Earlier in this semester we had to do some observation for a different module. We were to observe people on campus doing day to day activities. This allowed me to start this assignment with a few tools to get started. As I already had some practice I know some techniques that work best for me, I learned that I’m not so great at sketching. I am too slow and often miss key things that could happen. Drawing isn’t something we do a great deal of on my module, so I do not have a very developed way of capturing moments. This is something I am trying to work on and develop in my day to day work.
I feel i’m generally much better with a notebook. I can quickly write down situations, without needing to think too hard about what I am writing. I have used this technique a few times and found it very helpful. I then go back to it after, and highlight words or phrases I find important.
I also find it helpful to use photographs for observing, however this is not always allowed, depending on the place you are observing in. This is a good technique for reflection afterwards, however it can be slightly unpleasant to take photos of strangers doing things. I am constantly concerned someone realises and reacts badly.
I am looking forward to putting these techniques into practice again.
http://interaction.dundee.ac.uk/~akeating/wordpress/apps-for-artists-week-3-observations/
http://interaction.dundee.ac.uk/~akeating/wordpress/apps-for-artists-week-3-field-work-skills/