Self-Photo study methodology for workplace design involving user community

Abstract

For designing the workplace, it is important to understand the complicated practice of the workplace. Because the workers know about the work activities most, it is necessary to involve the workers themselves into the investigation and design process. This paper describes an observation methodology in which the workers photograph their own activities, acting as their own investigators. By applying this observation technique to three design projects, it is discussed the effectiveness and issues of the self-photo study methodology.