101.20 FIELD OBSERVATION
Give yourself time and space to watch what people do in various library environments and see what ideas it inspires.
INSPIRATION
FIELD OBSERVATION
Preparation
This is a solo or group activity.
This will take at least 20 minutes.
You'll need a notebook and a pen.
(A clipboard or something to write on will help.)
Instructions
Pick a spot to observe. It could be either a restorative environment or a depleting one.
Sit off to the side and notice what people do in this space. Make notes in your notebook.
Extend
Sketch what you see.
Using a timer, formalize your observation using participant observation techniques.
If you picked a restorative environment, choose a depleting one or vice versa.
Consider
What did people do? Were there patterns?
How was technology used and experienced in this space? What about nature, the built environment, or social interactions?
Did you see any evidence of rest or distraction?
