Raining Research
Participatory Design Workshop
The big day had arrived! Our entire class, brimming with excitement, rolled up to the farm ready to unleash the workshops we'd spent ages planning. As David and Tom Kelley mention in their book, Creative Confidence, - "If you want a team of smart, creative people to do extraordinary things, don’t put them in a drab, ordinary space." This farm was exactly that ideal space for us to get the ideas to do extraordinary things! But of course, London had other plans for us, as it showered us with rain from the moment we woke up. We knew a random Tuesday wouldn't exactly draw a crowd. Despite sending our flyers everywhere we could and inviting everyone we knew; a weekday workshop presented a participation hurdle. Still, we persevered, determined to make it work.
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It was really cool to see the ways in which the other groups had set up their tables. From colourful lights and salad boxes to intricate paper garlands, each group had gone above and beyond to create an inviting atmosphere for potential participants using very crafty methods. It was inspiring to see the dedication and passion that had gone into every detail.
Once that was done, to start things off, we decided to do pilots for each other as we waited for the participants to arrive to the farm. This was a blast! After all the planning from a researcher's perspective, it was refreshing to be the participant. Not only was it fun, but it also provided valuable insights. One thing that stood out to me was that every group had incorporated a playful, game-like element to keep participants engaged. As a participant myself, I was so engrossed in the cute games that I completely forgot the research component – a testament to their effectiveness!
Slowly but surely, we noticed more people coming into the farm, and in turn, towards our tent for the workshop! All of our faces lit up and we immediately turned our game faces on. I feel like having piloted our workshop a week prior was the secret ingredient of our success. The feedback we received allowed us to fine-tune the activity and anticipate potential challenges. We were prepared for situations like:
helping overwhelmed participants
adapting to time constraints
drawing out ideas from quieter participants
facilitating two participants (a situation we didn’t think we’d have to face at the start of the day, but we were lucky to have later on!)
Even though our pilot session helped us iron out most of the kinks in our workshop, the day itself threw a few unexpected curveballs – the good kind! One such surprise was the realisation that sitting directly next to participants while they worked on the map made them feel a little uneasy. Recognising the importance of creating a comfortable environment for our participants, we quickly pivoted, rearranging the seating so the facilitator and notetaker faced the participant. This seemingly minor tweak made a big difference, fostering a more natural conversation and keeping participants at ease. These small yet significant adjustments, along with a few others, helped us refine the entire process, ensuring the workshop ran smoothly and efficiently.
What made things even better was the fact that our group had the most organised people I have ever had the fortune to work with. Everyone made sure things were going smooth and we didn’t have to worry about any mishaps owing to the incredible foresight and meticulous level of detail and planning. I am immensely grateful for the support and camaraderie of my classmates, whose dedication and attention to detail made all the difference.
Our module leader, Sara, deserves a massive thank you for ensuring everything ran smoothly. From the initial planning stages to the day itself, her organisational skills were top-notch. She made sure all the groups had the materials they needed to create their engaging workshops. But her thoughtfulness extended far beyond that. She also ensured there were plenty of refreshments for both us, and the participants who joined us at the farm. Having those snacks and drinks readily available kept everyone's energy levels high throughout the day. Her dedication to keeping everyone comfortable and well-fuelled played a huge role in making the workshops a success. We truly couldn't have done it without her!
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the amazing staff and volunteers at Spitalfields City Farm! Their participation in our workshops wasn't just helpful, it was invaluable. Their willingness to share their ideas and knowledge and expertise about their farms provided us with a wealth of information that will be crucial for our research. Their insights undoubtedly added depth and authenticity to our findings. We truly appreciate their time and generosity in supporting our work.
Looking back on the day, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the experience. What began as a rainy morning turned into a whirlwind of engaging, accessible, and playful activities – something I never expected a research study to be like. This long but rewarding day, will certainly be a defining moment in my burgeoning research and design career. As I write this, I am reminded once again of the importance of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities for growth.