Deployment

This research intends on using a selection of interactive objects to encourage discussion with participants.  The objects will be open-ended and make use of sensors and outputs.

This product facilitates anonymous messaging within the real world.  It provides a means of expressing what you really want to say without the pain of speaking up.  You can send it email, msn or text messages and it will be read out loud using an anonymous computerised voice.

Method courtesy of Tommy Dykes

www.tommydykes.info.

Quick Provocative Prototypes

I have a habit of building props throughout my research. These serve to provoke reactions form onlookers that would normally come about at the end of a project. 

One of the best ways to communicate an idea and gain feedback is to make a very quick 'look-alike' prototype, with no working parts, and present it to peers/the public. Or better still, design some convincing packaging and weigh it down. With this method you can 'test the water' of your chosen area of interest with minimum effort or investment.

Method courtesy of Robbie Henderson

www.robbiehenderson.co.uk

Object Stimuli

Aim

To get a real user’s perspective and insight into; the most commonly used communication methods for different relationships, lost communication and stories.

Method

This method has an ability to engage ‘real users’ and capture stories from the private sphere through giving participants objects.

Method courtesy of Anna Hammond
www.annahammond.co.uk

Toilet Talk

Aim

To utilize an existing communication environment (toilet walls), to find out personal views in an anonymous way.

Method

This was done by using existing semiotics and creating posters that were then pinned up on the back of toilet cubical doors and on toilet roll dispensers. 

Method courtesy of Anna Hammond

www.annahammond.co.uk

Cathartic Facility

How

Sending people a small cardboard box for them to fill with items, or images of items, that have caused them pain in the past. Once collected I'll burn the boxes filming the event, giving them a video of the burning to provide them with a form of cathartic release. There's also the possibility of using the ashes to create new products as a marker of them conquering their past pain.

Why

To get a glimpse of the items that pain users.

Method courtesy of Mark Kobine

www.kobine.net

Object Apothecary

My aim was to gather research by offering to solve peoples individual/petty problems through product design. Its worked out to be a kind of 'driven-ethnography.' Where the problems have found me, rather than me having to hunt them down. Thus far I have made an SAD wakeup lamp for under £10 and a clock that reads time as a line of 'to-do's.' The object solutions are not the outcome, rather a means to further insight and for finding patterns. 

Method courtesy of Robbie Henderson

www.robbiehenderson.co.uk

Peeping Tom

Aim

To conduct an investigation into the layout of social environments in the home.

Method

Photographs were taken in the geographical area where self-selectors live.

Method courtesy of Anna Hammond

www.annahammond.co.uk

Material Tactics

How

Asking people to send me digital photos of the physical items they use, or modifications they make to their environment, to make themselves feel better.

Why

Ideally I wanted to be a fly on the wall of people's homes but that's not possible so I've asked them to give me images themselves.

Method courtesy of Mark Kobine

www.kobine.net

Derive

This is a great way to start your research or to find an engaging subject. The idea is to start a journey and to record what inspires you along the way. Set a 'rule' and just pick a direction. Some examples of rules could be 'To 'Pitenween Before Sundown, Only take left turns' or my personal favourite 'Find a Submarine.' Do not plan too much, derives are a spur of the moment thing. Travel can be expensive, but its well worth it, even just to get away from familiar territory. But remember to take a camera and sketchbook, you will forget everything!

Method courtesy of Robbie Henderson

www.robbiehenderson.co.uk

Lean Design Deployment

How

Currently, modeling through beeswax, plaster, and PVC rubber to understand more about casting and shape.

Why

In order to find the best, most appealing form.

Method courtesy of Alicia Rampe.

People Watching

Aim

This was to gain an understanding of different forms of communication used in public.

Method

Two bustling locations of Edinburgh city centre were chosen; ‘St Andrew’s Square’ and ‘The Mound’. A choice to remain an ‘outside observer’ (Mahoney 1997) was made, so not to interfere or affect the behavior of the participants.

Method courtesy of Anna Hammond

www.annahammond.co.uk

Speed Creating Workshops

The main aim of these workshops is to get input from others, to make things instinctively and force myself into making decisions and solving problems quickly. I believe that some things can only be discovered by getting your hands dirty and just doing it. Try it, see if it works, if not then adjust it or learn from it and do something different. It's a process of thoughtful hands on experimentation and at it's a way of not getting too precious about the things we make. For me this is a really exciting way to work!

The workshops can also be a place where insights/problems identified in my primary research can be simulated and addressed and possibly solved...

Method courtesy of Martin Campbell

http://www.martinjcampbell.co.uk/

Bribing Experts and Users

How

Lure experts or end users to an independent coffee / tea house with the promise of beverage and cake. Ask them some open questions and get them talking. This has been spectacularly profitable as you will get several hours worth of useful info for the price of a cuppa. And you get cake too :)

Why

You get deep insights quickly and the experts are always very well connected so it gives you a second line of contacts to chase up.

Method courtesy of Mark Kobine

www.kobine.net

Fortnightly Plinth

The idea is to construct a small exhibition platform (be it physical or digital,) with a rule of refreshing the space, at least, once every two weeks. This not only encourages me to make and produce work during research, but also acts as a medium to harvest feedback. Work with your hands and ask for other's opinions.

Method courtesy of Robbie Henderson

www.robbiehenderson.co.uk