CONVIVIAL TOOLBOX Generative Research for the Front End of Desig Sanders, L., Stappers, P. (2013)

Creativity

Level Motivated by Purpose Example

Doing Productivity Getting something done

Organizing herbs and spices

Adapting Appropriation Making things my own/better

Embellishing a ready made meal

Making Asserting my ability or skill

Make with my own hands

Cooking a recipe

Creating Curiosity Express my ability

Dreaming up a new dish

The Creative Process

Preparation • Collecting

background information

Incubation • Reflection and

processing

Intimation •  Feeling of

finding a solution

Illumination •  The moment

of clarity

Verification •  The idea is

verified consciously and applied

Collective Creativity

MATERIALS PLACES SPACES

BODY

HEART

HEAD

MATERIALS PLACES SPACES

BODY

HEART

HEAD

MATERIALS PLACES SPACES

BODY

HEART

HEAD

IDEAS

Levels of Knowledge

Explicit

Observable

Tacit

Latent

Surface

Deep

Sensitizing

Say, Do and Make Tools

Explicit

Observable

Tacit

Latent

Surface

Deep

Say

Think

Do Use

Know

Feel Dream

Interviews

Observations

Generative Design

What People:

Methods Knowledge

The Path of Expression

1

2 3

4

Future

Past

Sensitizing

Sensitizing EXAMPLES • Workbooks between 6-12 pages • Small booklets • Single sheet of paper • A deck of cards with instructions • Boxes with components and instructions for use • Mobile phone with occasional sms • A sequence of e-mails with small assignments • Cameras with instructions for use

Toolkits •  Is it for stimulating expression of memories and feelings? •  Is it a means for the participants to enhance their

understanding of an experience, a product or an environment that they are familiar with?

•  Is it for facilitating the expression of dreams and aspirations for experience?

•  Is it primarily for the research team to gain empathy with the participants?

• Depending on the stage: exploratory or not the toolkit will have to allow focus

Toolkit

Trigger Sets • Varied in content • Varied in abstraction • Varied in levels of ambiguity and openness • Varied in aesthetics • Varied in form

Trigger Sets

Focus

Sco

pe

Focu

s

1 2 3 4

Path of Expression

1 2 3 4

Sensitizing Session

Sampling

Opportunistic sampling Representative sampling Purposive sampling

Facilitating

Analysis What people User centered design Generative design

Say Transcripts Questionnaire data Interview notes

Transcripts Questionnaire data Interview notes

Do Photos Videotapes Observation notes

Photos Videotapes Observation notes

Make Image collages Cognitive maps 3-D models Workbook data Transcripts of stories Annotated photographs from participants Observations of people’s behavior during workshops

Hints • Analysis on the wall let’s the team participate in finding

the patterns • Collective creativity is best in face-to-face formats, but

may change in future as online tools proliferate and advance

• Consider light and dark scenario’s when exploring the implications of introducing a new technology in the workplace

• Under promise and over deliver to maintain positive client relationships

• Use generative tools to facilitate creative collaboration in your meetings with the client, too