Research projects guide
Types of research projects
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?
> Existing projects (website link)
> Opportunities (internal wiki or spreadsheet link)
Participate in a research project
Participation in research project is encouraged by invitation. If you’re interested in a project, reach out to the folks working on it and ask to learn more. After gathering context, you’re welcome to make a request or offer to help. It’s up to the program lead whether they feel they’d benefit from another volunteer, or if they’d rather keep the effort going as is.
We encourage open invitations to participate or observe where it makes sense!
Start a research project
Programs start with exploration. The best place to start is to schedule a conversation to fill in the items listed in the explore an opportunity section. If you’ve already started the process, bring a 1-2 page opportunity summary, project proposal, research plan, or doc of your choice to the #Steering group to seek advice. If you’d like help putting together a document, don’t be afraid to ask!
Anyone can start a project internally—whether that project is in line with our charter, objectives, and values will determine whether EAR is able to support or endorse the project publicly. Formal project proposals will be approved or rejected with feedback within 10 business days (two weeks) of the proposal being shared with the steering group based on a poll as described in the decisions agreement.
Fund a project
EAR is a volunteer-run collective. Facilitating and contributing to projects takes time and labor. You are welcome to propose a target fundraising budget alongside your project proposal. (Add’l guidance and templating on this topic is welcome!)
Retire a project
All good things come to an end. Some things go off the rails. Invite advice and don’t be afraid to sunset a project if it’s not working out. Be open and honest about the reasons you may need to step away, or believe it’s best to bring an initiative to a close. Communicate it to #Steering, and that group will help you spread the word as needed.