Introduction

Movement’s Ethnographic Research methods are rapid, cost effective and most importantly comprehensive. The single most important criterion is to witness and record the predefined expert perform the task required with the devices/tools in question. This data is subsequently analysed with the aim of identifying with and understanding the inherent problems, then using that knowledge to plan a development programme which will deliver concept solutions to alleviate or eliminate the problems.

Onsite Visits/Fieldwork

Movement will send a 2 person team to perform an onsite assessment of the procedure and devices in question. This team will be armed with video and digital still cameras and audio recording equipment for dedicated end-user interviews. This form of video ethnography is very focused on the particular ergonomic and functional issues in question.

Research Data Assessment

The video footage, stills and end-user interviews will be assessed in minute detail. Led by Industrial Designers, who by their very vocation are experts in holistically solving complex functional and procedural problems, the Movement research team will intelligently and creatively interpret the data. The intent is to uncover unmet or hidden needs as yet not defined and therefore new. The team endeavours to give the end user what they need which might not necessarily be the same as what they want.

Interpretive Definition

Movement will through its own interpretive lens define the Pro’s & Con’s of the existing subject matter and will also highlight new methods and functionality which will improve the efficacy of the procedure/task/device in question. It is this interpretation which is key, by its own design, it is not objective but subject to the individual researchers ‘interpretative lens’. This is where the Industrial Designer excels and where our clients first see the benefits of our professional ethnographic research and design thinking capabilities.