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Action research methods

Methods may be used in different types research projects such as Exploratory, Foundational, Generative, Communicative, Evaluative, Applicative (Adapted from The Field Study Handbook)

Editor's note:

Where might foresight / imagination fit in? Exploratory and/or Generative (or regenerative)?

Where might design research methods fit in? Exploratory, Foundational, Evaluative?

[Methods categorized by project type]

Todo: Dedupe w/research projects page.

How to begin

  • Seek advice (post in Zulip in #[designated channel] or to a message board)
  • Start an opportunity inquiry (schedule a discussion, sync or async, with agenda) (link to opportunities?)
  • Identify an opportunity (affinity map, describe boundaries of opportunity)
  • Scope a research project (project plan, pitch, steering—incl. comms and financial support—checkpoint)
  • Conduct a research study (observe principles, seek accountability)
  • Data, observations, and insights (invite participation, observe principles)
  • Create a report (involve editorial)

Each research project starts with group inquiry. The input of group inquiry can simply be a question or a statement, and a scheduled session with an agenda to begin together. The output of a group inquiry session is a discussion summary (or similar) including criteria (link to resource e.g. discovery map agenda) such as a list of challenges, perceived opportunities, and research questions.

Each research question can then be explored using separate, focused research tracks. As research projects are executed and findings and insights are surfaced, these insights may be fed into research reports related to an opportunity theme or topic.

Findings and insights can then be tracked as they relate to different ecosystem dynamics.

Related ecosystem dynamics (todo: document ecosystem dynamics we’re tracking – move these to separate guide)

  • Experience quality
  • Legibility and brand perception
  • Trust & Safety readiness
  • Business models and governance
  • Economic factors
  • Community involvement
  • Contributor / builder experience

Research principles

[Link]

Data, observations, and insights

Research involves data—research notes, screenshots, photos, video, audio, analytics, etc.—and only some of it is reflected in a deliverable. Active data stewardship is necessary to protect the reputation of EAR and the privacy of those we serve.

Participant consent, safety, and trust always come first when it comes to data gathering, storage, and use.

  • Participants first
  • Research group second
  • Project sponsor or client organizations third

Before collecting data or recording findings from research participants, a data consent form must be provided and agreed to.

Request financial support

Facilitating action research takes time and attention. If you’d like to pursue financial support for a research track, you may do so provided certain criteria are met.

See the request financial support guide.

Publish findings

[Notes on how to publish finding with editorial support]