Generative research helps define the problem you’d like to design a solution for. In my case, defining Surveillance Capitalism and developing a 'solution' for it.
Some possible solutions I've been exploring: developing a clearer insight into the issue of Surveillance Capitalism as many are unaware of what it means, or understand it’s implications on our privacy. I am still deciding whether I want my 'solution' to be a product I develop or an experience. However, I am leaning more to experience.
My Design Research
Get my potential audience to think about the methods of data collection employed by Surveillance Capitalism, and how this affects them, illuminating the idea of surveillance.
I will deploy a generative task, getting my users to work on a couple of tasks about surveillance and then expanding their answers to hopefully result in methods on surveillance used in society today.
Example 1
Task 1
List ways your devices are collecting data about you. (data such as your personality, your movement, conversations, likes, dislikes, etc.)
Task 2
Write down possible interpretations that could be made from these methods of data gathering on your behaviour. (they don’t have to be true interpretations)
The responses will then be swapped with others in the group to hopefully inspire outrageous examples of behavioural data gathering.
Example 2
Playing two truths and one lie.
Another way to generate ideas is to gamify the process. Two truths and one lie is a verbal game where someone states two truths about themselves, and then one lie. Those participating then guess which of the three statements is the lie. I would adapt this game to get the group thinking about Surveillance Capitalism. Stating two generic ways of data gathering, and then one outrageous, out of the box, example.
The aim is that while they may think the lie is a lie because it sounds impossible, or unrealistic, it may just turn out to actually be a valid way employed by current Surveillance Capitalists. I believe this game will inspire greater outrageous responses and allows for a deeper conversation at the end.
The Results
Search history
Use the search history data to display adverts on social media. More targeted adverts depending on what you are searching for.
Surveys
Companies use your answers from surveys to target more things of what you want and what you say
Speeding cameras
Collect your data, data such as whether you are carrying out any illegal activity in the car. Who you are in the car with, without leading to fines. It uses that data to target things online.
Brainwaves
Companies analysing your brainwaves to advertise products you are thinking of, through cellphone towers.
Comments