044 Generative Research

Engaging users in creative activities to provide rich information for concept development

• Participatory methods include codesign activities as a collaborative process between user and designer.

• Methods may include creative tool kits, design workshops, card sorting, collages, cognitive mapping, diagramming, drawing, and flexible modeling.

• The creation of an artifact around which a participant may talk will act as a trigger for engaged conversation.

• Early phase expressive exercises such as collage enable participants to articulate feelings and desires.

• Later phase exercises consist of constructive methods such as flexible modeling, manipulating design elements oriented toward concept generation.

• Participatory exercises are combined with verbal discussions of work in progress and presentations of creative artifacts emerging from research sessions.

• Focus is on the generation of design concepts and early prototype iterations, ultimately preparing for evaluation, refinement, and production.

See also   Creative Toolkits • Flexible Modeling • Participatory Design

Flexible modeling kits are used by participants in constructive generative research. Here, they are being used to propose desired elements for smartphone apps.