Data Enabled Contextual InquiryWe developed and tested a method that enables sensemaking around live data. The method was explored through the deployment of a collection of Bluetooth speakers that capture and stream live data about their movement and operation. Researchers monitored a visualisation of the real-time data to build up a picture of how the speakers were being used, responding to moments of activity within the data, initiating text conversations and prompting participants to capture photos and video.
Research type:
My role:
Team: DAN BURNETT, Lancaster University JAMES THORP, Lancaster University DANIEL RICHARDS, Lancaster University DAVE MURRAY-RUST, University of Edinburgh |
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Problem
A key challenge in carrying out product design research is obtaining rich contextual information about use in the wild. |
Opportunity
The development of ever smaller and cheaper sensors, which can be embedded within products brings about new opportunities for industry and researchers to understand how objects are used in the wild. |
Research aims
Investigate if sensor data can be used to complement and support design research by aiding remote real- time contextual inquiry |
Lessons learned
Our method does allow for contextual inquiry, however it was very intensive and could be made better through automation of live data analysis. |