Using Narrative Research and Portraiture to Inform Design Research

Abstract. Employing an interdisciplinary perspective, this paper addresses how narrative research and portraiture- methods originating from, and commonly used in social sciences- can be beneficial for HCI and design research communities. Narrative research takes stories as a basis for data collection and analysis, while portraiture can be used to create written narratives about interview participants. Drawing on this knowledge, we show how a focus on narrative data, and analysis of such data through portraiture, can be adopted for the specific purpose of enhancing design processes. We hope to encourage design and HCI researchers to consider adopting these methods. By drawing on an illustrative example, we show how these methods served to inform design ideas for digital crafting. Based on our experiences, we present guidelines for using narrative research and portraiture for design research, as well as discussing opportunities and strengths, and limitations and risks

Narrative : an ontology, epistemology and methodology for pro-environmental psychology research

The actions of individuals are recognised as crucial in reducing energy demand and shifting people towards sustainable energy sources. Much of the work has occurred within environmental psychology and has been built upon a social cognitive paradigm which attempts to explain the drives, forces and processes which explain and determine individual behaviour. Despite the volume of this work the promotion of pro-environmental behaviour has not achieved broad transformations in energy conservation behaviours. Recently researchers working in the field of pro-environmental research have started to draw on narrative in their work as a framework to (re)integrate the individual into their historical, social and cultural settings. However, this work when applied to energy conservation remains in its infancy. This paper adds to the growing literature which is increasingly asserting the key role for narrative in the field of pro-environmental psychology research. The paper articulates the foundations of the narrative turn from its development within literary theory to its adoption by the social sciences, with particular reference to psychological theory. This paper provides a review of the ways in which taking a narrative perspective can offer rich insights into complex phenomena as well as potential ways to reconceptualise ways forward for energy research

Wool and needles in my casket : knitting as habit among rural Newfoundland women

This thesis examines the motives and meanings behind the actions of female knitters in rural Newfoundland. This is done from a Weberian standpoint. -- This research will present the findings from a survey conducted in April 1999, and subsequent interviews done in June and July 1999. The population that is under investigation consists of Newfoundlanders who knit for Newfoundland Outport Nursing and Industrial Association (NONIA). This organisation is a non-profit cottage industry. One will see the general characteristics of NONIA knitters, and what they perceive to be the motivations and meanings attached to the knitting they do. -- It will be established that while the knitters in this research get paid for their knitting, monetary reward is not the main motivating factor. This research shows that the necessity of having a learned activity to pass time and to maintain a coherent self is the prime motivator, and meaning, behind knitting. For many rural Newfoundland women, knitting has developed into a habit that is intertwined into many aspects of their lives

Self-employed craft production is embedded work

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how self-employed craft producers are embedded in social relationships. Design/methodology/approach – To explore this question, narrative analysis and case study methodology is employed. Findings – It is found that despite doing work that speaks to local values, self-employed craft producers in Newfoundland narrate tensions that exist between themselves and locals. Originality/value – This paper takes on the notion of a “global village” where the local is no longer seen as important to work and labour. It contributes to the understanding of work as embedded within a place.Canada, Community development, Health education, Personal health, Rural areas

Good work? Scottish cultural workers’ narratives about working and living on islands

This paper sets out to ask how cultural workers on Scottish islands come to narrate their work and everyday life experiences. We ask this question in the context of two dominant doctrines that can influence whether or not these experiences are “good or bad.” The first doctrine describes attitudes toward creativity with reference to current discussions around cultural work and the idea of “creative.” The second doctrine highlights conceptions of islands as unique places with pastoral characteristics that need to be fostered and promoted. It is our contention that island cultural workers must continuously negotiate with these two frameworks in order to successfully achieve good work. If the negotiation is fraught with difficulties, the cultural worker will ultimately leave either this form of work or the island. For the purpose of this paper we focus on the narratives of two cultural workers located on two different Scottish islands to highlight the ways their particular narratives engage with the doctrines of creativity and islandness