ethnography in odd places

#UXPA2016www.uxpa2016.org

Session Survey: www.uxpa2016.org/survey/263 Conference Survey:

Ethnography in Odd PlacesCarol Smith, Thyra Rauch and John Schrag

http://www.uxpa2016.org/survey/263



Be Present• Go where they are• Inherent challenges• Space• Time• Conditions




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Preparation




Planning is Power• Who you are meeting• What gear to bring• Logistics• Where you are meeting • How to get there • How to get to next location• Walk path or map all details

• 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

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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




Engineer ≠ Engineer




Outdoor Observations• Dress for comfort• Rain/Snow• Waterproof shoes• Page protectors for paper• Layers of non-cotton clothing

• Hot• Sunscreen/hat

• Cold • Hat/gloves• Layers of non-cotton clothing




In their home…don’t make yourself at Home




Kids, Pets, Chaos• Prepare for the unexpected• Allergic reactions• Kids • Clutter and cleanliness

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Physically Active Participants• Keep up!• Be prepared for the length of the study• or, a quick walk…

• Sound considerations • Stay mobile with small technology• Get close to participant without being too close

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Public Spaces• Everyone may feel compromised • Be aware• Create/find smaller spaces• Speak quietly if possible

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Etiquette Meets Research• Technical tradeshow• Dinner• Spontaneous research

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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

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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

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When we become the “Representative”• Facing angry customers• Coming into critical situations• Help desk vs. research

• Check with the client rep to understand situation• Responding to change• Never a total loss – turn it into

learning experience




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




Interrupting Observations

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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 UsCarol Smith, IBM• [email protected]• @carologic

Thyra Rauch, IBM• [email protected]

John Schrag, Autodesk• [email protected]• @jvschrag


ethnography in odd places

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