Guerrillas in the [Urban] Midst: Developing and Using Creative Research Methods—Guerrilla Research Tactics

Abstract

This paper explores what we are calling “Guerrilla Research Tactics” (GRT): research methods that exploit emerging mobile and cloud-based digital technologies. We examine some case studies in the use of this technology to generate research data directly from the physical fabric and the people of the city. We argue that GRT is a new and novel way of engaging public participation in urban, place-based research because it facilitates the co-creation of knowledge, with city inhabitants, “on the fly.” This paper discusses the potential of these new research techniques and what they have to offer researchers operating in the creative disciplines and beyond. This work builds on and extends Gauntlett's “new creative methods” (2007) and contributes to the existing body of literature addressing creative and interactive approaches to data collection.

Keywords:

• Guerrilla Research Tactics
• GRT
• creative research
• participatory action research
• design interventions

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions to the development of this study provided by the Masters of Architecture and Urban Design students. In particular, they would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by their research assistant, Alex Dickinson.

Note on Contributors

Glenda Amayo Caldwell is a lecturer in architecture at the School of Design, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Lindy Osborne is a registered architect and a senior lecturer in architecture at the School of Design, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Inger Mewburn, is the director of research training at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. She is the founder and managing editor of The Thesis Whisperer blog.

Philip Crowther, is a registered architect and head of architecture at the School of Design, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.