Exploring a new methodology: background, planning, and lessons from the 2007 tradeshow ‘swarm’ project

Abstract

Swarm research is an agile method conducted by researchers with different disciplinary and analytical identities, supported by new collaboration technologies. Intended for exploring complex but ephemeral research sites, a swarm encourages collaboration by selecting a neutral site and using online resources. This article describes how researchers swarmed the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show and critiques the process. In particular, the project raised questions about how to coordinate research across institutional boundaries, how to ‘grow’ an emerging methodology, and how to effectively use collaboration resources. Despite these challenges, the swarm method produced useful experiences and data for individual projects, encouraged constructive discussions about research, and ultimately led to reflection about our roles and identities as researchers.

Keywords:

• swarm (methodology)
• collaborative methodology
• interdisciplinary methodology
• tradeshows
• socio-technical analysis

Acknowledgements

As befits a collaborative project, I have many people and organizations to thank. My collaborator Josh Greenberg was an inspiration and driving force behind this project. Yvonne Houy provided essential and thoughtful contributions throughout this project, including comments on this article. CES kindly provided access to the tradeshow for researchers. The LVCVA gave access to its remarkable photo archive. Ardyth Sohn and Laurie Fruth of UNLV's Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies enthusiastically supported this project. Charlotte-Anne Lucas and Mamie Peers kindly provided housing for participants.