Preparing for Participatory Design Sessions

Despite the slow response from IRB, I've scheduled 5 different participatory design sessions for tomorrow. 


Activities will include:

1. The participant constructing his/her ideal apartment layout using a velcro model I created
2. The participant creating a collage representing his/her current housing situation and his/her preferred future housing situation
3. The participant filling out a booklet of interview questions and exercises

Collage Images:

Interview Booklet:

  

Thesis took over my living room!

I've been working on several models, trying to create as many models that surround my thesis topic. I've been posting these models all over my apartment wall (there just isn't enough space in studio). These models have helped me think of how to better ask questions in future interviews. I've also been able to see the bigger picture and where my areas of interest lie in relation to other surrounding topics.

My apartment walls covered in butcher paper with abstract models

Spectrum of Public and Private Spaces

Chart of Types of Games & Play

Chart of Social Activities

Chart of Social Housing

Board With All of my Latest Models and Observations

Jesse Schell's Game Cards Organized in 5 Categories

Stakeholder Map

Fixing the Problem with IRB

I sent an email about my problems with IRB to Bruce Hanington, Director of the Design Masters program and professor of "Design Research Methods". He is extremely experienced with IRB and is the perfect person to help out.


His response:

I’m troubled by the IRB definition of “Generalizable”, because in strict research terms this would typically refer to findings that can be widely applied to a larger population. As in medical or behavioral studies conducted on a statistically representative group, where the findings can then be “generalized” to the population at large. To cast Generalizable as merely anything that is publicized, is an odd interpretation. For example, I have presented and published many papers that are still essentially case studies, with no indication that the information would be applicable to any other population. I would not suggest these are generalizable, but the IRB definition would. I’m going to find a way to discuss this with them. 

In the meantime, it sounds like your best tactic would be to send in the modification and plead for quick turnaround, particularly if you are in danger of losing any critical time on your thesis.

Thanks, Bruce! Will do.

4th Thesis Meeting

On to plan B!!


Apartments buildings have proved to be extremely difficult to use as a location for user research. I have contacted several apartment managers, including my own manager and a CMU professor. None were able to let me into their building due to respecting the privacy of their tenants. It's a very reasonable circumstance, just one that I did not foresee when committing to this context. I also tried stalling outside of apartment buildings in downtown Pittsburgh waiting for residents to interview. The responses I received were of security guards reminding me of the sign that said "No Loitering" or just standing around for half an hour with nobody walking by (perhaps people use the garages and private entrances more?). 


It's time to revamp my thesis!! No more sticking to apartment buildings. There are several other areas that would make a great context (maybe even better than an apartment building). 


What I have in mind so far:
-Laundromats
-Courtyards
-Allies
-Parking areas
-Playgrounds


Along with problems from Apartment managers, I've also had a considerable amount of problems with IRB. They rejected my application, saying it is considered a class project because I stated that the final production will be shared only with the school of design. In order to work around this, I must state that I will publish my findings, but that must be my true intentions. I am so confused by this, and much of my imagination and energy has been wasted trying to solve this problem. 


It's time to move on. I've commenced surveys, participatory design sessions, and interviews, and I will be attempting to resolve my IRB issues in the meantime. If there is a problem with the research I am conducting now, I will not use it in any publications or for public knowledge, only as personal inspiration.


Take that, IRB!

Quick Brainstorming Session

Craigslist Ad

Seeking research participants on craigslist! May the participatory design sessions begin....


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/vol/2640607719.html

Online Survey

User research has been extremely difficult to accomplish. No apartment building has been willing to work with me and IRB is turning out to be a much longer and complicated process than I expected. I decided to just go ahead and create an online survey. 


http://cmu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_71VYc4hUBpY7GeM