Abstract
This paper draws on concepts from the structuralist analysis of narrative to explore aspects of the role of stories in the small group design process. A brief review of relevant narratological concepts is provided. Their application in a preliminary analysis of case study data from a team designing taxonomic software is then reported. It is concluded that narratology, and in particular the notion of focalisation, has useful descriptive potential in this context, and may help to elucidate some difficulties in design communication and documentation. Suggestions for extension of the work are included.
Citation
Turner, S., Turner, P., Raguenaud, C., and Kennedy, J. (2002) Telling tales: understanding the role of narrative in the design of taxonomic software, 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/82
Telling tales: understanding the role of narrative in the design of taxonomic software
This paper draws on concepts from the structuralist analysis of narrative to explore aspects of the role of stories in the small group design process. A brief review of relevant narratological concepts is provided. Their application in a preliminary analysis of case study data from a team designing taxonomic software is then reported. It is concluded that narratology, and in particular the notion of focalisation, has useful descriptive potential in this context, and may help to elucidate some difficulties in design communication and documentation. Suggestions for extension of the work are included.