Abstract
The design of a new tool or technology for a workplace should take into account the broad range of activities that go on in a given work environment. This paper describes an observation methodology in which the users -those who actually work in a given environment - photograph their own activities, acting as their own investigators. In this methodology, some visual tools are used to enhance communication in the design process. During follow-up interviews of the workplace activities between designers and workplace users, the self-photographs serve an important role as a medium to help designers understand how users function in the workplace. An interaction map, which visualizes the structure of the work practice, promotes and mediates interaction between the user community and the design team. In addition, the self-photography helps to give users a sense of participation in the investigation process. This helps users become involved in the design process thoroughly and smoothly. By applying this observation technique to three design projects, it is confirmed that the self-photo methodology is effective not only as an observation tool but also as a mediating tool among the various communities across the entire design process.
Citation
Tamaru, E., Hasuike, K., and Tozaki, M. (2002) A field study methodology using self-photography of workplace activities, in Durling, D. and Shackleton, J. (eds.), Common Ground - DRS International Conference 2002, 5-7 September, London, United Kingdom. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2002/researchpapers/77
A field study methodology using self-photography of workplace activities
The design of a new tool or technology for a workplace should take into account the broad range of activities that go on in a given work environment. This paper describes an observation methodology in which the users -those who actually work in a given environment - photograph their own activities, acting as their own investigators. In this methodology, some visual tools are used to enhance communication in the design process. During follow-up interviews of the workplace activities between designers and workplace users, the self-photographs serve an important role as a medium to help designers understand how users function in the workplace. An interaction map, which visualizes the structure of the work practice, promotes and mediates interaction between the user community and the design team. In addition, the self-photography helps to give users a sense of participation in the investigation process. This helps users become involved in the design process thoroughly and smoothly. By applying this observation technique to three design projects, it is confirmed that the self-photo methodology is effective not only as an observation tool but also as a mediating tool among the various communities across the entire design process.