Having completed my observations in Edinburgh I returned to Dundee and worked through the observations that I had recorded through my notes and sketches. I found this task at times quite demanding, and it took longer than I had expected to analyse and synthesise the data into something which I was happy with. On reflection I feel that this could have been due to working alone, as I appreciate the value that a team can bring to this stage, particularly when it comes to bouncing ideas around etc. In addition to the fieldwork I consulted a two regular rail commuters through informal interviews, primarily to gain some feedback on my analysis but also to gain a bit more data. I had considered forming a focus group, and using it as a participatory design session, to gain some design ideas. However, lack of numbers combined with a change in decision resulted in the further analysis/data gathering route.
Afterwards, I managed to group my data into some themes, and then was able to merge them into a couple of core ideas - infrastructure and behaviour. Underneath each of these themes I have established a series of issues/topics that are illustrated through my observations.
I am now working on how to communicate these themes and issues effectively, and also in a way that they could be useful in the design of future technologies within transitory spaces. I have almost completed the illustrative report, which will outline the process along with the results, and I have also been working on the online presentation that I will do next week as well.
So it is coming together quite well at the moment. The biggest challenge will be making sure that I get my points across successfully, and hopefully show the value in my work.
