (2010). This is service design thinking:Basics--tools--cases. Amsterdam: BISPublishers.

Nature & context: Service Design, Design Technique

Resources: 
Repository of design samples (physical and online), basic context of design space,analysis plan, notes
Procedure:
Curation: Exemplars provide an  inspiration as well as a source of inquiry to the designer. Therefore exemplars gathered should focus on helping the designer learn and iterate on their design process and not just provide direct solution to their design problem. Exemplars can be collected following the 10x10 method where you arrange the exemplar in the form of a matrix to observe a pattern. Or, the design dimension schema method can be used to collect exemplars based on its dimensions like material, uses, components etc.
‍Analysis: Analyzing exemplars, especially those that are widely used can reveal a  pattern that can be utilized by the designer to make his/her own design more  prevalent. Performing competitive analysis on exemplars will reveal market based data while thematic analysis of exemplars over time, shows a pattern of needs that are fulfilled and other needs that are problematic. Design criticism of exemplars can help in the designer avoiding the obvious design issues, that are identified in the exemplars (as a pattern).

Use case:
Exemplar curation and analysis was done as a part of designing for multi species ethnography. By gathering and analyzing exemplars that were designed keeping in mind environment and species ecology, we observed a pattern i.e., of most of the designs considering environment were biophilic (consuming minimal energy and utilizing natural energy sources & its components to the fullest). This in turn informed our design decision.
‍Sense making data: 
While exemplars are  supposed to initiate inquiry for the designer as well as allow him/her to  think better about the insights/solution in hand, there are chances of the  pattern being looked upon aesthetically and the designer just using it as a  copy for his/her own design. Hence during exemplar analysis, focus should be on "challenging" thought process over just appearance.

30. Exemplar curation and analysis

Exemplar curation and analysis is the process of collecting examples that inspire design and analyzing the same to identify a pattern that might help build upon existing ideas, iterate and assist during the design process.

“Collecting exemplars is a form of inquiry, that is, you should be learning something as you proceed, and what you learn should change how you understand and see the design space. You do not collect exemplars to prove that you were right about something...As you collect your exemplars you will start to have insights and ideas.”

Reference: JeffreyBardzell and Shaowen Bardzell. Exemplars (aka Design collection). Indiana University School of Informatics,Computing, and Engineering. Version: February 2019

Nature & context: Design Technique

Exemplars
Exemplars
Design Critique
Design Critique

Resources: 
Sticky notes (if critiquing physically), pen/pencil, context of design, designs to critique on.
Procedure:
Before: Understand the context and get a clarity on the design focus keeping in mind design's stakeholders, technology, context, materiality, functionality and features. If providing physical critiques, keep stationery handy. Learn to provide constructive critique so that it is of benefit to the designer and does not offend anyone.
‍During: Analyze the design carefully keeping in mind design's stakeholders, technology, context, materiality, functionality and features. Write down clear critiques with justification. Remember to be appreciative/critical in a way that will benefit the designer and not for any personal vendetta.
After: Review critique of own design and reflect on the same. Revise design (if needed) in order to improve on the issues being critiqued. If the critic is looking for justification, provide the same or if there is a gap in the fellow critics understanding the design, clarify the same.

Use case:
Class homework involving multi-species ethnography: As a part of designing for non-human species, we, as a team of two, redesigned the "Bee-robot". The other part of the homework was to critique other team's ideas while keeping in mind the design's consideration of its effect on the environment. By critiquing & receiving critiques, we were able to reflect on an issue that we never observed before i.e., of the idea of how our redesign might indirectly affect another species.
‍Sense making data: 
Critiques are meant to be constructive. Hence the focus should be on how relevant the critique is, in line with the design context. A decision to make a design change based on the critique has be taken only if the critique is strongly supported with a reason.

31. Design critique

A Co-Creative technique that can be conducted during the design process to critique design while keeping in mind stakeholders,technology, context, materiality, functionality, features etc.

“critique is an essential resource for design, both in terms of identifying problems and iterating ideas.” 

Reference: Vines, John & Blythe, Mark& Dunphy, Paul & Monk, Andrew & Olivier, Patrick. (2012).Questionable concepts: Critique as a resource for designing with eightysomethings. Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings.10.1145/2207676.2208567.

Nature & context: Co-Creative, Design Technique

Resources: 
Groups of at least 2/3, moderator to initiate the brainstorming process

Metaphor ball: 
A brainstorming technique. Group activity consisting of at least 2/3/4 people, without a physical ball but acting as if they are holding one, the moderator starts off with a topic. The person holding the (imaginary) ball has the floor, to start the discussion, and each person the ball is passed on to will improve on the previous person’s statement/idea.Participants can challenge or critique each other’s ideas. Similar to passing the beach ball technique, where the person holding the ball has the floor.

Yes, Let's: 
A brainstorming technique. Group activity consisting of at least 2/3/4 people, with one person starting off with an idea/topic, followed by the next person agreeing to it and adding improvisations to it. Keep building on the idea, no matter how ridiculous or unrealistic it sounds. (Round robin), More of a speculative approach where each person hearing the previous person's idea agrees with and adds on to it ignoring the implementation constraints.

Speed dating: 
A rapid concept iteration technique. Involves two people who discuss their concepts with each other, with the other person making a suggestions/ improvisation.Once the given time (of few minutes or so) passes, the one person from the pair switches to the next person and the cycle repeats, with improvisations done on the already improvised concept. Resembles speed dating where every table has a one person who is fixed, say the men. The other group (say the women) keep going around table after table, in round robin fashion initiating a conversation with the men for few minutes each.

32. Brainstorming

The process of thinking through and building up ideas either individually or as a group, that can be used in the design process, during the ideation phase.

“Osborn’s rules for effective brainstorming encourage people to withhold judgment, build on the ideas of others, generate a large quantity of ideas, free-wheel, and identify a leader. The rules are intended to govern participant behavior and enhance the productivity of the brainstorm...Designers use improvisation to foster a group dynamic necessary for effective brainstorming.Designers adopt improvisation inspired activities to practice the rules of brainstorming designed to create a supportive group dynamic.”

Reference: Gerber, Elizabeth.(2009). Using improvisation to enhance the effectiveness of brainstorming.Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings. 97-104.10.1145/1518701.1518718.

Nature & context: Ideation, Design Technique

Brainstorming
Brainstorming