Collaborative sketching—co-authoring future scenarios with bits and pieces of ethnography

Abstract

Sketching is a most central activity within most design projects. But what happens if we adopt the ideas of collaborative design and invite participants that are not trained to sketch in to the design process, how can they participate in this central activity? This paper offers an introduction to how design material based on ethnography can be understood as sketching material. It suggests a process where the sketching tools are constructed within the scope of the project. Some practical details of how the design material has been co-authored will be explored. Finally, this paper shows how the design material has been used to co-author possible futures within the scope of design sessions.

Keywords:

• Collaborative design
• Participatory design
• Explorative design
• Design games
• Design and ethnography