Using sketching to support design research in new ways: a case study investigating design and charismatic pentecostalism in São Paulo, Brazil

  • Authors:
  • Susan P. Wyche;Rebecca E. Grinter

  • Affiliations:
  • The Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA;Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2012 iConference
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

In this paper we contribute to the community's understanding about the relationship between religion and technology use. Simultaneously, we demonstrate how sketching supports the creative design process in novel ways. We describe how we used sketching to translate findings from our fieldwork examining Charismatic Pentecostals and technology use in São Paulo, Brazil, into conceptual design concepts. We then presented these sketches to the participants who motivated and inspired the ideas depicted in the drawings. Findings from these interviews suggest that sketching can be used to uncover value differences between users and designers, highlight promising design ideas, and validate qualitative research findings. We conclude with a discussion describing how our use of sketching illustrates the intellectual rigor involved in design research.