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• trauch@us.ibm.com• +1 (408) 463-2465

• Carol Smith• Goodyear• CarolJ_Smith@goodyear.com

• +1 (773) 218-6568