Methods and Processes, Cultural Probes

Innovation in Practice- Mike Waller June 2010

The Situationists - Psychogeographical Maps (1950s)

Gooding, M. (1991). Surrealist games.

In A Book of Surrealist Games, M.Gooding, London: Redstone Press.

Inspiration behind Cultural Probes

Professor Bill Gaver- Psychologist/Designer

Fiona Raby & Anthony Dunn, Architect/Designer

Probes were used in the presence project which was a collaboration of a number of Universities.

The world is a messy complex place, engage with it as it is…

Turning Innovation on itself as a method that becomes a poetic act!

The most insightful way of engaging your users in their real contexts is to design your own method of research. Think carefully about the kinds of activities that will challenge your preconceptions of your audience, context, event….

Innovate your innovation process.

Users are complex- The probe uncovers difference

Put effort into your kit- Make it engaging

Pi Studio Probe- Mediating Place Project

These are designed objects… each to explore particular issues

Possible Elements - A Map and Stickers

Place stickers on the map where you think are the best places for …..

Local Maps/ Hand Drawn Maps

Possible Elements - A Disposable Camera witha card cover including a list of images.

Possible Elements - A Postcard and Question

Question: Do you know any stories about the history of this building or area that you think might be interesting to share?

Please tell us a piece of advise or insight….

Innovator

Mediating Lens

Context of Production Context of Consumption

Situation of InnovatorsSuppliers

Manufacturing

Production

Raw Materials

ZONE 1 ZONE 2

ZONE 3

Contemporary Culture

Society

User

Object

Site

Event/Situation Bubble

Where in the diagram could you deploy a probe?

The problem with questionnaires is that they set up particular types of relationships- Like doctor patient- where you prescribe a solution.

The Probe can be built in a way that allows the users to give inspirational data, whilst still allowing space to explore your

particular cultural context in a tone that fits the project.