Ethnography in Odd Places
Carol Smith and Thyra Rauch UXPA 2013
Be Present
• Go where they are• Inherent challenges– Space– Time– Conditions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockyvi/6451635085/sizes/m/in/photolist-aQ7jkF/Some rights reserved by Rocky VI - http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockyvi/License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
Preparation
Knowledge is Power
• Who you are meeting• What gear to bring• Where - logistics to get there • Logistics to next location – allow time• Do a walk/map through• Plan for bio breaks
Gear To Bring
• Pockets• Pens and notepad• Recording Equipment• Water, Clif Bar (crushable)• Wallet (with cash)• Extension cords, extra batteries, etc.
Pockets
• Breathable travel vest• Easy access to:– Small gear– Two pens– Small notepad– Water bottle, snack
• Ability to be hands free– Climbing– Gear protection
ScottVest - www.scottevest.com/
Case Study: Race Track
High Quality Personal Protection
Fiberglass – lightweight & not affected by temp
Toe, Ankle and Dirt Protection
Adapt and be Open to Experience
Outdoor Observations
• Dress for comfort
In their home…Don’t make yourself at Home
Kids, Pets, Chaos
• Prepare for the unexpected
• Allergic reactions• Kids • Clutter and cleanliness
Physically Active Participants
• Keep up!– Be prepared for the length of the study
• Sound considerations – Stay mobile with small technology– Get close to participant without being too close
Public Spaces
• Everyone may feel compromised
• Be aware– Create/find smaller
spaces– Speak quietly if possible
http://www.flickr.com/photos/justaslice/6254973009/sizes/m/in/photolist-awJnye-cbSp23-bopgBH-9qKgT3-a2QHaG-85eBDv-ddmwdC-aWZKQp-ddmvTP-awqfuc-eyifAV-8M8tpm-7N1DPb-ciG1K9-dsxcY9-9WAQhy-88ENpV-aDQndx-avV5GZ-8jHtix-aAGD5M-as9pmp-ebCh5H-c8K8Wj-89kvjU-7TmgvL/Some rights reserved by Slices of Light: http://www.flickr.com/photos/justaslice/License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
Etiquette Meets Research
• Technical tradeshow• Dinner• Spontaneous research
Breath …
thenReact
Interruptions
• Allow reasonable ones (phone, bio, etc.)• Incessant external or nearby noises• Pets, kids, etc.
• Case Study: Help desk and noise level
• Consider rescheduling/cancelling
The Show Must Go On
• Loss of power, or no power– Paper printouts– Battery power (limited)– back-up power generator
• No connectivity– Phone tether– Offline solution
Prepare for the Unexpected
• A virus attack. Whoops! Plans change• Observations mobile instead of in an office
Non-Observations
• Work has been planned out “just for you”• Case Study 1: – Planned: a site visit and observation of workers. – Actual: a meeting room with execs “explaining
things”.• Case Study 2: Multi-day installation
CASE STUDY: A VERY WARM CAR
Precautions
• Participant behavior– Ride alongs– Paying attention to work– Equipment
• Environmental situations– Manufacturing– Animals
When It Doesn’t Go as Planned…
• Case Study 1:– Planned: European conference with small
participatory sessions – Actual: “Audience participation” not typical.
• Case Study 2: – Planned: Ethnographic research with users– Actual: Not allowed to speak with users or even
observe them
Upcoming Experiences
• Where are you going?• What are your plans/questions?
Summary
• Be flexible and adapt– People– Conditions
• Be open to opportunities– Unexpected situations
• Go light and portable• Never miss an opportunity for– Food– Water– Bio-break
Contact Us
• Thyra Rauch• IBM• [email protected]• +1 (408) 463-2465
• Carol Smith• Goodyear• [email protected]
• +1 (773) 218-6568