RESEARCH
CULTURAL PROBE
Inspired by the work of Bill Gaver I began to explore the different possibilities for the form of the cultural probe and the relevant contents for my particular area. It was very important to take this time, as dealing with a vulnerable community there are certain qualities that are essential for the probe, which will give it the best chance of successfully collecting information.
The first object I decided to include was the disposable camera as it is low-cost, low-tech and gives very rich visual insights. I also had to consider the branding of the disposable camera, would the user be able to operate the camera, but all these details would have to come later. I first needed to remain focused on the probe as a whole, and the types of problems I may encounter. It was very important to anticipate the difficulties ahead, to enable me to iterate and foresee the multiply probes that may be needed. I divided my ideas for the probes into 2 strands, static probes and portable probes.
STATIC PROBE / PORTABLE INDIVIUAL PROBE
STATIC PROBE
The Static probe would exist in a fixed location. I would strategically place probes in public spaces known to be occupied by the homeless community. The first idea I had for this static probe, was to place plastic bottles dangling in certain spots. Plastic bottles are unassuming and discreet, they are often strewn throughout the city streets. For this reason they do not alert unnecessary or unwanted attention but perhaps to a person who is treating the space like a home they would notice something different about the bottle. The idea centred around ‘the message in a bottle’ concept, which was a beautiful arcane method of communication, cast off into the ocean when a person is down to their last resort. It seemed fitting for the area in which I was designing. The bottle is also ideal as it is water proof, it is robust and indestructible.
PORTABLE INDIVIDUAL PROBE
The probe was made to be simple and intuitive. It consisted of a disposable camera and a daily diary. The disposable camera came with no prescribed tasks, I felt it was more realistic to describe to the user what I was hoping to gain insight into, and then allow them to photograph freely. The camera came with 27 shots, so I believed even if the user became unsure of what to photograph, the task of having to use the full film would throw up some interesting results.
The Daily Diary was small (A5 in size). I made sure to reinforce the paper with a piece of card at the back so that it could be filled in without the need for something to rest on. The questions which were asked in this Diary I felt were open-ended enough to give some interesting feedback, I was careful not to overload the diary with to much questions.
INTERVIEWS
As part of my research I conducted a large variety of interviews from members of the homeless community to social workers who are operating at different levels within charities that deal solely with aiding people who are suffering through homelessness. I also had the opportunity to interview other designers who have created projects with the goal of generating awareness around the homeless crisis.
Many thanks must go to the professionals who advised me throughout the project and were willing to offer their time to give such open interviews on their experiences, Lynsey of INSIGHT Project, Jonathan (Dublin Simon Community) and Sean (Focus Ireland). Many thanks to the members of the homeless community who participated in this research, your time, openness and friendship is greatly appreciated.
PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF 'HOME'
While all my research was focused on the homeless crisis and the community of people which operate in this issue, I also felt it was important to begin to get the general public perception on what makes a HOME. I placed posters in public places i.e. Student Union Centre, local bakery and local shop. On these posters I placed simple questions like ‘What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of HOME?’
DESIGN METHODOLOGIES
-
Stakeholder Map
-
Service Blueprint
-
Personas
-
Scenarios
-
Emotional Journey Map
