In reading through a semi-recent Userfocus newsletter last night, I came across this tweet thread by Sam Ladner and Jooyoung Lee and instantly saw value in what they’re suggesting about ethnographic research.
In order to understand more about the world and how people behave within it, sometimes you just need start your own user research on your own accord.
Retweet caption by Sam Ladner, PhD saying “A fantastic way to learn ethnographic methods is to start on a subway. Just start. Observe things…”
Now, at the time of writing this, much of the world is in a global pandemic lockdown. So, whilst you might be unable to study the everyday things people do on a bus, in a cafe, or at a shop, you needn’t let that keep you from learning.
What could you start cognitively noticing about life at home?
If you’ve got a partner, flatmate, or family with you, how are they going about their daily homebound lives? How has phone or video conferencing been received by friends or colleagues, and what common problems are they experiencing?
At a minimum, what could you start to be more aware of in regards to the little things you do throughout your day that you’ve never sat and asked “Why?” about before? Turn yourself into your own ethnographic research participant.
For example,
What are all the steps you took today in getting something to drink?
Why did you decide to drink that at this time?
How did you decide which cup or bottle to use, if you used one at all?
Did you have to move anything out of the way in the fridge or pantry to get to your drink of choice? What did you have to do when putting it back?
What clean up was involved once you finished drinking, and when did you get around to doing it?
Start your ethnographic research journey by being curious to learn, not judging to change or solve. Let your eyes be opened to behaviours of the world and the actions that go unnoticed.