Non participant observation
A Design Anthropology technique that involves researcher observing the participant but not being in active involvement. It is an unobtrusive method.
“Non-participant observation is a relatively unobtrusive qualitative research strategy forgathering data about some aspect of the social world without interacting directly with its participants.”
Nature & context
Design Anthropology, User Research
Resources
Notes, camera, participant consent (if required).
Procedure
Before: Usually combined with other research techniques, participant observation particularly focuses on non-verbal cues and emotions that the participant does not verbally express. Understand the context of research and prepare consent (if required). Identify the participant (s) or the demographic to be observed.
During: Pay attention to detail, every observation is valuable. As this is an unobtrusive technique, take caution to not look creepy and from intruding in the participant's privacy. Record extensive notes including photographs and voice recording. Since recording is solely based on observation, avoid making judgmental assumptions during note taking.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after, of the notes, and pictures and record/annotate your insights.
Use Case
In the latter stages of research phases of the waste management project, we wanted to conduct interviews with Republic but they never responded. Although Republic did not respond back, I woke up every morning, for a week, to take a peek (through my window) at the Republic garbage truck as well as the driver, to see how they collect the trash generated. Although It was a short routine, I could understand the trash collection practice of Republic as well as the kind of truck they use for trash collection(Front loading) & the number of truck drivers in a truck.
Sense Making Data
This design anthropology technique is used to understand the participant but by the researcher being a passive viewer. As a result, focus is only on observational data that should preferably include emotions, expressions, non-verbal cues and practices.