Videoethnography
A Design Anthropology technique that uses videos/motion pictures as an ethnographic medium, to record observations, especially capturing movement.
“Using video images and technologies not simply to record ‘data’, but as media through which ethnographic knowledge is created.”
Nature & context
Design Anthropology, User Research
Resources
Video camera & corresponding equipment required for clear videography.
Procedure
Before: Understand the context and identify participants/locations where video ethnography is to be conducted. Since videos would serve as a data source, ensure equipment like video camera, tripod etc. are in order. Understand how to use video camera as well as recording voice. If needed get a consent form ready, if capturing videos of participants.
During: Capture videos giving attention to details, especially in relevance to the design/research context. If required, seek participant permission. Utilize the fact that video captures motion and make use of it to the fullest during the session. Remember that nothing captured is insignificant, nuances might get captured in the videos that can be observed later.
After: Quickly conduct an analysis, right after the session, of the video and create notes/annotations to mark the reason why each each clip was taken. Considering too many videos being taken, immediate recording of each video's context makes it easier to remember and use the clips during further research and data analysis.
Use Case
While designing to reduce food wastage, video recorded as a part of the project to spread awareness about misfits. The video was recorded during the interview with farmers. Merging the interviews of various farmers together and showcasing it to the class made the entire class understand what the farmers go through when they have no consumers purchasing misfits and when they have to give away/waste 25% of their harvest.
Sense Making Data
As a research technique, focus needs to be not on the video and what is being captured in the video, in relevance to the design context. Capturing a motion video will act as an alternative to voice/text notes put together. But researcher's judgments and subjectivity should be kept under check while editing the video, in order to avoid misinterpretations.