Using Cultural Probes In New Contexts
Susan P. Wyche · 2019
Cultural probes have long been used in HCI and CSCW to provide researchers with glimpses into the local cultures for which they are designing. Researchers in HCI4D/ICTD are increasingly interested in more deeply understanding local cultures in the developing regions where they work. However, few use cultural probes in their research. I present a case study describing my experience using this subjective, design-led method in Bungoma County, Kenya. Returns from my comment cards and digital camera activities draw attention to the diversity, idiosyncrasies, and complexity of everyday life in Bungoma. I conclude that cultural probes can benefit HCI4D/ICTD research.